Nothing comes before peace, democracy!

Any observer who follows contemporary Ethiopian politics appreciates that the future offers welcome opportunities. If these opportunities are to pay dividends, it is imperative to exercise wisdom and intelligence while maneuvering the political minefields. It is essential to have a clear idea of ​​the ultimate goal of the change underway and to shape the process by which it is achieved before undertaking a specific action. This requires in-depth reflection on the direction the nation is taking, the challenges and opportunities encountered along the way and the matrix of options through which the goal is being achieved. Such an effort must of course be primarily informed by the vital interests of the nation. Such efforts should naturally be supported by the requirement to promote peace and democracy. If the change sought by the Ethiopians is to be comprehensive and based on clear principles, peace and democracy must be the foundation on which it is anchored.

While there is nothing wrong with wanting the positive news that Ethiopia is currently enjoying to generate permanent profits, it is prudent to prepare for the test challenges that are inevitable . Things that can be said to be easy to accomplish may actually prove much more difficult than they are intended. The ongoing intrigues in the political arena, the sad state of government machinery, the seemingly irreconcilable cleavage between the organizations members of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), the tumultuous relations of the EPRDF and the negotiations with rival political parties, the still unhealthy attitude towards freedom of thought and expression is little present. On the economic front, the chronic currency crisis, the debilitating external debt burdening the country and the steep fall in production and productivity are all tax problems. These problems are exacerbated by the pervasiveness of abject poverty, the escalating cost of living and the uninterrupted housing shortage. Faced with such seemingly intractable challenges, it is criminally negligent to squander rare opportunities

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Ph.D.) and his administration face the solemn responsibility to bring about transformational change in political, economic and social spheres. Although the duty to take Ethiopia out of the abyss rests primarily on the prime minister, the Ethiopian people also have an obligation to provide them with comprehensive support. It is naïve and counterproductive to expect Prime Minister Abiy to work miracles. The transition to a better future can be wisely managed as Ethiopians unite to find a common solution. If the change expected by citizens is neither participatory nor institutionalized, it may fail and even lead to unforeseen consequences. Above all, peace, democracy and the rule of law are essential factors in ensuring the achievement of the goals of change.

A sensible change process leads to leave them no room for irrationality and recklessness. In fact, it is inspired by the needs of the population and, as such, ensures the inclusion and participation of the public, directly or through elected representatives, in national development efforts. . Opportunities can be fully exploited to the extent that every citizen is well aware of his rights and the duties he owes to his country. This forces political leaders to allow the public to fully understand the goals of change and the role that it should play. Needless to say, leadership must refrain from making promises to gain popularity and instead set pragmatic goals. It is then that the winds of peace and democracy that blow in Ethiopia can take root. That said, we must not forget that there are obstacles on the way. The deadly conflicts in parts of the country serve to illustrate this point recently.

On the other hand, the views expressed about the atmosphere of change are numerous. Some compatriots are wondering what is meant by "synergize", the last word of order. The answer differs widely. The Prime Minister explained the concept of the speech he made in Parliament after his swearing in when he said that "unity does not mean uniformity". This means that synergy involves playing a role in change without giving up one's beliefs. Revoke the designation by Parliament of certain opposition groups as terrorists, inviting forces that wanted to overthrow the EPRDF by force to abandon their weapons and join the political circle, and allow individuals who have fled fear of their lives to return to their country to a new beginning to work together toward a common goal while respecting diversity. Synergy does not mean, as some claim, that everyone must think and act the same way all the time. There is no reason not to reach a broad consensus on issues relating to the national interest despite differences of opinion on other issues. Just as the EPRDF has a set of political agendas, rival parties and other parties are too. So synergy does not mean in any case all in one. Understanding the concept in this spirit contributes greatly to the achievement of peace, democracy and prosperity.

At this critical juncture in modern history of Ethiopia, intellectuals trained in political and social science must guide the public as well as the instigators of change in the right direction. They have much to contribute in terms of informed decisions, as the country strives to bring fundamental reforms at all levels. If everyone who rides on the train of change knows only the starting point, but not the destination, the journey would be useless, the change does not materialize from nothing; it requires action guided by proven principles. This implies, inter alia, institution-building, respect for legality, ensuring that the process of change is not diverted by elements that benefit from it and the introduction of a system of checks and balances. counterweight in order to avoid abuse. the power of the state. But in particular, it is of utmost importance to facilitate the unhindered exercise of freedom of thought and expression, given that some compatriots who have defended this right are now trying to silence anyone do not subscribe to their belief. The famous saying of Voltaire, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend until death your right to say it" reminds us that holding various points of view is something that should be cherished and jealously guarded. This is precisely why nothing should precede peace and democracy.