These and many other factors are actually impressive tools to eradicate poverty from the country in a very short period of time. However, if there is no peace and stability in the country, we will hand over our poverty with all its miseries and agonies to the coming many generation. We at this time are given the opportunity to build prosperous, peaceful, and democratic Ethiopia.

New Political Culture

I believe EPRDF has contributed a lot for the development of the country as well as planting the seed for new democracy. We cannot deny that we have seen relatively better democratic atmosphere during the time of EPRDF than any other regimes in Ethiopian History. Many debates that EPRDF has historical advantage to speed up the pace of democratization of the country and development of Ethiopia. But did not perform well in doing so. This is very hot issue if discussed among all groups and I share the same opinion on the mentioned debate.

One undeniable question is the biggest cancer for the slow democratization and development of the country is our continuous political problems. As everybody agrees if we manage to solve this problem peacefully, the sky is the limit for the development of Ethiopia. The main core points which can actually boost our development if political consensus is achieved among all role players:

Feeling of Belongingness – Many Ethiopians fled from the country due to various reasons (economical, political, etc..) and due to their political views, many of them prefer to focus on their personal lives and achievements rather than national issues and contributing their part to their country. The Ethiopian expatriates living on the other part of the world has the power and means to revolutionize the country’s economy in a very short period of time by investing in different sectors, attracting investment to the country by lobbying to different potential investors around the world, establishing various foundations, associations, developmental NGO’s, etc. if EPRDF manages to develop feeling of belongingness among all Ethiopians. We all know the major problem not to create this is due to our deep political division. We have seen the fruit of such division in the past and the only output is destruction or slow development. Creating political reconciliation and consensus can result in feeling of belongingness among all Ethiopians, thus we can create a huge potential to build our common home land.

Better Ideas and policies – in the past 18 years, EPRDF has been working on the development of the country based on its outlook and understanding of the country. EPRDF brought remarkable development on the country especially on infrastructure building, agricultural and rural development, expansion of education services, expansion of health services, etc.. this achievement should be highly appreciated by all Ethiopians. However, if other oppositions in the politics had been involved, the achievements could have been multiplied by hundreds. This should give us good lesson that we need to create this atmosphere in the near future and multiply our development. Again this historical duty should be shared by all role players with the leading role of EPRDF. If other role players are involved (All role players without any marginalization) in planning and implementing various policies, its output will save millions from poverty, famine, and starvation.

Foundation for the future – any political system in the history of any country will have its impact in the coming many generations. The political consensus, creating patriotism, creating feeling of belongingness, building strong democratic system, etc.. can be a strong foundation for stable Ethiopia in the coming generation. Manage to build this will have domino effect in every aspect of the country’s’ interest in the coming hundreds of generations.

Learning from the past 

The problem with many supporters or oppositions of EPRDF is when they analyze the past, they only see one direction. When EPRDF express its achievement, it should consider what could have been achieved if all role players are involved. We need to see in that direction. It doesn’t matter how much we achieved in the past, if it is a solo run, the achievements are little. EPRDF need to see not only what has been achieved but also what could have been achieved if the game hasn’t been solo.

So that our past experience should be a reference for the future and missing the future is huge loss for every Ethiopian, be it EPRDF, CUD, OLF, Ginbot 7, for every Ethiopian. We must start to accept that Ethiopia is our country. The future should include all and we all have to involve in all matters of the country without any marginalization. 

The New Opportunity

As I have said above again we have another opportunity to develop this spirit, the upcoming election. Failing to involve all role players will result in another loss of fast development, and democracy. We all must understand and accept that we have to agree to move ahead together whatever is our differences. We all need to accept that we must respect the other, and work for a common goal. 

From the political temperature in the country, there is a glimmer of hope that this thing could be achieved. The recent agreement between some political parties and EPRDF is a symbol for that, but it just a little step ahead, but not complete. I believe it is a new beginning to build prosperous and democratic Ethiopia in the near future. I hope and I believe EPRDF and all other role players will make a positive and fast move towards NEW POLITICAL CULTURE.

Our People Are Our Business!!!! 

God Bless Ethiopia! (aigaforum.com)