Pressing elements to abandon the old path

Ethiopia, an oasis of peace and stability in a troubled Horn of Africa, held its fourth national elections to the House of People’s Representatives and state councils on the 23rd May 2010. As attested by local and international observers, the elections were free, fair transparent peaceful and reliable. Whereas the reality on the ground shows a very conducive environment for a peaceful, free, fair and democratic election in Ethiopia, few individuals and groups who have sold the national interest of this beautiful nation simply to slake their personal and/or group ambitions, are using tax-payer money for pathetic and despicable purposes.

Historical facts are vivid manifestations of Ethiopia’s odd days during which foreign actors undermined the country whenever internal divisions and conflicts prevailed. They rushed to add insult to the injury only to exacerbate the situation. Accordingly, the scope of hatred in Ethiopian politics has been overwhelming. These enemies know well that the creation of a stable democracy in Ethiopia will enable it to strengthen its capacity to fend off or pre-empt anything they may throw at it. That is why they are always scheming to destabilize the country by whatever means necessary. Their day-to-day action bears out this fact.

A recent development clearly demonstrates the animosity of foreign actors to stabilize Ethiopia. The case in point is the tyrannical regime of Eritrea. True, it has been plotting many maneuvers bent on obstructing the peace and development of the nation. Besides, being one of anti-peace element in the Horn of Africa. Leaving for another time who or what is behind these enemies, there is no doubting that there are active anti-Ethiopia forces operating in Somalia as well an avowed anti-Ethiopia regime in Asmara.

It is evidently proved that President Issayas Afewerki clearly fuels the crisis in Somalia funneling weapons and funds to the Al- Shabaab militia. The group is accused of giving safe haven and logistical support to Al-Qaeda-linked terrorists aiming to establish a Taliban-type Islamic government, in Somalia and to terrorizing the whole region.

In indeed, his recent stance on the Nile Basin Initiatives was a real manifestation of Issayas Afewerki and his stubborn characteristics. Though the tyrant government in Eritrea has declined to be a member of the Nile Basin Initiative, which was jointly established by the basin countries, despite repeated requests over the past ten years. It neither took part in any of the Initiative's meetings nor said anything about the meeting. But all of a sudden, in his recent visit to Egypt, President Issayas Afewerki lauded Egypt's decision, berating Ethiopia and the other six countries over the agreement. This is evidence of a sinister alliance in the making.

True, five Nile Basin countries, including Ethiopia, signed the Comprehensive Framework Agreement on the use of the river. Two other countries are expected to sign the agreement sometime soon. Egypt and Sudan, however, refused to be parties to the agreement. This did not come as a surprise as both countries have explicitly expressed their opposition to it. Eritrea is abusing the disagreement in the negotiations over the use of the Nile to openly tease with forces hostile to Ethiopia. It has also significantly scaled up its involvement in arming terrorist groups bent on toppling constitutional government by force in Ethiopia. This is a real manifestation of their anti-Ethiopia stance. Nonetheless, President Issayas Afewerki's recent denunciation of seven Nile Basin countries, especially Ethiopia, and his declared support for Egypt and Sudan on an issue on which he had been claiming Eritrea is a disinterested party, is a move that Ethiopia in particular should be concerned about as it is yet another proof that the Eritrean regime is bent on bashing Ethiopia for the sake of getting funding and a pat in the head from other parties.

Though Ethiopian's unity in diversity stands on the firm basis that never to be disturbed by any anti-Ethiopia and anti-peace elements. The recently peace accord signed between the government and the United Western Somali Liberation Front(UWSLF), the former Al Ithad on the termination of insurgency is a milestone in Ethiopian politics. This is a clear indication in which fostering dialogue, negotiation and mutual trust, and reshaping the Ethiopian politics bears fruit. Thus, political parties must see what they have been up to and consolidate the evolving democracy.

According to the peace deal, the government of Ethiopia agreed to grant amnesty to all leaders and prisoners of UWSLF. The Ethiopian government also agreed to rehabilitate and integrate Front’s soldiers into the community. The UWSLF on its part agreed to stop its state of insurgency and make a definitive shift from its former position and abide by the constitution.

