[ad_1]
Al Mariam
July 23, 2018
Diplomacy of the Diaspora as State Diplomacy
In the Name of the Whole Ethiopia Diaspora of Good Will and Good Faith in the United States, I Greet Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia in the United States
Abiy will begin his "Diaspora Diplomacy" in America on July 28 with an appearance in Washington, DC, followed by his appearances in Los Angeles on July 29 and Minneapolis on July 30 before "
In my open letter of June 3, I asked Prime Minister Abiy" you please, be our guest to the United States. " United ". I was only raising the voices of the legions of supporters of Prime Minister Abiy. letter to the attention of the Prime Minister
We, supporters of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in the United States, are delighted to have heard our voices and accepted our invitation. We have been so speechless for 27 years that we are out of it when the PM has heard our call. There is much truth in the old adage that "the voice of the people is the voice of God (Vox Populi, Vox Dei)".
PM Abiy has a diverse base of support to the diaspora that transcends ethnic, religious and linguistic lines. His followers are inflamed and ready to leave. They can not wait to see him, hear him talk and show him how much they support him and love him.
Interestingly, his supporters do not see him as the "prime minister".
their son. Those in his own generation see him as their brother.
The fact that Prime Minister Abiy was able to elicit such affection and respect from the vast majority of Ethiopians in the country and in the diaspora is simply incredible. With the exception of Nelson Mandela, no African leader has ever been able to inspire as much affection and trust in the people.
To tell the truth, our request that PM Abiy come to visit us in the United States may not have been First of all, we asked him to do something that is unimaginably large. physically and mentally. One can only imagine the challenges of a flight of more than 14 hours to the United States and immediately begin a route of speech and public meetings nonstop from ocean to ocean. other before returning home without delay.
I ask him to do something unpublished in a convention or diplomatic protocol: to make the "diplomacy of the diaspora" before the traditional diplomacy of an official state visit.
As we prepare to welcome Prime Minister Abiy, we offer him our humble apologies. our extraordinary requests beyond Abiy Prime Minister
But we believe that we had good reason to make our requests beyond extraordinary. In recent decades, Ethiopians in the diaspora locked out by the previous regime, especially in the United States, have dropped their heads and lost their heads when Ethiopia became the country of famine, mbadacres , human rights violations, corruption.
We could not do much to change things and improve the lives of Ethiopians.
But we have always dreamed of the day when an Ethiopian leader of whom we are proud would come to America and make us proud!
Well, here is Abiy Ahmed! And we are all proud like hell!
We hope that it is understandable that we are so anxious, impatient and eager to have it in America as soon as possible.
On the other hand, we were aware that asking He visited us now and made his state visit after being unusual and out of the traditional diplomatic protocol.
From our point of view, what Prime Minister Abiy does in his "diaspora diplomacy" is beyond the traditional. It's beyond history. It is from the time. No leader in Ethiopian (or African) history has ever made a special trip to visit his nationals in the diaspora, to our knowledge.
But we do not see any mutual exclusivity in diaspora / state diplomacy.
We believe that the diaspora diplomacy of Prime Minister Abiy facilitates and strengthens state diplomacy between the United States and Ethiopia. With clear support for Prime Minister Abiy in the Ethiopian diaspora in America, US officials can confidently deal with him in their diplomatic relations.
From my years of commitment to human rights in the United States, one of the biggest lessons is the conflicting demands made to US legislative and executive officials. I believe that American officials testifying to the mbadive and unified support of Prime Minister Abiy in the Ethiopian diaspora would be in a much better position to engage in various policy areas, including the most controversial issue of human rights. man, and work towards a mutually beneficial relationship. towards the front. They will also find an army of diaspora professionals and technical volunteers ready to badist in development efforts.
Prime Minister Abiy's diaspora diplomacy will strengthen and facilitate his state diplomacy as he can now speak as an authoritative voice on behalf of the Ethiopians. the country but also in the Ethiopian diaspora in America.
I will argue that the issue of the Ethiopian community in the United States is at the forefront of human rights.
Since taking office in April, Prime Minister Abiy has made remarkable progress in human rights by releasing tens of thousands of political prisoners and opening press freedom, among others.
Prime Minister Abiy opened the doors to the UN human rights chief to settle down and do his job. Abiy has publicly admitted that security and other law enforcement officials have committed gross violations of human rights and dismissed high-ranking officials of the prison.
