Ethiopia: The Diaspora, a sustainable democracy – allAfrica.com



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By Girmachew Gashaw

For a long time, the Ethiopian diaspora had a significant influence on politics at home. Diaspora members have actively participated in Ethiopia's political discourse through activism, providing support to various political groups in the country and organizing and leading their own political parties. As the winds of change blow in the country, politicians advise the diaspora to play its constructive role and fulfill its considerable responsibilities in ensuring sustainable democracy in Ethiopia.

The diaspora has been observed mostly opposite establishment and / or political manifesto of the historical operator. In another time, the diaspora speaks loudly to support the political measures taken by the government.

As in the case of Ethiopian citizens at home, members of the diaspora have their own interest in influencing the political system in Ethiopia, says Demeke. Achiso (PhD) Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Addis Ababa

"In the past, consciously or unconsciously, the diaspora has been inclined to listen to and be attracted to the rhetoric of certain groups only, but this time, the diaspora should do things differently to ensure the democratization of this country, "he adds.

Costantinos Bruhtesfa (PhD), professor of public policy at the University of Addis the party said that democracy is the rule of the people and in this sense; the diaspora can offer ideas for building rules and institutions to ensure democracy and governance.

But as for him, a significant number of the Ethiopian diaspora are nationals of other countries. "So, I do not think that they will have a vital impact, any legitimate democracy must emanate from the people who will be affected by it, this can only happen within the Ethiopian people," he said. -he. "But the diaspora can bring the knowledge and experience of other societies, which is the only contribution possible." Demeke, for one, adds to this that, even less understand the current situation of the country, some members of the diaspora have changed their citizenship. As a result, they have no updated information on Ethiopia today. "In such cases, it's better that they refer to taking part in political group initiatives with hidden political agenda," he advises.

According to him, similar to his fellow citizens, the diaspora can play an immense role in democratization as the task should not be left to the sole government.

Ethiopians from all walks of life, including the diaspora, should make every effort to ensure democracy because it is not a one-off program accomplished within a specific timeframe. opines. On the contrary, it would take an extended trip. Taking this into consideration, the diaspora should institutionalize its support in the process of democratization

Most of the time, the activity of the diaspora is unconditional and no one can dictate to them what to do or do do not do. It is the recurrent political condition of the country that causes them to hold and exercise any form of position. Such positions may be against or in the interest of the government, says Demeke

The Diaspora has shown interest in supporting the initiatives of Prime Minister Abiy, which is very promising, he adds. Demeuke says that members of the diaspora should refrain from supporting any type of group. Simply, they should not interfere in political movements to support their friends. Therefore, they should always be responsible for the actions they take in carefully considering the consequences.

But, for Demeke, this has not been the case for a long time. More often than not, the diaspora depends on unreliable sources of information. Usually, they demonstrated without considering negative or positive consequences. "If they take that into account, their future political participation would be healthy," says Demeke.

The Ethiopian diaspora is the result of Ethiopia's past and includes those who emigrated to access a better education or those who emigrated because of

"Our diaspora was created largely by the previous military government, the Derg, when the Derg started killing everyone in this country, especially the intelligentsia, that many people started to migrate to other countries. "

"If you see the genesis of Ethiopian politics, it is the political party that was more organized in Europe and the United States and that came back to influence politics at the beginning of the Derg." This led to a significant diasporisation of Ethiopians who continue to militate and militate to this day, remembers Costantinos.

Today, members of the diaspora can have the impact because they have gone to European Parliaments and at the American Congress to propose the imposition of sanctions on the Ethiopian government.

"It's really very difficult to manage for the government, even though it's a good friend of Western countries, especially in counter-terrorism and peacekeeping activities."

For example, just recently, the US Congress pbaded a resolution 128 against the Ethiopian government regarding human rights, in that they can have a negative impact by launching foreign governments against that country. But to have a positive impact, they must establish citizenship and build a community for their ideas, says Costantinos.

They can find knowledge, experience and participate in development problems, and those who have capital can also invest Once they are here, they can participate in activities and debates to broaden the political space and improve democracy, he adds. ora with foreign nationalities will not have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process, according to the constitution. They can advise and support certain processes. "I think it's the maximum impact they can have," concludes Dr. Constantions.

While Ethiopia is engaged in various reforms, the constructive involvement of the Diaspora would have a positive impact, particularly in building viable democratic institutions. and expertise.

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