Okungu tells us about his reflection at the Addis Ababa airport for the second time in less than five months.And,so he says, despite the “unflattering” human rights records, the “man” namely Zenawi,has done well for Ethiopia. The basis of his conclusion stems from a two nights stay in Addis along with observation of massive construction efforts beginning with the new airport that seemed to have dazzled him out of his wits. He also “informed” us of Zenawi’s increasing popularity with ordinary Ethiopians such as taxi drivers.Again,with two nights stay, apparently in one of the new hotels he says has “mushroomed” under the able guidance of Zenawi,he was able to note Ethiopians happiness with Zenawi’s ability to manage their resources and taxes. He praised him too for his high intolerance of corrupt public officials. He also told us that the development of infrastructure that includes the provision of water, electricity and communications services has already spurred service delivery, food security, education for all, health care and decent housing for thousands of Ethiopians. He summarized by calling on Zenawi’s peers to emulate him by concentrating on infrastructure first for the betterment of life and creation of wealth and to turn their attention on the “softer” issues of human rights and freedom of speech later or probably never.
As it’s clear from the tone of Okungu’s writing, my view as a refugee from the repressive regime of Zenawi will be rejected as a perennial whiner with no alternative solution.However, Ethiopians in 2005 gave their verdict to the opposition which came up with clear vision and alternative solution. What’s more, during the run up to the election, Okungu’s avid reader and stickler for details shied away from public debate with the opposition candidates. As to service delivery such as electricity, even the Ambassador here in Kampala will not deny Addis’s rigorous loadshedding.Water too in most areas of Addis is scarce that residents are forced to be up beyond midnight to wait for droplets in their tap. Without mentioning the plight of the people in the countryside, I challenge anyone to look behind the newly constructed tall buildings. Note also the cronyism and tribalism behind these new hotel businesses that brings misery to poor residents by causing displacement. Also check some basic facts about Ethiopia from sources such as CIA fact book which is updated as recently as 2008.You’ll be amazed to find out that there isn’t much difference between the ungovernable war torn Somalia and Zenawi’s Ethiopia ranging from corruption to killer diseases. Most of all, refrain from telling lies by quoting taxi drivers where even graduates from Ethiopian universities find it difficult to communicate in English.
In short, Okungu’s suggestion for Africans to emulate Meles is an insult to their intelligence on account of construction of “hotels’ and infrastructures. After all, fascist Italy too contributed to the infrastructure of Ethiopia amidst attempts to steamroll patriotic resistance of Ethiopians with mustard gas.
—- The writer is an
Ethiopian refugee in Uganda.
E-mail: [email protected]
