Comment for the discussion concerning the

EPRDF land policy and cessation clause

I tried to understand the opinions of Washra_2 and Eng. Ghirma concerning the title issue. Let me make clear my self that in due respect to Eng Ghirmas idea, I support what Washra_2 had proposed. My birthplace is from countryside of Ethiopia. I know very well how the Ethiopian peasants are leaving and still I have families there. More over I had been a senior expert in one of the government agencies with the current Ethiopia government for about 10 years. During that time I used an opportunity to understand more about the living of our countryside people in different parts of Ethiopia (at Present I am doing my private job in my country as well as abroad). I think my background may allow me to forward the following points.

Comparatively EPRDF has achieved a lot in education sector and construction. Tremendous achievement is scoring in horticulture at present. A lot more could be mentioned in different areas. More over what I am delighted with this government is that they transformed Ethiopia to be the regional powerhouse of Africa. Apart from the leaders, I have to mention here about the efforts of Professor Kinfe Abraha, concerning his strategic thinking. He is a wise and tough guy. Yes Ethiopia is breathing fresh air in the new millennium.

By appreciating the positive links, I would like also to mention from my point of view the constraints of Ethiopian development problems related with the above title issues:

1- The Ethiopian government well understood that with out investment it is practically impossible to think about any sort of development. That is why the Ethiopian government is always trying to attract local as well as foreign investors by creating comfortable working atmosphere and offering different incentives. That is very good but not enough. The fear from the investor’s point of view is that the presence of cessation clause in the constitution is a threat for them. Let us say Mr.” X “ invested a lot of capital in “Y” region. At some point as per the current constitution “Y” region claimed its independence and will have its own constitution, which we will not be able to predict about its nature now. In general strategically thinking investors are not interested to involve in countries where there is no political stability at least at the constitution level.

2- As per Eng. Ghirma “the cessation clause is a guarantee against the exploitation of future governments”. Here I don’t agree with his respected idea. Because if a forceful exploiter comes it will not serve as a guarantee whether it is written or not. I think here EPRDF has to come forward by saying that at least it will accept the will of the people. And let the people of Ethiopia decide their will. It should be flexible not be closed forever.

3- AS Eng Ghirma explained the land policy of EPRDF seems to be tailored to the farmers. If we see it from political point of view yes it seems, but if we see economically based on the real situation on the ground the farmer doesn’t have enough land to cultivate. In northern Ethiopia after distribution of land agricultural lands became very small pieces with different attendants so that it will not be productive by all measurements.

4- Farmers will never sale their land unless they do not see any benefit through “sale and buy” method. Because their land is their life. They are thinking hundred times even to sale the small chicken leave alone their land.

5- Farmers were not secured on their land because of ownership problem. Last time the government was trying to calm down by issuing certificate of holding with out the right to cell and change.

6- The main causes of deforestation is that every forest belongs to the government and the local people in the area are not feeling responsible rather they are trying to take their share and after that no one will plant it back because it is not their property.

7- The population growth in Ethiopia, if I am not mistaken is more than 3% per year with the majority of the rural area population. Where can we put the newly emerging adult peasants when we don’t have enough land?

8- If we don’t encourage speeding up urban industries where will go the younger work force both from urban and rural areas?

I witnessed the poor defence of EPRDF its all rounded efforts during the 2005 election campaign. At that time I was in Addis observing all the discussions via TV. Some times I thought if I were Mr x on behalf of EPRDF I would have been said completely the other way round on this and that issue. Simply I am sorry to say that almost all the EPRDF defenders were frustrated. In fact Meles didn’t show-up in any discussion and he did write. I think the cause for the failures of EPRDF especially in cities and among the intellectuals is not only lack of the presentation skills, but it was also the dilemma of land policy and at a certain part the clause of cessation and of course the lack of policy for urban industrial development which could absorb a lot of young people of job seekers. I think the in appropriate approach of the above issues shadowed the strong side of EPRDF during the last election. If not proper measure taken it will continue for next too.

I think really it is the good time to think for EPRDF people to analyse the situation on the ground and open their heart and mind to learn from the past experience.

Buzu Mengistu

Sep 28, 2007

Email: buzumen2@hotmail.com