Two contending views

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By Kebede Anemut:
08/13/2006)

It is clear to most Ethiopians by now that Shabia is relentlessly working to destabilize Ethiopia using whatever means at its disposal. The regime that has been fighting Eritrean Islamic Jihad is now arming the Somali Jihadists with the aim of destabilizing Ethiopia. How long should we tolerate Shabia’s subversive acts is a question raised and discussed by many Ethiopians who are deeply concerned about their country’s future. There are two views pertaining to this problem. One is that Ethiopia has to mobilize its resources (human, financial, material, etc.) to the fullest extent in order to extricate itself from poverty. To do so, it has to overcome the temptation to go to war with any group or country unless that group or country is not posing serious risk to national security. Those who support this line of argument say that if the current rate of economic growth is not interrupted by war, there is a real chance that Ethiopia would be the super power of the region not only militarily but also economically. Once Ethiopia develops economically, the enemies of Ethiopia would have no choice other than working with it for mutual benefit.

There are those who argue that Ethiopia won’t have the chance to register uninterrupted growth as long as Eritrea is a torn on its side, instigating conflicts wherever possible. For that matter, Eritrea is not the only country trying to destabilize Ethiopia. Although Eritrea’s Sheabia is enemy # 1 of the Ethiopian people, there are others like Egypt and Libya who wish to see the weakening if not the total destruction of Ethiopia for their own national interest. The argument goes, as long as Sheabia continues its anti-Ethiopian agenda, the Ethiopian government has no choice but deal with the enemy in order to overcome the problem once and for all. So war with Eritrea would interrupt development efforts of the country but it is worth the sacrifice.

While I appreciate both views, I strongly believe that if possible and as long as the security of the country is not in jeopardy, Ethiopia shouldn’t go to war with either Eritrea or the extremist group in Somalia. The government should try utmost to contain the conflicts instigated by Sheabia and the extremists and focus on the development endeavor because ultimately what would save us from any threat against our country is our economic and military muscle. Without economic progress, we can’t maintain a large and well armed national army. Without a strong army, the country would be susceptible for attack thus leading to war and to a halt in economic progress.

As far as Somalia is concerned, it is better to support the Transitional Government and others who oppose the extremists not by militarily intervening on the ground in Somalia. There are thousands of Somalis who would like to have democratic government, not Taliban like jihadists. So it is possible to work with these groups, provide the necessary support and let them do the fighting. That was what Mengistu did and that option is still available. To intervene militarily by sending soldiers would put Ethiopia in an akward position politically, diplomatically and perhaps militarily. Besides, why should we loss the life of even a single soldier? Won’t it be wise to strengthen our defensive capabilities in our own borders areas and check the spread of anti-Ethiopian jihadists at the same time supporting Somali democrats who would be willing to fight the jihadists? Moreover, why should we face a possible guerilla warfare in Somalia when we could get jihadists out by supporting moderate and democratic elements in Somalia?

As far as Eritrea is concerned, I believe it is sensible to uphold the current policy of no war no peace. Sheabia would crumble in a few years as it has no hope of promoting national development under the no war no peace situation. While strengthen our defensive capacities, it is smart to focus on national development by opening up opportunities to our people and creating political harmony. The government is expected to solve the political problem by showing mercifulness to those who might have erred and create national consensus. Ethiopia is a big country with a lot of wonders. It is the country that has defeated the well armed Italian fascists with bare hands and many other aspirants to control it. The government should match the country’s stature by being merciful, and by promoting popular policies the vast majority of the people could embrace. As long as Ethiopians are united, nothing could stop us from repeating our victories in Adewa and most recently in Bademe, Barentu and other Eritrean towns and villages.

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