Ethiopia has been undergoing a comprehensive political reform over the years. The reform was highly recognized and hailed by the international community as a silver bullet that could enhance the democratization process and supremacy of law. Nevertheless, the reform has been facing set backs which need urgent solution from all Ethiopians.
What are the positive outcomes being reaped from the reform so far? How is the reform going on? What are the logjams slackening the ongoing change? What should be done to sustain the change so as to develop a democratic culture?The ruling party had undertaken swift reforms that ranged from freeing political groups, journalists and activists, allowing outlawed political parties to come back to their country so as to freely exercise their political agenda, safeguarding freedom of speech and press freedom. Yet, there are still challenges that surfaces in tandem with the reform, Political Science and International Relations Lecturer at Mekelle University Yonas Tekle tells The Ethiopian Herald.
Since the Ethiopian people had been experiencing authoritarianism for centuries, they could misuse the freedom they are being entitled, he adds. ‘‘There are more than 80 ethnic groups in the country. They have different cultural practices, languages and aspirations. When they are allowed to enjoy freedom, they may raise questions that could be difficult to address in a short period of time,’’ Yonas argues. Adding: ‘‘The government is facing challenges to fulfill the interests and questions being asked from different parts of the country. There are people who request to have their own federal state. When rights are allowed for one, others pose similar questions.’’
The ever-increasing population and the limitation of resources are becoming sources of conflict in the country, as to him. Yonas states that the Ethiopian people surpass 100 million, 70 percent of which comprises youths under the age of 30. Hence, there are millions of unemployed college graduates who could be easily deceived by political elements.
Ethiopian youths are the fuel engines for political and economic growth. On the other hand, they could pose a threat on the peace and stability of the country if they are not employed and empowered properly, according to the lecturer. So, creating job opportunities would be crucial for sustaining the ongoing change.
For his part, Political Science and International Relations Lecturer at Addis Ababa University Mehari Demoz says that the poor culture of democratization has been triggering conflicts as some elements are abusing the freedom they have been given.
‘‘Ethiopia was ruled by autocrats for many years. So, when the government begins to pursue a democratic system, some anti-democratic elements would hijack so as to fulfill their personal agenda,’’ he highlights.
Mehari insists that creating awareness among the general public to understand their duties and responsibilities and helping them to express their interests and views in a democratic way would be important for sustaining lasting peace and stability.
He further notes that safeguarding the rule of law and protecting the constitution has massive role in consolidating the reform. The constitution governs us all and it should be respected properly, Mehari urges.
‘‘When groups and individuals go against the supremacy of law, the government should take corrective measures. Those offenders should be brought to justice so as the punitive measure serves a lesson for others. Otherwise, the lenient scenario of the government could cause more unrest,’’ he says.
Even though, the road that leads to democratization is rocky, Ethiopia will overcome challenges and will emerge a democratic, peaceful and prosperous nation. The conflicts being witnessed in some parts of the country are parts of the ongoing change. Such phenomenon is not uncommon in a political transition. Having realized this, the government and the people should stand together to achieve the golden opportunity which is vital for the future fate of the nation.
The Ethiopian Herald, June 30/2019
BY TSEGAY HAGOS
