Will the sporadic ethnic tensions erupting in Ethiopia derail the reform process? This is the billion dollar question being asked by many from all walks of life, be they local businessmen, industrialists, foreign investors or ordinary citizen eking out a frugal living. But they are all one in their views: the present unfortunate developments should not persuade the young and charismatic prime minister Abiy Ahmed to change the course of his governance structure. He should be clear about the pathway he has chosen come whatever may. The logic seems to be that the fringe players who are indulging in ethnic tension are themselves a creation of under development that the country had faced during the last so many years. Reforms are the best antidote to the ongoing tensions and animosities among the ethnic groups. There are critics to his development model, who preach that the growth should be inclusive and not pushing up the life styles of a few at the cost of others. Undeniably, the income distribution in Ethiopia is seemingly skewed and inclusive growth model have to be implemented in a more vigorous manner.
Of late, killings on account of ethnic friction claimed the lives of many and notable among them was the chief of staff of Ethiopian army, who was shot dead at home by his bodyguard. With the government showing olive leaves to all and sundry to come around and be a part of the democratic process as a stakeholder, undeniably there have been loosening of the reins. For instance, the architect of the coup, Amhara’s head of security General Asamnew Tsige, who was killed in a gunfight two days after trying to take over the Amhara region, was let loose for a while perpetrating anti-government activities. The report coming out from Addis Ababa clearly says that the government is now taking preventive steps not to precipitate the law and order situation. Over 250 people were taken under preventive custody.
Indeed the charismatic prime minister has chartered a democratic process of growth primarily by encouraging dissent, which is not very common in many of the countries in the continent. But such noble endeavors can pay off only when people are empowered to understand the nuances of their rights and duties. To make people a stakeholder in the system may be a sweeping statement and a simplistic rationalization to get over the crisis. In real life, what needed is much more than what the word reform conveys. There should be emotional connect among tribal groups and different segments of the society. Investments in social sector particularly poverty alleviation, universal education and universal healthcare are strong pillars where democratic institutions can stand up and deliver. That way, despite the great efforts being made by the present dispensation, Ethiopia has to traverse a long distance.
