Ethiopian reform cuts corrupt, complex chains away: PM Abiy Ahmed (PhD)

Feb 03, 2020; Addis Ababa: The reform that Ethiopia began to undergo under the new leadership has cut the improper, illegal and complex web of network which potentially challenged the reform; Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said.

The Premier said this to the 1^st special sitting of the 5^th tenure of the House of Peoples’ Representatives of the FDRE, which actually was televised live and attended by the diplomats, based in the Capital along with the religious leaders and invited guests. His elucidation of the stance of government was based-on various enquiries from MPs.

“The illegal networks of people encircled in a close-knit group made the state fall in the hands of individuals. The fabric which the networks were interwoven was so much entangled to one another to the extent that challenged the reformers from where to begin: the cut-away task. It was a clique like coalition based-on ethnic affiliations which can be invigorated and down-played whenever the major actors wanted it to resonate that way”; Abiy elaborated.

While the sphere of influence by the networks was intensified on one side, the Ethiopian reform continued to release the political prisoners and repatriate the militant groups based abroad on the other side; the Premier reminded. Likewise, he added; some broadcasters which were exposed to relentless jams were made free to disseminate info of their interest. And more importantly, despite the unceasing influence of the networks, suppressive proclamations were amended for the better outcomes of the nation, he recalled.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, (PhD), also disclosed; the predominant source for most of the Ethiopian challenges was the governing party itself. Hence, the reform’s headache was assimilating the structure, strategy and system that enhance the reform agenda; the Premier pointed-out. So, to be able to shoulder the huge responsibility of leading the nation; “New wine in new wineskins” became the principle of the reform, as to him.

Regarding the peace and stability enquiries from the MPs, the Premier said; the Federal government is under jurisdiction by law not to intervene to the regional governments’ jurisdiction except grave human rights violation, invasion and request for support is forwarded from them. Yet, it is exerting all efforts ultimately to stabilize the nation, he added.

The case of abductees currently under discussion is going one of the burning issues and tasks that the government is carrying-out, he cleared. But the problem with recent abduction of citizens unlike Al-Qaeda or Boko-Haram is, no group bears responsibility for kidnapping, the Premier said. Yet, he said; the government has no Intel-based info about any harm to the abductees and it is working to avoid any harm.

Whatsoever, the Ethiopian reform prioritizes discussions, dialogues and disputes to resolve conflicts at any corner just for the peaceful existence of everyone in the nation, Abiy Ahmed (PhD), clarified. Though, it becomes a must to get involved in actions of law enforcement whenever radical powers cling to their sectarian position, he affirmed.

The Premier contrasted the behaviour of a calf roped so long and released with the current politics and its actors in the Ethiopian context. Though animal and human in nature; both get too joyous and enjoy their liberation without borders. None of them consider the “No man’s land” in the middle. That is exactly the scenario in Ethiopia, the Premier assured.

The reform redeemed Ethiopia from sinking, the Premier said. And yet, redemption along with other reformatory activities are badly needed to bring back the nation, he pointed. In spite of the current challenges, the country will prosper; the Premier wholeheartedly spoke.

The Premier responded to the privatization case of his government by mentioning the last 20 years experience of the nation. Ethiopia privatized 2 hundred 87 government organizations for 49 Billion Eth Birr, he disclosed. Hence, he said; the privatization embarked recently is the practice of the Ethiopian government for the last 20 years.

Ethio-Telecom, which was engulfed in credit for the last 8 years, has now become one of the major income sources for the government with revenue of 27 Billion Eth Birr, after paying back its credit, Dr Abiy explained.

The Premier provided facts with numbers that show how far his government has been engaged in changing the lives of citizens on the ground apart from the figures related growth and development reports before the reform. He mentioned the activities entertained by the various sectors of his government to the MPs and urged them to conduct stricter and close follow-ups for the sake of the benefit of citizens as a whole.

By Asrat Addisu

      House writer