Commentary:
(Aigaforum, Sep 23,2006)
We
finally thought that the few vocal Diaspora got it. However, in reading
the beginning lines of the article we can’t help but be amazed by what these few
individuals espouse. They have not only amazed us but have shown us their
bankruptcy in understanding the Ethiopian constitution. In Ethiopia
today; it is not only possible but it is also a constitutional right to amend
the constitution if the public so desires.
In
reading further we are flabbergasted by their subtle insinuation of the most
obvious facts to sound like they uphold democracy. It is pretty obvious
that if one only propagates and promotes exclusivity of one Ethnic group or
perpetuates only one identity it is bound to be problematic. It is also a
fact that unless poverty is scaled back, scarcity will definitely cause Ethnic
conflicts. Demagogues in the name of democracy will exploit our Ethnic
differences. They will rub on the difference rather than focus on unity
based on diversity. We have seen this during the last election.
Although, many are shy t o say it out loud, the attempt to play one ethnic
group against another was the number one agenda of some of the dysfunctional
opposition groups during the last May 2005 election! Had the EPRDF not
taken pro-active measures those that wanted to create animosity between the
different ethnic groups had organized themselves to bring chaos to the
country.
The
citizen charter has some good points, albeit it is just simply a wish list of
some disgruntled vocal Diaspora elements. The group simply flirts around
group right instead of addressing the issue head on. Have the learned men
failed to notice the political organizations that are now in the dustbin due to
fomenting ethnic conflict? What has changed now? Has the emergence
of OLF resurrected them? Does the confusion of the vocal Diaspora merit
another organizational body to surface with a suffix of “lf”? What have
Ethiopians asked today? Are they not asking to self administer and
be owners of the means of production? How does denying group right
bring peace and prosperity when those propagating the denial of group right are
themselves organizing as a group and want us to accept them
collectively? What a blatant contradiction!
It is
common sense that when Ethnic identity is recognized and enshrined in the
constitution effort should be made to highlight common values and common
identities. It is a given to uphold unity with respect to
diversity. The federal government, based on the constitution, is doing
all it can to instill an Ethiopian national unity of purpose among all its
citizens. The past injustice which was experienced by many of our Ethnic
groups warrants we all uphold and support article 39. This is a vow
(kal-kidan). In the short term, Article 39 will forge the unity of the
country. In the long term, irrespective of Article 39, our economic
development will guarantee our unity. In light of that, today, our people
are working hard to realize that. Any thing outside of the short and long
term plan is asking for disaster.
This
charter comes at a time when the NES from Scandinavia failed. NES sought
to defame the EPRDF with the help of Anna Gomez. The irony of it is it
instead ended up undoing the CUD. NES’ agony today is how to reconcile
EPRP with AFD, EPRP with OLF and EPRP with EPLF. It has no interest
whatsoever in working for the common good of the people and the country.
On one hand it claims to be nonpartisan but on the other hand it shows its
partisan to the little Diaspora opposition. Is this group not ashamed of
vacillating and contradicting itself? Why not accept its archaic and
outmoded way of thinking and retire with grace? Time has changed so
has Ethiopia, you all!