IHMS COMMENTARY
ETHIOPIAS’S DIRECTIONLESS AND SINKING POLITICS
Written by a Friend of Minorities
Government without plan and ignoring the majority of the minorities will end up being chaotic, and bound to collapse leading the country to atrocities and massacre. Undeniably, these manifestations are witnessed around the globe. Likewise, Ethiopia is going to the downward progress with its multidimensional and layered non-inclusive politics. Faking and constructing fictitious history through various political agents will take the country nowhere. It is hypocrisy at its best that got us to the verge of destruction today!
One of the main reasons is the manifestation of pull-push effects of two political extreme forces in today’s Ethiopia. Call it arrogance-ignorance political ideologies. Or, politics of forceful marginalization and politics of non-inclusive autonomy! Or, politics of backward assimilation in the name of synergy and politics of moving nowhere with domination in the name democracy.
Both are unhealthy since they totally ignore minorities and diversity in the country. They are toxic and dangerous as both extremes violate equity, equality and diversity. They both are against Nature. The natural phenomenon has opted to display itself as inclusive and diverse nations and nationalities with unity in action regardless of shape, form, looks and location of the entire Ethiopia population.
The current political turmoil in Ethiopia could squarely be blamed on weak, myopic and tribally fixated leadership. The leadership with double-edged standard and full of denial of the facts on the ground. It ignores the rules, and law and order in the country. Silently endorses miscarriages of social justice. Creating mistrust among its population and making peace as farfetched throughout the country! No security at all levels!
Leadership is about relationships with its diverse population. Successful leadership is measured by the strength of that relationship, and that relationship in Ethiopia is only with one or two ethnic groups because of numeric egos among its politicians. Leadership is about, first and foremost, upholding law and order, and providing security for all regardless of their social group identity and affiliations! Ethiopia has lost a lot socially, politically and economically since early 2018 and it is a sinking ship with confused Capitan consumed with personal glory; busy with impressing international political consumers. The leadership presented a fine exterior at the very beginning of the so-called transformation era. It tried to win the confidence of everyone, as that it has no scruples in telling lies; and apparently expressing agreement with everyone. Its words are fair-spoken, and as a truth does not check its tongue, its flattery and deception knew no bounds. But all this is on the outside. As the leadership has no sincerity and nothing that it says or does is worth anything.
This hypocritical leadership attitude reminds me my discussion with my late dad about the hypocrites in Mecca. He put it simply that ‘good timber is strong in itself and can support roofs and buildings. Hollow timber is useless. The hypocrites are like rotten timber. They have no firm character themselves and for others they are unsafe props to rely upon.’ In almost two years, the Ethiopian leadership has proved nothing but its hollowness. No political substance and sustenance in any form in the country!
Internally, Ethiopia is bleeding and bleeding badly. Its population is terrified and confused. Uncertainty is everywhere and it has become risky for investors, development partners; and most of all for its larger segment of the minority social groups that are suffering the most, and taking the brunt of the political turmoil!
Let me remind you by quoting O’Connor, “Uncertainty is uncomfortable for everyone, but even more so for leaders. So much depends on getting it right, but you may not know what is right and cannot decide what to do until you have a direction. You may as well be at the helm of a mini-submarine in the deepest, darkest part of the ocean. You are ready to deal with whatever is out there, but you need to see what it is before you can.” To have direction, the leadership must widely consult and have dialogue with all segments of the population to come out of irresponsible political behaviors so that the leadership can have visible direction! Hoping the insignificant arrogant, unaccountable, ignorant and thoughtless politicians redirect their political discourse to avoid atrocities, massacre and genocide in the country.
Ethiopia’s leadership is in its darkest political ocean because it has ignored the vast segment of the population, and it should realize and come back to its political sense by finding the middle ground of these two extreme political views and ideologies. Perhaps, the alternative is to disassemble Ethiopia peacefully through constitutional rights and re-assemble it again through referendum of its autonomous states to create the new Emirates of Ethiopia, which includes all, respects all and humanity at its core.
Let me wind-up my commentary by saying ‘Do not destroy the beautiful and diverse people of Ethiopia.” The minorities are helplessly watching and remain neutral as they do not get involved in the two extreme political discourse. No ethnic or social group is superior to any other ethnic or social group regardless of its size or look. We are all human. Ethiopia’s political elites must control their emotional leadership attitude, and focus on the need of the people. Otherwise, it is suffice to remember the parable of Pharaoh and it is a matter of time. The universal truth is that this world’s strength, skills, beauty and power are like a spider’s web, flimsy before the eternal verities.
Until we meet next time, use humanity as a guiding principle in your hearts to guide Ethiopia in the right direction for peaceful co-existence!