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Impression on 2007 events
Although different political events are obviously recognized to have taken place in the year 2007, the overall political situation of the country during this period was not that different from the previous year. In fact, in some cases, it was observed to be even worse. Consequently, in 2007, the Ethiopian people were still under the rule of dictatorship with no significant achievements towards the path for freedom. As such, the people were forced to live under the miserable conditions of abject poverty, famine, displacement, diseases and hopelessness, just to mention a few. Reports given by different reputable organization, such as the UN and World Bank, on living standards and other parameters amply testify this unpleasant situation of the Ethiopian people.
On the other hand, detailed observation of the events that took place during the year reveals that while some events reflect positive trends, others were associated with either negative effects or no changes. The release of Kinijit leaders and free press journalists from Woyanne prisons, the approval of the HR-2003 bill by the US House and the further exposure of the evils of the Meles regime and limitations of supports imposed by some foreign governments (eg., Norway) on the regime can be cited as examples of events that could reflect positive outcomes. Among the negative events documented were the worsening of the Woyanne-instigated war in Somalia and the very dreadful conditions in Ogaden, the greater human rights abuses and killings carried out by Woyanne agents in many other places in the country and elsewhere (eg., Kenya), the agreement made by Meles to hand over Ethiopia’s lands to the Sudan and the internal divisions manifested/created in two major opposition political parties. To expand on the last point, following the release of its leaders, Kinijit (a party chosen by majority voters in the last national election), was doomed to suffer from internal division. This problem was not settled in the outgoing year and, at present, it is not even clear where it can lead to. The other major political organization affected by internal division that ultimately led to a split was EPRP. As a result of the split, two EPRPs were formed, one being recognized as EPRP (Democratic). Although the long-term effect of the split of EPRP is expected to be positive, momentarily, the emergence of such a destabilizing problem in any major opposition party is believed to contribute to the weakening of the struggle of the Ethiopian people against the Meles regime. Among the events that were thought to have remained more or less static, the Ethio-Eritrea boarder issue was considered to be a major one, although there were many other event that belonged to this category.
Recommendations for 2008
Since the Ethiopian people have not yet achieved freedom from tyranny, their struggle should continue in every way possible to succeed.
As a primary objective, opposition parties should focus on solving their internal problems without undue delay. Concerning Kinijit, the writer assumes this can be accomplished through open and honest dialogues among concerned individuals. It is expected that the guiding principles for discussion and decision should be the interest of the Ethiopian people who have put their trust on this party. As to the EPRP, the Ethiopian people should be communicated very well why the split occurred. EPRP (Democratic) has emerged with a better vision and with the promise of reinstating the original objective of the party. Learning from past shortcomings, this Party is committed to work with other opposition parties with compatible visions in a much better way, carry out more diplomatic activities, attract more party supporters and members, and initiate greater involvement of the youth and women in the struggle for democracy, among many other activities. Contrary to the other group, EPRP (Democratic) strongly believes in the practices of transparency and accountability as a means of strengthening its own internal functioning mechanisms. It is hoped that the other EPRP group will take a constructive lesson from the very split itself and from what EPRP (Democratic) has done so far and is posed to do. Additionally, as stated above, informing the Ethiopian people about what is actually going on in the EPRP and other political organizations without delay will prevent or halt them from the possibility of giving up on the opposition parties.
After internal problems are settled, the different opposition parties should find a way to work together against their common enemy and for a common country and people. If they do not choose to go to this direction, it is less likely they will become successful in achieving their objectives. It is also the desire of the Ethiopian people that the opposition parties form a unity of purpose. If, on the other hand, they are able to materialize this plan of activity, it is highly likely that they will be listened to by Woyanne, respected by foreigners, and organizations operating with narrow political agendas will follow their path. Following the willingness to work together, both short and long-term activities can be put in place for appropriate actions. Among the actions that could be considered to be taken in the year 2008 are efforts to enable (1) the HR-3003 bill to become a law, (2) the release of all political prisoners, (3) greater demand for the respect of human rights and democracy, which may include the resignation of abusive government officials and leaders and (3) the Ethiopian people to condemn the looming war with Eritrea.
The role of intellectuals
There is no doubt that intellectuals are needed to serve as agents of positive changes in our country. These are a group of educated people with relatively greater understanding of ideas, information or events, with the potential to generate new and useful ideas of their own. However, so far, their contributions to Ethiopia seem to be much less than what have been expected by the people, and this has to change. As many others have articulated on many occasions, if appropriately utilized, Ethiopian intellectuals can serve the people in a number of ways by (1) promoting democracy, freedom and human rights (2) educating the people about objective realities (2) uniting the people with unifying messages (3) assisting those in leadership positions with professional expertise (4) countering false propagandas of the people’s enemies (5) acting as a bridge between the peoples of Ethiopia and those of other countries and creating greater understanding, (6) teaching and practicing the principles of democracy with greater tolerance (7) accepting mistakes and becoming willing to correct them and (8) providing professional, financial and material assistances to fellow citizens, by making sure that tyranny is not promoted or justified in the process. It is clear that our intellectuals shoulder special responsibly to serve the Ethiopian people because they were, at least in part, educated with the help of the people through family support and tax payments and have the moral duty to fight injustices inflicted on the people by the rules of dictatorship and tyranny. The Ethiopian people maintain high expectation for these services to be delivered to them more readily and willingly by their own kinds rather than by someone else.
Happy New Year to all Ethiopians.
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The writer can be reached at [email protected].
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