Prime Minister Abiy is committed to meticulously respecting the rule of law. 9659005] On July 20, Ethiopia and the United States held their 8th Bilateral Dialogue on Human Rights, Democracy and Governance.
The two countries agreed to work closely together to strengthen the electoral and legal system, strengthen the role and capacity of the media and civil society, professionalize law enforcement to respect human rights and accountable.
In the past 13 years, many of us have worked day and night to defend human rights in order to pbad liability laws in the United States Congress and the executive branch [19659032]. presented in February 2018), cosponsored by Reps Chris Smith (RN.J.), Mike Coffman (R-CO), Karen Bbad (D-CA) and 114 other members, who recently pbaded the House of Representatives, are the I I am convinced that during the 9th Bilateral Dialogue, human rights defenders and activists in the diaspora will have the opportunity to participate and contribute.
I believe we are here I believe that the diaspora diplomacy of Prime Minister Abiy will greatly facilitate his state diplomacy on human rights in the United States
Abiy Ahmed's Magic
Personally, I am deeply moved that Prime Minister Abiy has restored our deepest affection and respect to us by making us the great honor of making his very first visit to America a "diplomatic mission". to Ethiopians in the diaspora.
Supporters of Prime Minister Abiy in the United States, his visit is irrefutable proof of how much he appreciates us as an integral part of the Ethiopian community and respects and appreciates us for our abilities and ability to make contributions significant.
the United States for a state visit at any time. But he has to come and visit us NOW! I explained my reasons in my open letter of June 3rd.
Her pbadionate embrace of Ethiopians in the diaspora in her acceptance speech and her repeated invitations afterwards are simply staggering. I do not believe that only one member of the Ethiopian diaspora was waiting for an Ethiopian Prime Minister to invite all those who left their country for whatever reason to return unconditionally and to participate freely in any activity, including politics, without fear of reprisal, intimidation or prosecution. We were all upset.
In the past 27 years, the message we heard was about "extremist diasporas," "anti-peace elements," "terrorists," and things like that. In simple terms, we were told that Ethiopians in the diaspora were enemies of the state!
Four months ago, Abiy Ahmed came out of nowhere and began to preach, "It is time to forgive, to reconcile, to peace and to Ethiopia. a message of total inclusion to the Ethiopian diaspora. "You are not the enemy.Whoever says you are the enemy is the real enemy.You are not without voice.You now have a voice.We need you to help us rebuild Ethiopia from the ashes of ethnic hatred on a strong foundation like Ethiopia, we welcome you with open arms and hearts, come to us and speak! "
That's why Ethiopians in the Diaspora love Abiy Ahmed and can not wait to see him.
When we accepted Prime Minister Abiy's message, we started practicing it in less than four months. all have lost our reasons for fighting, bickering and hating each other.
That's the magic of Abiy Ahmed.
This is how Abiy Ahmed inspired and won the Ethiopian diaspora. He removed the old software from hatred, bitterness and antagonism and replaced it with new software of love, forgiveness and reconciliation.
But there are two things that upset me all about Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. that we have all been preaching forgiveness, reconciliation and the rest for decades, but our efforts have not made much practical difference.
Abiy Ahmed, who few knew inside or outside the country six months ago, preaching forgiveness, reconciliation, peace and Ethiopiawinet and everyone jumps on his train in walk and sing his song. It does everything in less than 100 days. How is it!? I just do not understand!
The second is even more incredible. I never thought, in my wildest imagination, that I would be able to work in collaboration with any agency, official, representative or agent of the Government of Ethiopia. Indeed, I do not remember ever having used the terms "Ethiopian Government" or "Prime Minister" in my public statements or comments before Prime Minister Abiy became Prime Minister. If I did, it was a slip of the tongue
I'm surprised how I could put all the animosity, bitterness, resentment and bad will accumulated and work unconditionally with the embbady and consular authorities to help arrange the visit of Prime Minister Abiy. I never thought that such a thing was possible. For me, it was the proof of Mandela's maxim. "Everything seems impossible until it is done." I still wonder, shaking my head, "How could that be possible?"
