BY LEULSEGED WORKU
Ethiopians always remember the political sufferings and divisions they had gone through for almost three decades. It was following the downfall of the Derg Regime with the combined hands of Ethiopians a new regime had taken power.
With the coming into power, the new political party- the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) – promised to the mass that it would not repeat the mistake of its predecessors; and to lead the country into prosperity and make it a better place to live though what had happened the reverse. Those promises left unfulfilled and faded into oblivion.
Despite all the possible opportunities for democratization, unity and progress, the regime had been using its power and its economic sources to benefit few individuals at the expense of the masses. Even if it had an opportunity to unify Ethiopians and create a united Ethiopia, it used it to systematically orchestrate ‘divide and rule’ strategy to create enmity among Ethiopians.
All attempts to request democratic and social rights were ruthlessly suppressed directly or indirectly. Those who were opposing the system that was intertwined by nepotism, embezzlement and ethnic based politics and demanding for the right to justice and fairness used to be imprisoned, harassed, beaten, and compelled to flee their homeland.
For that reason so many Ethiopians were forced to flee from their country and ended up becoming political refugees in various parts of the world. However, after years of suppression, killings and imprisonment, the united hands of the masses replaced the system with a popular government that aspires to work for the good of Ethiopia.
Five years have already elapsed since the new government has taken power with its ambitious projects. And over the years, several tangible economic, political and social developments are being witnessed and the new system is the way for prosperity though there are still encounters happening due to global and local challenges
Using the change as a ground, The Ethiopian Herald had approached Political Analyst, Tigestu Awellu to hear his reflection concerning the change. According to him, change is a process. It needs commitment. Subsequent to the change of regime, there were tremendous political and economic reforms all over the country.
There were massive reformations and revisions including on legal issues and competing political parties. In return, several remarkable changes were seen. With the change of the previous regime, there was popular support locally as well as internationally. There was public trust in the new system. The promise made to the public has united the whole people.
The coming of Diaspora politicians to Ethiopia was also another success that received greater appreciation from local and international actors. What is more, the renewal of Ethio-Eritrean relations almost after two decades of no war, no peace situations, has been the other success story it was witnessed during the reformation years. The move made by the two countries has played key role in sustaining regional peace and stability and it is an achievement worth mentioning.
Freedom of media, the right to speak freely (despite all the challenges) was another indication of change. Following the reform, the people, including bloggers and activists, have been able to express their ideas, opinions and feelings freely through social media. Despite all hurdles, the public is able to show its support to the system. This is because of the freedom to use social media.
Ethiopia`s diplomatic relations with the Arab world has also seen positive results. Due to geopolitical reasons, Ethiopia has closer links with the Arab world. The years, following the political reform have also witnessed positive relations with Arab countries in the initial stage.
“However, we cannot say that there is a total change in the country within the past five years. At the midst of the process, there were also several ups and downs. Within its strength, the new system has also shown some weaknesses and the country has seen a number of unfavorable challenges,” he said.
According to him, the outbreak of conflict in the northern part of the country, as well as other related causes hindered the country not to advance its socioeconomic paces; and achieve results at the desired level. In times of conflict, the country faced multiple challenges. Because of the conflict the national economy is affected indirectly. There was also diplomatic pressure from some forces.
“Luckily, after the peace agreement was signed to end the conflict in the northern part of the country, we are witnessing change. But it does not mean that we will not face another challenge,” he remarked.
Following the peace deal, Ethiopia has regained its diplomatic position in the global arena. Countries that once had turned their face to Ethiopia, have now started to support the country. This is another achievement. The motto ‘Ethiopia and Ethiopianism’ has also been instrumental in reviving strong patriotic feeling within most Ethiopians.
“All in all, what I can say is that following the change, we have witnessed several positive results in political spheres. However, due to the conflict and other factors, we have also undergone various unpleasant happenings that blur the previous exhibited changes. Hopefully, the peace agreement with the TPLF and all the peace processes – the national dialogue will mend what is broken,” Tigestu said optimistically.
All in all, the past five years were times that Ethiopia has registered unprecedented social, economic and political successes as they were years that the nation set ambitious goals to accelerate its overall progress and advance its future growth.
On the other way round, the years were the most pressing times it underwent a number of pressing challenges on account of national and international happenings. The outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic, invasion of desert locusts, conflict occurred in the northern part of the country, Russia-Ukraine war among others have cast their own shadow on country’s progress.
However, entangling such natural and manmade phenomena, it is striving to realize its prosperity. The first few years might have been exhausting for Ethiopians. However, Ethiopians, not bogged down by some minor incidents, but seeing the big picture, should join hands and strive untiringly to sustain the achievements and realize the nation’s prosperity.
The Ethiopian Herald April 2/2023
