If Wishes Were True …!

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Getahun Gebre-Amlak
05/26/06)

Many people and especially some members of the Diaspora either have no inkling of the reality on the ground in Ethiopia or they do not want to accept the truth. Take the 2005 election for example. The ruling party did everything possible to accommodate the opposition parties despite their outrageous behaviors throughout the days leading to the election. In no country would a candidate who openly declares that he or she does no accept the constitution or the laws of the land will be allowed to run for parliament, if he or his party has the wish to change the consultation it can only do so after the election following constitutional principles. This also requires that the person or party is elected and has taken its seat in parliament. The crime of the CUD and their followers went beyond this principle. What is more they were preaching hate and ethnic division.

Despite what people in the UEDF and individuals like Alem G think Ethiopia has the most democratic constitution by any standard. It has over the last fifteen years gone a long way to inculcate democratic ideals and principles. To day the rule of law is supreme in the land. The Ethiopian people have never had it any better. To day people are enjoying better social services than at any time in their long history. Basic infrastructures have grown beyond recognition. Who would have thought of making a call to any place in the world from a remote village in the sub-districts? But that is possible to day. The only people unhappy with the reality on the ground and the changes taking place are former Dergists and people who want to see strife among the different nations, nationalities and peoples in the country. The economy is growing so much so that we are witnessing tangible changes in the lives of the rural and urbane people. Life standard and peoples’ expectations are changing by the day and for the better. Everywhere a growing number of Ethiopian farmers are talking of income in thousands of Birr. A growing number of urban youth are being engaged in small and micro enterprises with millions of Birr loan and diverse training made available to them. Here too gratifying results are being witnessed across the country.

To day freedom of association, assembly, speech and the press is a reality. There is no power that can restrict these Rights. As a result of these rights the Ethiopian people are enjoying the kind of freedom they have never seen before, be it in the imperial days or under the Dreg. Ethiopians are free to travel anywhere they want and do not need exit visa to leave the country. The passport is available as a matter of right and just for asking, Ethiopia is one of the poorest countries in the world. Last government did little or nothing to improve let alone change life conditions. In fact they were aggravating the situation. The EPRDF led government has done a great deal to change that image. The signs so far are an ok. The progress Ethiopia is registering is acknowledged by the International Community, and support is flowing from all corners of the globe.

If is always surprising to read the work of the so-called apposition in Diaspora. They always try to paint a dark picture of the reality in the country. Why do they deny this glaring truth, a truth that is visible and is witnessed by all? The election had come and gone. It is one aspect of life. People are leading a normal life. There is no tension or fear. The act of vandalism perpetrated by the disparate and frustrated CUD and others is nothing but a nuisance for as the people are concerned. Ethiopia is at peace with itself. Such criminal act as perpetrated by the desperados is hurting some innocent people, but it has no effect on the day-to-day life of the general public. The people have seen the so-called Knijit and Co. for what they are. Sooner or later they will no doubt be relegated to the dustbin of history. The only way they can redeem them-selves and survive is to abandon their current position and reform to be a responsible opposition. Life has never been better as far as the general public is concerned.

As usual I would like to extend a cordial invitation to all Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian origin irrespective of their political stand. Come and see the new Ethiopia. Come and enjoy the cultural vibes, Come enjoy the music, dances in the night-clubs, the delicious food in the many restaurants that are enjoyed by all, Ethiopians and foreigners alike. Come and witness the vibrant economy. You can see these no matter where in Ethiopia you are. It will be good to travel north-south, east-west and see for yourself how things are. Come with an open mind and make your own judgment. Investment local and foreign is growing by the day. Ethiopia is also being industrialized. The building industry is booming, the number of Real Estate developers is on the up-swing. Addis suburbs are changing, It you have been outside the country for a while and have an open mind, you will not believe what you see, If you are interested in buying a house come and do so. Many of the Diaspora is buying. Do you know or have you heard how much some of the houses in Addis cost? Three million Birr plus, yes three million Birr and there are buyers. Surely this no a sign of an unstable society. Ethiopia and its capital city Addis Ababa are the safest places in this continent if not in the world. You can walk anywhere without fear. Need one say more?

All I ask of people like Alem G is to go all the way and be honest. You cannot compare Ethiopia with Eritrea. There is no basis at all. Full stop. Eritrea is the sick child of Africa. That is all one has to say. The poor people are suffering. How can we help should be the question of every Eritrean and other people of good will. PIA might side with the so called Ethiopian opposition as indeed he has done so, but it means nothing as far as Ethiopia is concerned. This is not a cause for worry for Ethiopia. After all he has never stopped from trying to steer problems and undermine Ethiopia. But, it will no doubt back fire as always. The government of PMMZ is not interested in war, but should the mad dictator make a move one shudders to think what will happen to PIA. Eritrea is no match to Ethiopia.

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