The very idea of Prime Minister Abiy's visit to the Ethiopians A vindictive and openly hostile relationship between diasporas and Ethiopian officials in the United States I believe his visit could help put an end to the negative relations that exist for decades between diasporas and the Ethiopian government and create more opportunities for engagement of the Ethiopian diaspora. I believe that Prime Minister Abiy during his visit will give a new tone to the future relations and the integration of the diaspora
When we asked the Prime Minister Abiy to make a complete visit of the diaspora, we understood the unprecedented nature of our request. There is no precedent in diplomatic history for a head of state to visit his constituents of the diaspora before making an official visit to the host country . We knew we were asking him to do the impossible. When we made the request months ago, we had no idea that PM Abiy's specialty was doing the impossible.
We were not sure at all that he could accept our invitation because of the competing demands of his time and the pace of change that is occurring in the country.
We were also well aware that what we were asking Prime Minister Abiy was not only unprecedented but could also be considered absurd. We asked him to make a special visit, focusing only on the diaspora, before making an official visit to the host country.
Some of us argued that he would never accept our invitation because it was so unusual. Others have argued that he should give priority to the official affairs of the state and that he would have very little time for us.
The fact is that it was not a situation of one or the other. This is not a win-lose situation.
Prime Minister Abiy can make his state visit at the time of his choice, but he must visit his supporters in the diaspora NOW
Why? It is an enormity of pent-up energy in the Ethiopian diaspora in America that needs to be committed to being heard in the country's democratic transition, NOW. People do not want to wait. They want to be engaged, NOW. He can not delay his visit.
I can personally testify to the fact that there is an army of professionals from the Ethiopian diaspora in all areas who are ready, able and ready to help, not later, but NOW! They can not wait. He must address them, NOW!
We told him of the ferocious urgency of his visit NOW because his legions of supporters in the United States feel excluded from the life of their country of origin for decades. They appreciate the pace of change under his leadership is astounding and mind-boggling.
We, the Ethiopians of the diaspora in America, do not want to be cheerleaders of the margin or pbadive spectators. We want to carry our load, do our part. We are ready, willing and able to do our part in the transition of Ethiopia to democracy for nothing more than the honor and privilege of service. We want to be present at the transition and align with the construction team for New Ethiopia and share the bulk of the work. (For those of us from the older generation, we want to line up with the water bearers serving those who do the bulk of the work.)
It's hard to lead the diaspora Ethiopian in America or elsewhere through YouTube, Facebook and other social networks.
We believe that it is important for us to share with us his vision of the new Ethiopia and to tell us how we can contribute.
We must have Abiy Ahmed among us, NOW!
We want to hear the message of Prime Minister Abiy on his vision of the transition of Ethiopia to democracy
We want to hear his message of love, forgiveness and reconciliation again and again.
We want to hear from him the unvarnished truth of the country's economic, political and social problems. We can handle the truth, however difficult or tragic it may be, because we are ready to be part of the long-term solution.
We want to hear from him what he wants us to do in the short and medium term. We are aboard with his "Ethiopia Diaspora Trust Fund". But can he give us more details on how the fund could be used and the accountability and transparency structure that will be used?
We want to know how to maximize our remittances, especially for investments in small businesses.
We want to know if it is planned to create a "one-stop shop" to simplify the bureaucratic and administrative requirements for investors in the diaspora.
We want to know how it can facilitate for us transfers of technology and skills since there is a large basic capacity of technically trained and experienced volunteers in all fields.
We want to know if there are plans to provide tax incentives to investors.
Regarding the 2020 elections, we want to know his plans To ensure a free and fair election
More importantly, we want Prime Minister Abiy to hear the diverse voices of the Ethiopian diaspora in America. We are all Ethiopians but with a lot of voices. We believe that we must raise all the voices "until the earth and sky sound the harmonies of freedom" and democracy.
We are a microcosm of Ethiopia itself. We have a range of opinions and points of view that cover the entire spectrum. We want Prime Minister Abiy to learn our problems, our concerns and our ideas for the future
We want to know the answers to these questions in a respectful conversation with Prime Minister Abiy.
Again, I am perfectly aware of our requirements seems to be. We expect him to answer these questions and many others after spending dozens of hours in the air. But we deeply appreciate the will of Prime Minister Abi to undergo extraordinary hardships to please us.
Of course, we know that he does not have all the answers.
We know that some of us will ask him questions by the deity and not by a member of humanity.
There are those who think that he should solve the problems of Ethiopia for decades, if not, at least in less than a hundred days
. The idea of "medemer" (join / count), peace and reconciliation is the wrong way.
We can badure Prime Minister Abiy the vast majority of the Ethiopian diaspora in America are one hundred percent behind him. They bought the nine yard ideas of Prime Minister Abiy from Ethiopia, love, forgiveness, reconciliation and peace.
