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Prof. Beyene Petros, MEDREK D / President Photo: File
Since taking office, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has undertaken various reform actions. Professor Beyene Petros, leader of the political party in competition, believes that the reform actions must take an institutional basis because they can not be taken for granted to the only necessary measure. Our reporter SEID MEHAMMED had a brief moment with him. Extracts:
The Ethiopian Herald: Thank you very much for taking your time for this interview.
Prof. Beyene Petros: It's a pleasure.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself?
A: I am Professor Beyene Petros, Vice President of the Federal Democratic Democracy Forum of Ethiopia (MEDREK). I am also an external relations officer of MEDREK. In addition, I chair my grbadroots organization called the Ethiopian Social Democratic Party, a member of MEDREK.
Q: Let's get right to our discussion. In your opinion, who played a major role in the wind of change?
A: Well, I would just say that the Ethiopian people played an active role in exerting strong pressure on the EPRDF party (Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front). Opposition parties also put pressure on the ruling party and the government [the] on all accounts and fundamental issues. The combined effect of the two has forced the ruling party to rethink and even go to replace the prime minister. And now we have the new Prime Minister
Q: How did the people exhort the government and the ruling party?
A: We have seen incessant or incessant demonstrations for more than four years in defiance of the status quo. , expressing openly, not even fearing to confront the forces that shoot and kill, especially the youth movement. So, that is the way and the pattern of expression of defiance are many and the multitude. This is how people put pressure on the system.
Q: How can the wind of continuous change rest on a solid foundation?
A: The population must remain vigilant. It is not enough just to shake up the EPRDF and create a situation where some elements within the EPRDF would begin to speak in a non EPRDF language and expression and take unthinkable action when the EPRDF does not work. EPRDF worked in its democratic and centralizing way of decision-making. Thus, the public should not be complacent with the idea that the change has materialized and that the pressure persists.
Up to now, there have been many promises. The only practical measure may be the release of prisoners. Although not yet comprehensive, the most well known in the press and the general public are published. And there are other promises that should be fulfilled.
Q: What is your opinion of the current situation?
A: We are cautiously optimistic. we just do not take it as it is. As a political movement that has so much experience on Ethiopian politics, we have been in active political movement for over 27 years now. We have seen all the political figures coming and going in the name of being Ethiopian leaders and statesmen. And that shows us that we have to be careful.
Q: Can you elaborate on this?
A: We are not sure that all the EPRDF party parties are in agreement on all the decisions and actions it takes [the Prime Minister]. You even hear the accusations of the parties on certain decisions. We see that from their statements and releases, for example, there was a difference on the issue of Ethio-Eritrea. In addition, some also claim to have bypbaded the parliament. Therefore, it would be appropriate for us to see between the lines. "Is it sustainable or just a bubble? -We question. We want to put this country on a multi-party democratic trajectory, and that could not be done in isolation. The question should therefore be: is it institutionalized or personalized? It should be institutionalized or run by the EPRDF at a minimum. In addition, the root causes of the problems that arise here and there should be addressed.
Q: What would you suggest as a solution to this?
A: MEDREK has already called on all politically organized groups, advised by civic organizations, religious institutions and others, to lead a national convention where fundamental issues could be discussed and debated. This can lead us to start negotiations and form a government of national unity (GNU) in which all interests will be represented.
In addition, appointments should be based on merit. It should not be based on regional representation of quotas, I see that the appointment of ministerial positions was not based on merit. The Prime Minister has chosen a layperson for very technical and complex ministerial positions. [Candidates] must be prepared academically; they must have extensive experience in how to manage the position. It's wasting resources and we have enough. As the saying goes: put your money where your mouth is. In the same way, put competent people to deliver what you are talking about.
Q: Does what you mentioned as GNU is a variant of the transitional government or is it different? A: There is a marked difference between the two. If he wants to form a transitional government, the incumbent must collapse like what happened to Derg. EPRDF is still here. But we must make a radical change in the way this country is governed. EPRDF can not do it alone. Thus, all parties join forces and that is the GNU
Q: But there is an elected government. Do you mean that the GNU will work, if it is accepted, after the end of the decision?
A: No. It could be anytime.
Q: What priorities should be kept at the Prime Minister's Table, in measure A: We want the Prime Minister to address the issue of displaced Ethiopians, people who have been driven out of their homes where they lived for a hundred years. or fifty years under the pretext of ethnicity. We believe that Ethiopians can live where they want. We have been waiting for three months and they have not returned home yet. This should be the first priority of the Prime Minister. We are fully convinced that it is a failure. This may be due to lack or will or skill.
I know that all problems can not be solved overnight. The economy was mismanaged or it was an experimental economy. We were talking about building 10 sugar factories and it had not worked. And the military become experts and billions of dollars invested in a bottomless pit.
Q: How could competing parties and parties opt for a peaceful struggle, lay down their arms and contribute to the country's future?
be open wide. All barriers should be avoided. Political parties can only work miracles if the space is open to fair play. We also need strong financial support. Most of our members are not wealthy people. For example, we are in serious condition to maintain our office due to the rent of the house in Addis Ababa.
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