|
P.M.
Meles Zenawi’s Legacy
Engineer
Ghirma
January
7, 2008
P.M. Meles Zenawi is the
right person at the right time to be leading Ethiopia today. He
will always be remembered as the leader who is on course for
restoring Ethiopia’s proud history in its totality, with the
help of other Ethiopians who shared the same national vision.
On Governance
With the leadership of
P.M. Meles Zenawi, Ethiopia has been forever transformed into a
country of Nations and Nationalities with equal rights per the
Ethiopian Constitution. The Nations and Nationalities of Ethiopia
are self-governing entities which decide what is best for their
citizens. Ethiopians can be proud of their diverse languages,
religions, and cultures. What a beautiful concept! Ethiopia under
P.M. Meles Zenawi’s leadership has evolved as a democratic
nation which would have been unthinkable to contemplate prior to
1991.
On Economic Development
I cannot say enough about
the ongoing booming economic development that is evident in
Ethiopia. It is everywhere! One has to see it in order to believe it.
I must admit that I was
overwhelmed by the transformation of the agricultural sector. I
know first-hand that Ethiopian farmers are by far the most obvious
beneficiaries, thanks to P.M. Meles/EPRDF’s “pro-farmers”
stance. Indeed,
Ethiopian farmers have come a long way since the Neftegna era of
the past. It seems like only yesterday when farmers were virtual
slaves under the previous feudal system and the misguided policies
of the vicious DERG regime. Now farmers are a political block to
be reckoned with. Gone are the days of starvation ever since the
concept of “food security” was adopted by the EPRDF government
of P.M. Meles Zenawi.
Local and foreign
investment in the agriculture sector is huge. It is no longer just
about coffee export anymore: Ethiopia is exporting cut flowers,
fruits and vegetables, as well as a range of various other new
crops, agricultural products and byproducts. The application of
irrigation has enabled farmers to double or triple their crop
output and to venture into new crops such as rice;
consequently, many farmers have literally become millionaires.
P.M. Meles has recognized those hard-working farmers as national
heroes and presented them with Medals of Honor!
Every sector of the
economy, be it health, education, infrastructure including
electric power, telephone communication, and the construction of
highways, have reached phenomenal levels; with yet even higher
levels in sight. Ethiopia is set to become a net exporter of
electric power to the rest of Africa and beyond. Ethiopian cities
are being modernized beyond recognition with high-rise buildings
and condominiums sprouting everywhere. Industries are being built
to make Ethiopia less dependent on imported goods such as cement,
steel, and medicine. Ethiopia is becoming a primary destination
for tourists thanks to the fabulous exposure by the New Millennium
celebrations. The best way of communicating the economic
development in every conceivable sector is to urge Ethiopians in
the Diaspora to visit their homeland. After
all, seeing is believing.
With annual double-digit
economic growth, Ethiopia is on track to join the “middle income
club” of world nations in about fifteen years or less. P.M.
Meles deserves most of the credit for the achievement.
On the Ethiopia-Eritrea Border Resolution
The EPRDF proposed a
solution (dialogue) to resolve the stalemate regarding border
demarcation. If pillars were to be set per the “delimitation
line” in accordance with the Delimitation decision by E.E.B.C.,
as P.M. Meles has stated frequently, there would be no permanent
peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Among the flash points that
would trigger war are the issues of Kunama, Irob and Afar, to name
a few. The question of Tserona must also be revisited (http://www.tigraionline.com/border-demarcation.html).
P.M. Meles has
consistently stated as a matter of public policy, that Ethiopia
would never invade Eritrea unless provoked by the latter. His
vision is for Ethiopians and Eritreans to live side by side as
brothers and sisters. Eritrea would economically benefit
immeasurably as a peaceful neighbor of Ethiopia. However, as the
saying goes, it takes two to tango. Isaias Afwerki is the only
hindrance who is standing in the way of peace; shame on him!
On P.M. Meles Zenawi’s Future Beyond 2010
I believe that P.M. Meles
will keep his promise to step down after 2010. Naturally, many
Ethiopians would like to see him stay as Prime Minister for at
least another term. However, I believe that there are other
Ethiopians within EPRDF who are capable of continuing P.M. Meles
Zenawi’s shinning legacy. I also expect P.M. Meles to continue
serving the Ethiopian people as a citizen for many years to come.
After all, he is only in his early fifties, and relatively very
young indeed.
The Ethiopian people are
prepared to protect their economic and political gains against
disgruntled individuals and groups who are tirelessly conspiring
to undermine the accomplishments of EPRDF under the leadership of
P.M. Meles Zenawi. I would characterize such infiltrators as
vermin, whose intent is to create divisions among Ethiopian
Nationalities; thus, to give themselves opportunity to impose
their will upon Ethiopians. Luckily, the next leader of Ethiopia,
whoever he/she may be, will be someone who will further build on
what P.M. Meles has started; and thus propel Ethiopia to new
heights of prosperity and democracy.
|