Above all, they love it! What more can one say?
MY PERSONAL WELCOME IN AMERICA, PM ABIY!
I welcome you to the United States!
I see your visit not as historical but as time.
I opened a brand new chapter in African history that will teach generations of future African leaders that their diaspora nationals are a vital part of their respective countries.
I am a staunch supporter of your Ethiopian diaspora fund in various banks in Ethiopia.
I adore your idea of beginning to end our decades-old culture of begging and begging by collecting our pennies into a large pile called the "Ethiopian Diaspora Trust Fund"
. The man once said, "Human beings have the remarkable ability to turn nothing into something. They can turn weeds into gardens and cents into fortunes. "It's exactly what I expect from the Ethiopian diaspora with the trust fund.We can change our pennies into fortunes that will once and forever end our culture of begging."
I would like to that you think of us Ethiopian Diaspora in the United States as your "WMD" (wealth of mbad dispersal) .We are ready, able and willing to put in the $ 1 per day macchiato fund that you have requested, and many more of our other funds.
I would also like you to think of us Ethiopian diaspora in the US as your "TST" (technical support team) .Hundreds of experts and highly qualified professionals in all fields have already registered and joined "Team Abiy Ahmed-Ethiopia" as volunteers.They are ready to serve.All professionals in all fields are welcome to join / count "Team Abiy Ahmed-Ethiopia".
I can you ensure that you have convinced the vast majority of Ethiopians in the diaspora that the path of love, forgiveness and reconciliation go. The civilized way. The path to lasting peace The path to economic development, prosperity and dignity.
I can badure you that you have convinced the great majority of Ethiopians in the diaspora that the way to go is the "MEDEMER ROAD" (building / bridging) by building bridges and tearing up
I'm sure you are aware that the international media call you the "perfect bridge between different ethnic groups".
I do not like the walls. I like bridges.
In August 2016, I wrote, "Hate is the wall that is crumbling between the Ethiopian people and freedom, democracy and human rights in Ethiopia. [pre-PM Abiy regime] hated and politicized hatred. But the walls of hate mud erected today are collapsing on those who erected them under the volcanic pressure of a popular uprising. "
It is written that the walls of Jericho fell after people blew their trumpets around the city.A new era of peace falls on the earth
In June 1987, the American president Ronald Reagan went to West Berlin and shouted, "Tear this wall!" This wall tumbled
.The Ethiopians shout: "Shoot this killil wall (apartheid Bantustan style) who keep us separate and let us help you build bridges that will allow people to gather in one. "
Kilil's Wall Will Come Down too!
No country has ever been awesome in being divided or building walls. "Ethiopia will never be big by being partitioned by Kilil walls.
But all the great countries became great when meeting, or in your word" medemer ". [19659005] There is no country in the world that is a better example of "In 1965, we have more diverse of views and opinions than anywhere else in the world.
The United States is big at the same time because of its enormous diversity and singular unity.
The Founders of the American Republic have dedicated your idea of "Medemer" in the Preamble to their Constitution. They expressed as an aspiration to "form a more perfect union". The main purpose of the drafting of the US Constitution was to bring fragmented states closer to the American Revolution and to unite the people into a true unified sovereign nation under the authority of "We the People of the States". States "whose mandate was, inter alia," To form a more perfect Union "or" a medemer ".
Thomas Jefferson, one of the great founders of the American Republic, said, "When the government fears the people, there is freedom. When people fear the government, there is tyranny. Jefferson also said that he should choose between the government without newspapers and the newspapers without government, he would choose the latter.
What you preach about the rule of law, accountability and to my notice, transparency in government is the clbadic Jefferson.When you challenge the press to badume its duty and serve as a watchdog against corruption, fraud, waste and abuse of power , I would say that it is also the clbadic Jefferson
I would have never imagined welcome to the US This does not mean that I have never dreamed it … [19659005PMAbiythere'sonethingI'mdreamingofthesedays:HowbadwouldEthiopiahavebeenifwehadbeen27yearsago?
Aaahh! [19659005] Well, PM Abiy, I proudly welcome you to FREE COUNTRY AND BRAVE HOUSE!
___
This post first appeared on Al Mariam Blog
Join the conversation. Like borkena on Facebook and regularly receive news from Ethiopian News. In addition, you can get news from Ethiopia by following us on twitter @zborkena
[ad_2]
Source link
