Ethiopia: Recalcitrance not dampening a reform embraced by the majority

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By

Alem Hailu G/Kristos

There is no gainsaying the presence of room for optimism nationwide, for the dawn of democracy has pierced through the foggy cloud of suppression that eclipsed Ethiopia’s vibe.

That is why following Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s call opposition party leaders that fled their country, accompanied by activists residing abroad, came back in droves to their motherland Ethiopia to jointly reshape the fate of their country.

Responding to the call they portrayed alacrity mindful of the fact that their much-beloved country was being pushed to the brink of collapse by the conspiracy of the gluttonous, atavists, opportunists, recalcitrant and bigoted citizens.

It is with outstretched hands Ethiopia embraced all, even those who picked arms as a last resort of ensuring democracy. Aside from those suffering a hangover effect, they have all got on track.

Now, the bigger slice of the country is breathing the oxygen of democracy, exercising freedom of expression and enjoying serenity.

But the door must not be left ajar for complacency with the ensued relative peace, for those that led the country for the past 27 years knew full well that one day they would be unseated from power, by which ill-means they consolidated. Their mindset is such that “Unless we lead the country as our whims and caprices, we shall ensure the secession of the states we hail from leaving behind a weak Ethiopia.”

As such, they spared no effort to create or leave behind a fragile Ethiopia. They still have innumerable gambits in store for ready use. As a result, the country is facing instability, bickering, uncertainty and bloodshed.

Anti-peace elements are spawning chaos sweet-talking the credulous about fabricated repressions that targeted their ethnic groups. With the money they heartlessly siphoned from the government’s coffer, they instigate wrangling between neighboring states and also among university students. As they developed visible and invisible tentacles in the course of the past two decades, indulging in such malpractices proves this.

Though the government has managed to forge good relations with neighboring countries, the displeased even go to the extent of leveraging trans-boundary attacks by terrorist groups.

Even if the reformed government that envisages big is trying to kick-start elephantine projects, they conspire to put spokes in the wheels of such projects. Hence the government is struggling to get the country back in shape with one hand tied behind its back.

Therefore, there is a call to troubleshoot problems sitting around a horseshoe table for deliberation. At this moment in time the fight is between the reformists and the detractors of change. Hence, brushing aside minor differences there is a call for underpinning the government’s peace initiative with an all-out support. We have to engage in a nation saving task. We have to throw our full weight behind ensuring peace and stability.

As the next national election is drawing nigh, the need for closing hearts and minds is unquestionable. All the more so, for those who sensed they could be outsmarted in selling their secessionist agenda that is far from winning credence, opt to make a recourse to picking arms from force of habit or no other better thing to do. It is within the framework of peace and stability the canvasing, ballot casting and election tasks could be handled.

Like a spoiled child some state leaders that portray uncouth behavior exhibiting disobedience to the federal government, the rule of law and the constitution must heed the call for peace and unity on the lips of the sagacious, elites, elders and religious fathers. Beating the drum of war and instigating clashes with an invisible arm is unhealthy for it serves no purpose other than shedding the blood of innocent civilians.

There is a wide room for optimism, unity, peace, considerateness and Ethiopianism on the whole is making confluence to get Ethiopia’s feet back on the track of greatness.

It is in cognizance of the need for peace, harmonious coexistence and considerateness religious leaders urged citizens to respect their age-old moral values and religious ideals.

Alem Hailu G/Kristos

A published poet, novelist, editor, translator of masterpieces, literary critic, playwright and journalist from Ethiopia. M.A holder in literature, Addis Ababa University.

Looking for a traditional publisher of a collection of poems. My novel: ‘Hope from the debris of hopelessness’.