Federal Affairs Minister Dr. Shiferaw Teklemariam, on the occasion said the peace deal gives substantial guarantees to nations, nationalities and people of Ethiopia including full rights of self determination up to secession. He further said the agreement will help to bring an accelerated development for the country in general and to the people of Somali state in particular.

UWSLF Leader Sheik Ibrahim Hussein said he will work for the peace and security of the regions along with the government of Ethiopia. He said, “We have opted peace in order to ensure human rights and participate in the ongoing development efforts, instead of insurgency activities which hinder development and violate human right of children, women and elderly. We from now onwards will participate to contribute our own part to accelerate the ongoing development activities and respect human rights guaranteed by the constitution of Ethiopia”, he added.

Indeed, the agreement has significantly shown the commitments' of both parties to resolve disagreements through peaceful and legal means. This landmark agreement was signed with the conviction that human and democratic rights enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia gives substantial guarantees to the people of Ethiopia including full right of self determination up to and including session to all nation, nationalities and peoples of the country.

As Dr. Shiferaw Teklemariam said UWSLF had taken a heroic and an encouraging stance with having a vision for peace, democracy and development that benefits children, men women, youth and elderly. Besides such a heroic step at the same time sends a strong message as the best model for those organizations, its leaders and followers that are still engaged in anti-peace and anti-constitutional activities. Meanwhile such stance is also a demonstration of the readiness of the government of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to work closely and reach agreement with all parties as far as the constitutional order is respected and practiced.

This milestone agreement clearly justifies the fact that peace, tolerance and understanding are cornerstones for durable solution to any differences that may occur between and among Ethiopians. Democracy, good governance and economic development can only be realized and sustained if there is peace, tolerance, and understanding between and among people. Tolerance, dialogue understanding, the supremacy of law as well as respect for one other and must be upheld to reconstruct a civilized society. No matter how long it will take, such core values of humanity must be followed to narrow the difference, strengthen the health relationship and cooperation amongst Ethiopians and forge a civilized society. And most importantly, such imperatives would help reduce and avoid damage and destruction and enhance mutual respect and unity in diversity among nations, nationalities and peoples.

All Ethiopians expect strict adherence to democracy from those who signed the agreement. No doubt, the democratic process will impose responsibilities on both parties in view of national obligations of the highest order. Foreign hands, whatever their role will always remain foreign, and will never be allowed to meddle in Ethiopian's internal affairs. It is true that Ethiopia has suffered from manipulative behavior of foreign hands and their mass media. Ethiopians are the sole owners of our country; they should never be dictated to do this or that in their affairs.

Dialogue and understanding hinge on “agree to disagree” and respect for variety of views, ideas cultures etc. Therefore, dialogue and negotiation must be the sole means to address any problem or differences that may exist as inherent values and norms in society are maintained through the principles that underpin the ideals of a civilized society. Diversity should be promoted, not discouraged. And the public at large must be determined to put increased pressure on those individuals, groups and institutions from within and abroad to follow only the mentioned civilized values that help this country advance and progress.

There should be a clear boundary as to what constitutes a proper political struggle. The public and political parties must take elements upon the line of violence to advance the public has to play a decisive role in this regard. It needs to exert considerable pressure with a view to making the country democratic. It must also denounce elements that are engaged in destabilization.

The Ethiopian public has clearly spoken condemning foreign actors who want to meddle in the affairs of ours. Thus, legal political parties and forces who still pursue their causes through violent means must refrain from serving foreign interests.. They must share the stance of the government that the politics of Ethiopia must be left for Ethiopians.

The most dangerous enemy of democratization is arrogance, and stubbornness of party leaders, members and supporters. Such demeanor having no space in present day Ethiopia erodes what society values most—peace, development and democracy. It is up to political parties to fight arrogance and stubbornness all over the leadership, membership and support base. Otherwise such a behavior will undermine the party and the overall effort to democratization of Ethiopia.

Moreover, Ethiopians both from within and abroad must focus on developmental issues to improve the economic condition of their country. The global community must also back the government as per its priorities: poverty alleviation, consolidating democracy and the rule of law. Extending their economic support helps this country in its effort to reduce and eliminate poverty and embark on consolidated democratization and good governance.