IHMS COMMENTARY
Why Confused Democracy in Ethiopia?
By Prof. Abdi Khalil
There is nothing new about the human quest for liberty, justice and freedom in the diverse cultures and political traditions of the world and to that matter in Ethiopia. This quest is in fact the essence of human history. It has also been said the that the problem of the 20th century was color line, while that of 21st century is inhumanity, which is flourishing all over the world including in Ethiopia. The sources of this evil act are ignorance coupled with tribalism and arrogance. As a litmus test, it is visible and deliberately has manifested itself in Ethiopia, particularly in Harar. The regional state of Harar, unlike other regional states in Ethiopia, has been deprived almost of everything. Water pipe lines were shut down, garbage disposal systems were blocked, women and children were harassed and abused, and the citizens are in sieged in all aspects of their livelihoods – be it social, political and economic activities. All these manifest soullessness and inhumanity against the land of love and peace!
One would wonder, why? A number of factors contributed to these phenomena, including dysfunctional federal system at grass root level, ethnocentric leadership, the utter inefficiency and grudging political dispensation, agitation by forces promising democratic reforms, paralyzed justice system and manifestations of thorny ethnocentric and ignorant minds. The despotic justice system, the whittling away of central power at grass root levels, as well as, the neglect of minorities by federal government has opened the political space for anarchism, mafias, gangsters and senseless groups with their agenda of looting, confiscating properties and lands, as well as, abusing the citizens of Harar, in general. The good guys or youth who struggled and shed their bloods for democracy, equality and equity has been overtaken by the few herds of inhumane groups. Not surprisingly, evil always succeeds when the righteous keep quiet!
I appeal to humanity conscious federal and regional leaders (there are some!), the local youth groups, the grass root leaders, Ethiopian Human Right Commission, the Ministry of Peace (save the City of Peace!), UN Commission on Human Rights (its Sub Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities), the International Commission of Jurists, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights must act now before the extinction of the regional Harari state, which was UNESCO’s Heritage site with its unique tradition, culture and language. Prevention is the best cure and the time is now to prevent such callous attacks!
Harar is the smallest regional state with a population of less than 200, 000, in which about 20, 000 are Hararis. This is the ethnic group that is target by few soulless groups, as well as, neglected by the federal government for immature motives and no apparent reasons. The day to day assorted abuses, harassments, psychological tortures and confiscation of properties and land are unbearable for the citizens. As has been documented and broadcasted by FANA’s TV (November 2018), there are already ample evidences of the illegal land grabbing and confiscation of properties in Harar. This must be stopped immediately by those who struggle for equality and human dignity in Ethiopia. The protective function, we know that it can at least halt some of the inhumane activities taking place. Education may be the long-term (perhaps even the only real) hope for progress towards more humane societies in Ethiopia. In the short term, however, with the enlightened local, regional and federal officials, the egregious abuses must be halted now! And the Hararis and Citizens of Harar, as well as, true Ethiopians who believe that Harar is the silicon valley of love and peace in Ethiopia will continue their unabated struggle for its survival and dignity.
Recently, it was noted that if just a couple of phone calls from federal and regional officials restored and resumed the supply of water to Harar temporarily, it is just additional ‘Good Will” that will prevent all the crises and restore justice and humanity in Harar. Good leadership goes beyond color line, shape of faces, political revenge, ethnocentric and apartheid mindset! Remember, Mandela! He is the icon of reconciliation, forgiveness and humanity! We, the Ethiopians, can also collectively replicate or emulate Mandela’s legacy in Ethiopia to have peace and prosperity for all. Ethiopia can adequately accommodate the 83+ tribes if positive, sharing and caring mind sets are reset or cultivated in the population!
Also remember always, why are we created in different shapes, sizes and colors? Whether we like it or not, the differences are always there, and to be from a particular tribe is not anyone’s choice. There is wisdom behind assorted human differences externally. ‘The Creator has created different nations or tribes to know each other’, and ‘He chose diversity in plan and unity in action’ so that humanity flourishes harmoniously. This is where our patience, tolerance and equality are tested. Anything short of this, leads to inhumanity! As the saying goes that the eyes are of little use if the mind is blind. Let’s defuse tribalism, marginalization and attempting to implant monocultural superiority, and instead infuse multiculturalism, harmony and humanity for peace and prosperity for all.