|
Political opposition and Ethiopia
Editorial Ethiopian Observer
The May 2005 national election has given rise to inferences with both positive outcomes from which peaceful and legal opposition groups are ascribed to have taken their parliamentary seats respecting the constitutional framework and a negative side when a few diehard opposition leaders with their Diaspora cohorts tried to usurp state power by insurrection. The later few members totally failed their electorate due to their stubbornness and arrogance to join the Parliament and have since been under custody waiting for the ultimate judicial decision by the court of law. The election has also shown that politics should not be managed or manipulated by a few disgruntled elements, whose hate politics and evil act could have triggered the worst scenario in Ethiopia.
Now leaving the election 2005 loaded with a lot of experiences, the ruling party and the legal opposition members of the Parliament along with the Ethiopian people are looking forward to the next political competition to take place in 2010. All parties have to show where they stand regarding their programs including socio-economic reforms and policies, the federal and security issues of the country, political pluralism and peaceful coexistence, foreign policy, etc. Clear and straightforward policy debates, clarifications and declaration of opinion or position on vital issues by the parties as well as virtue and tolerance among the different nations and nationalities of Ethiopia are very important for the very survival of Ethiopia.
The election has also changed the Ethiopian political landscape, where members of the opposition groups now occupy a significant number of seats with more than 13 times (up from 12 members in 2000). Though many people are fully aware of the fact that some of the MPs have come to the stage thanks to protest votes riding on the wave of unreasonable sentiments, it is, however, crucial that the members show care and effort concerning the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Without the fear of being considered the underdog, submitting or acquiescing to the proposals and decisions presented at the Parliament, the opposition has the possibility to maintain its integrity through many scrupulous methods. Such a thoughtful approach, recently presented by EUDP-Medhin party, is worth mentioning and as such should be praised and respected as a wise and bold step for the advancement of a democratic culture. An opposition party without being obsessed with opposing everything can both commend and counter the ruling party whenever it is deserved. However, there are some members of opposition groups in the Parliament, who contrary to reason or sense, have flabbergasted us time and again with serious flaws with regard to the strategic Ethiopian interests and sovereignty.
The incontrovertible facts about Shaibya’s repeated destabilizing attempts in Ethiopia either by its mercenary organizations or individuals have been conspicuous to anyone since its defeat at the hands of the brave Ethiopian defense forces. The contributions and self-sacrifices of the whole populace including the heroic deeds of Col. Bezabeh Petros are memories of great significance in the annals of the Ethiopian history. Shaibya did organize the so-called AFD (OLF, ONLF, EPPF, CUD, SLM) in Utrecht, Holland, where these groups are offered headquarters, training facilities and supply of arms. Though few in numbers, it is this same group and Shaibya that have staged their mission of detonations in some cities, the gruesome massacre of innocent citizens and the latest grenade attack during public ceremony, both in Ogaden. The same is true about the role of Shaibya in arming the IUC extremists whose prime goal is annexation of Ogaden into “greater Somalia” and had been threatening Ethiopia with jihad -an all-out war together with al-Qaeda’s international network of terrorist cells, OLF, ONLF and Shaibya’s army.
Therefore, trying to disparage by some irresponsible politicians the terrorist role and act of Shaibya as irrelevant and not worthy of correct measures is not only dishonorable but shows their absolute lack of seriousness. These opposition MPs by denying the undeniable facts about the terrorist acts of the self-appointed liberation movements sponsored by Shaibya, are in reality abetting the lawless to continue with their crime. How on earth do MPs demand of the government to adduce proof, while terrorists trained by Shaibya and Shaibyan soldiers encroach into Ethiopian territory and abduct tourists and Ethiopians? How can MPs request evidences, while the anti-terrorist force and federal police caught insurgents sent by Shaibya in the middle of Addis Ababa? How do they insist to get more information on the massacre of innocent Ethiopian and Chinese workers in Abole-Somali region, while the spokesperson of the terrorist ONLF announced through BBC it was “protecting the people and region from exploitation by the colonial Ethiopian rule?” How do politicians support the notion that the Ethiopian government should negotiate with these murderers without any prerequisite?
Such nonsense and preposterous ideas, which are incongruous with the interest of the country, have aroused wrath and bitter feelings among the people. If this is meant to conciliate or win approval by appealing to certain quarters with ulterior motives and obscure agendas, then they have found themselves in a difficult situation, too difficult to defend during the coming election. Collaboration instead of complete confrontation, talking to each other instead of sulking, inclusion instead of exclusion should be the guiding principle of those politicians who shoulder the destiny of Ethiopia. Ethiopia needs an erudite and civilized opposition that has the ability to persuade people to side its ranks and convictions, based on sound policies. Otherwise they are going to bring shame on themselves, never to revive in the future as credible alternative force.
|
