IHMS COMMENTARY
On the Views of the New Harari Regional State President
Written by Professor Abdi Khalil
Welcome to IHMS, Raeesi Ordin. As Harari Regional State President, it is commendable that you have sifted out the current Harari political affairs, speculations and outlined your party’s vision as a responsible Harari citizen and leader. The exclusive interview with IHMS was significant and tandem development for all.
Of the comprehensive interview and discussion I had followed on IHMS, there are a number of Harari current affairs that caught my attention and would like to comment on one or two issues as a concerned Harari, and thinking of the future of Harar and Hararis. In fact, Mr. President, as a leader of the Harari National League (HNL), you have attempted to clear out some speculations and revealed some reform items; reviewing the League’s ideology pinning around liberal democracy, representative democracy or social democracy to align HNL to the reformation or transformation taking place in Ethiopia. I beg to ask, what is HNL’s position? How does NHL’s ideological choice match to most Hararis’ expectations and political views? Have you consulted the Harari people in Ethiopia and around the globe, which form of democracy or other systems of governance they might opt for? What are their political inputs? Are you in touch with the local youth in hearing their grievances and political views?
Noting that there is no ‘perfect’ democracy; however, as a party it ought to adopt systems of democracy that upholds the rights of individuals, implement the rule of law, and humanity at its core. Whatever the ideology might be, its relevance to Harar should be to protect Harar’s ‘Harda Nurzew’ – deenzew, aadazew, senanze’wa dashizew at any cost!
At the same time, it is sad to know that under clear sky, Ethiopia is not even remotely close to be a democratic country as it was witnessed in the currently released Democracy Index 2018, which placed Ethiopia at the bottom 10 out of 165 countries around the globe. In fact, according to the Economist Intelligent Unit (EIU) Democracy Index, EIU is a snapshot of the state of world democracy for 165 independent states and two territories. The Democracy Index is based on five categories: electoral process and pluralism; civil liberties; the functioning of government; political participation; and political culture. Based on their scores on 60 indicators within these categories, each country is then itself classified as one of four types of regime: full democracy; flawed democracy; hybrid regime; and authoritarian regime. Ethiopia is positioned at the very bottom category as Authoritarian regime.
This is a vivid evidence and demonstration that why the country is consumed with tribal violence, abuse of minorities and miscarriages of justice, and most of all implying how the federal government ignores the rights of the minorities and failing in the application of democratic principles, and rule of law in the country. Behold of security and peace first to take the first step towards a democratic system!
Mr. President, if I may concur with you for a moment with an illustrative example you had compared; the vision of an eagle and that of a chicken. Splendid indeed! Your curiosity coupled with transparency is informative and unprecedented for some daydreaming and unrealistic Hararis, who so often expect things to be done for them without their involvement and contributions to Harar’s social, economic and political discourses. We, at IHMS have clear mission that Hararis must unite locally, regional and globally under the banner of ‘Harar and Hararis only’ regardless of ideological and other humanly differences. We, Hararis, are at the crossroad – extinction or not. Unless we change ourselves, no one will change us to protect our identity and hence the survival of Harar. Without Harar there are no Hararis and the future of the new generation is in danger without our immediate unity and responsible actions in support of Harar and the Harari cause. We, at IHMS, also committed to broadcast assorted views, without taking side, from Hararis and non-Hararis alike who are concerned about Harar and its future.
Coming back from my digression, let me concentrate on another issue you have raised. It touches on Ethiopia’s Prime Minister recent comments when he met with the five affiliated parties (Somali, Harari, Afar, Benshangul gumuz and perhaps Gambella) in Addis. He reiterated that along the five affiliates, the big four[1] (Amhara, Oromo, Tigray and Debub) parties intend and plan to merge and form a new national party with perhaps new name, not Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). What are my views?
Noting the ethnocracy, Pharaonic and hypocritical attitudes of the current regime as repeatedly demonstrated by neglecting the abysmal human tragedies, and the democratic rights of the minorities, I beg to differ from your opinion of painting a rosy picture about the relationship and siding with EPRDF 100%. Here, I would like to pose questions to you and HNL executive members; how do the five affiliates including the Harari National League could ally or merge with EPRDF to form a new national party without considering their optimal political needs? How does the merging benefit them and change the status quo? How do these parties restore the deterioration of trust with the so-called big four they had in the last many odd years? How do they maximize their individual interest when forming the so-called new national party? What are the strategies and tactical mechanisms they have to put forward for unexpected changes? Are they considering some endless possibilities and opportunities that may arise to have relation with other parties outside of EPRDF realm? Most of all, Raees Ordin, share the view with the sister parties to form a common party, which would save all of you from being marginalized and become ‘political beggars” again?
It is only a myopic person or party that repeats the same mistake ever and anon. The big four always work for their own interests, and make others to revolve around them with dependency syndrome orbit so that the big four would continue to have a complete control on the affiliates. It is time to judge the future from the past, and it is high time to cautiously merge or form the so-called national party by focusing on the need and interests of the regional peoples, as well.
Courageously, it is time to put disclaimers when striking a deal with the big four, and making it clear that regardless of the collaboration and formation of the new national party, the Harari National League should avoid, by any means, to be a permanent member of the would-be national party. NHL should be dynamic, flexible, forward looking, as well as, disclaim exit strategy that would allow it to withdraw, leave, separate or join any other party in Ethiopia at any opportune time as its political need may arise. NHL should be alert NOT to be molded and constrained by hyperbolic promises, and strangle itself in EPRDF’s undemocratic nest. Here, NHL should not be the chicken you have exemplified when it is striking a merging deal! Avoid assimilation and being marginalized but integration based on equity and equality!
Alternatively, the five affiliates or sister parties may opt to form their own alliance or own common party, which may have louder voice that would give them an edge or leverage to promote their interest with the big four (Amhara, Oromo, Tigray and Dabub parties). The five sister parties should or must consider to have common strategic and tactical agenda; as the saying goes “Unity is strength”, and let NHL unite with the affiliates (sister parties) to have dynamic perspective and optimal outcome from the merging deal. Especially the Harari National League should not remiss its duty to Harar and Hararis, as well as repeat the same mistake when Harar is at the crossroad now! NHL should NOT be taken hostage or remain dormant to be used by EPRDF or by the new national party for another many odd years.
Lastly, with Hararis’ maximum efforts, determinations and teamwork, I always believe that Allah will cleave the depth darkness and produce light, and therefore, all Hararis should cast off fear and take refuge in divine guidance and goodness. Let’s have positive attitude and change the tonic water into lemonade! The time is now!
Until we meet via IHMS written or other forums on other issues you have raised; Raeesi Ordin, exert your maximum efforts to keep Harar and its residents safe and secured for now. Keep consulting and listening to the people, especially the youth to do the right thing, to have implementable policies and actions to benefit all.
In the near future, IHMS Pulse 700 (Sati beqla) segment will air ‘Is Ethiopia ready for democracy? Opportunities and Threats for minorities.” There will be research analysis and discussions based on past and current experiences in Ethiopia, as well as, voices from Diaspora. Be alert, it is coming soon!
[1] Quantity wise!