BY EYUEL KIFLU
Despite its gloomy face, migration is also a blessing in disguise for both migrants and their countries of origin. That is why countries that have large diaspora communities abroad try to integrate the communities into their socioeconomic and political undertaking.
In fact, Diasporas have lofty opportunities to offer to their home countries. From hard currency generation to knowledge and technology transfers, the community can make a big impact in their homeland. With proper policies and strategies, nations can unleash the overall potential of their diaspora population.
Countries like India, China and Nigeria have significantly benefited from their diaspora population. These countries have been leading recipients of remittance for many years. Likewise, Ethiopia is working to make use of its Diaspora community numbering over three million. The country’s diaspora community is serving their homeland through trade and investment, remittances, unpaid assistance, and different national interests.
In the last two years, in particular, Ethiopian Diasporas have been at the forefront of countering misinformation and fending off external pressure directed at their homeland.
From staging mass rallies to campaigning on social media, the community has been well-engaged in the political and economic affairs of the country. And, their impact was staggering.
Accordingly, lately, the government recognized over 50 Diasporas for their noble contribution to the national call; they have received recognition from President Sahlewoek Zewde and Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonen.
When Ethiopia was in trouble, the struggle of the diasporas will be written with a golden pen”, DPM said in his congratulatory speech.
The aim of recognition is also to show appreciation and motivate others to participate in the overall well-being of their nation. It also serves as a bridge between the country and Diasporas. The recognized individuals were selected based on their active participation in knowledge transfer; image building, public and digital diplomacy, and others.
The Ethiopian Diaspora Service (EDS) Communication Director Wondwosen Girma told The Ethiopian Herald that for the past two decades, the country has been closely working with the diaspora community.
The diaspora policy document was drafted to strengthen the relations of the diaspora with the country, he added. Especially in the past four years of the reform period, attention has been paid to the sector. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held discussion with the diaspora during his last visit to America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. .
As he said in the discussion, the Diasporas should strengthen their support for the countries, and avoid divisive rhetoric.
The Diasporas are also responding at any time to national calls. The movement of Ethiopian Diasporas during the war season was indispensable. They held different protests to defend the country’s interests against internal and external interferences. Also, they played a huge role and opposed the effort to legislate HR 6600 and SS 3199.
According to Wondwosen, the last two years have cemented the ties between the country and its diaspora community. Especially in preventing international intervention during the war, public diplomacy and digital diplomacy played a giant role. They have staged over 70 public rallies over 40 metropolises around the world to stop international intervention.
He added that many messages are addressed in protests, such as that it’s mandatory to give Ethiopia the chance to resolve its problems by itself, stop international intervention in interior problems, stop their influence in Ethiopia, and others. They conducted much digital diplomacy on Twitter by arranging different campaigns and letter of opposition. Also, they even have reached out to the American congress to express their opposition.
Moreover, their role in the negotiation process for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been inevitable, particularly in bringing back the issue from the UN to AU. As to Wondwosen, the Ethiopian diaspora communities, especially those who have the mandate to elect their leader, making a call, e-sending mail, and appearing in person. They revealed the truth to their chosen representatives and tried to lessen external meddling.
In addition to this, they provided huge amounts of different materials, especially health-related supplies, and finance to the country According to the director, for the last four years, they have received support estimated to be a total of three point three billion birr in cash and materials.
From this support, the amount of two point two billion birr is for the provision of homes for displeased people to replace, including material support. The remaining support is for GERD and for different humanitarian service companies.
The contribution of the diaspora is not limited to this. Still, they are striving to protect the country from external interference with the collaboration of those who have same goals. They are opening different offices in different countries and states to strengthen their relationship and to stand together for their countries in any national issues.
Addis Ababa Diaspora Association president Artist Zeleke Gessesse told The Ethiopian Herald, the diaspora communities play a significant role in national concerns. Similarly, the association works with the members of the diaspora and others to ensure the interest of the nation at the international level. The#No More movement has been instrumental to defend the country from sanctions.
Currently, the association plans to work many things with different partners such; Government and domestic humanitarian organizations, also financial institutions. Formerly the association is working in partnership with Ethiopian Diaspora Service, he added.
According to Zeleke, It’s known that the one method of generating foreign currencies is those sent from the diaspora in different countries. So, the association is now working focused on legal transactions of foreign currencies and also they are trying to encourage the community to deposit their money in local banks. As a result of this, remittance has seen an increment compared to the past years.
Currently, the association has finalized preparation to give full service to the diaspora community around the world. “Anyone can establish contact with us in any national issues even any investment, volunteer service, aid, and other national concerns. Also, they may get information from our website www.aadiaspora.org,” he remarked.
Recognizing the Diasporas is important to motivate them as it may increase their support and attract others who don’t participate yet. According to EDS, when the Diasporas are willing to invest in their countries, the bureau is eager to serve them as much as possible. Still, now that thousands of Diasporas have received support for investments, many are starting their work. Similarly, they are creating job opportunities for thousands of people.
Likewise, the activities of the diaspora continued after the peace accord. They are participating in the restoration of war-ravaged areas, especially in restoring health centers and primary schools. For this restoration process, they are soliciting money and materials estimated to be over 15 million dollars, according to EDS report. The diaspora community has also served as a bridge to connect with the outside world
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD 31 JANUARY 2023
