Featuring works in photography, painting, mixed media and sculpture Process and Progression is a retrospective of Leikun’s work over the last 16 years.

Wide-ranging in his choice of medium, Leikun’s exploration of the Himeme Siqlet, a sacred Ethiopian Orthodox text, is what grounds his seemingly disparate pieces together, through its evocation of the world’s opposing forces (light, dark, flesh, spirit, good and evil) and the futility of their reconciliation.

In his photography, the use of double exposure, collage, and scratch-and-peel methods allows Leikun to create irreproducible, dreamlike worlds in which the spiritual ostensibly strains against, and spills into, the physical.

Leikun Nahusenay was born in 1982 in Addis Ababa. While primarily identifying himself as a self-taught artist, he completed his art degrees from the Ale School of Fine Arts (2006) and Teferi Mekonnen School (2011).

Gravity @ Alliance Ethio-Française

A contemporary dance entitled “Gravity” will be presented by Fabrice Lambert on April 23 at Alliance Ethio-Française. Gravity is an installation and a choreography of dancing inside a pond filled with water. Supported by light and sound the process reveals the image without a video projector. The light reflected on the pond lets the image of a body floating on the surface appear on the white board that is hanged behind. With this piece the artist is able to create a hypnotic feeling of a man who is immersed, walks and moves in the water; creating a series of moving pictorial paintings. Inspired by the work of Kazimir Malevich entitled “black square”, one of the seminal works of modern art  and of abstract art in the western painter tradition generally. Taking an inspiration from Malevich’s work the artist uses his own body as material and color to play with perception of the audience.

Common Thread @ National Theatre

Ethio-modern dance entitled “Common Threads” will be presented on July 2 at the National Theatre. This event is organized by the National Theatre of Ethiopia in collaboration with F.I.V.E productions LLC. (USA) and The University of Limerick (Ireland) in association with Hahu Entertainment PLC. This performance is directed by the renowned dancer Ras Mikey Courtney. This community based cultural exchange explores Ethiopia’s connection to the world through dance. This dance project features choreographic collaborations with dance artists of Ethiopia and others from around the globe. The organizers believe this dynamic display of the diversity of professional dance in Ethiopia. Ras Mikey Courtney who works with Raven-Symone (from Disney’s that’s so Raven) is a contemporary dancer who utilizes Ethiopian and other tradiions at as tools in his creative process. His doctoral research is also based on the Ethio-Modern dance, which he says that is embodied in his understanding of Ethiopian traditions through the lens of a western contemporary artist.

Tikur Anbassa Concert @ Laphto Mall

A concert entitled “Tikur Anbassa” will be held on May 5, Ethiopian Patriots’ victory day at Laphto Mall. Organized by AZ events in collaboration with Mebrhit Communications this is the first concert of Abdu Kiar after his recent album “Tikur Anbassa” release. Featured by Mehari brothers band Abdu Kiar will perform from his new album as well as from the previous ones. In addition to Abdu Kiar’s performance the program will pay tributes to the Ethiopian patriots’ victory day; a national holiday which celebrates the liberation from Italian occupation in 1941. Renowned with his first album “merkato Sefre” Abdu Kiar was born in 1976 in Addis Ababa, Merkato area. Started music at a young age Abdu joined the Express music band in 1997 performed dancehall, hip-hop and reggae in the nightclubs such as coffee house and Lion club. Tikur Anbassa was released in October 2015 which took two years to complete it.All in all Abdu released four albums.

In celebration of fashion revolution day, a film entitled “The True Cost” was screened on April 22 at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, inside the hall of National Archives and Library Agency.  Organized by Fashion Designers Association in collaboration with Hub of Africa, “The True Cost” is a 2015 documentary film that focuses on Fast Fashion.

It discusses several aspects of the garment industry from production—mainly exploring the life of low-wage workers in developing countries—to its aftereffects such as river and soil pollution, pesticide contamination, disease and death. Using an approach that looks at environmental, social and psychological aspects, it also examines consumerism and mass media, ultimately linking them to global capitalism. The documentary is a collage of several interviews with environmentalists, garment workers, factory owners, and people organizing fair trade companies promoting sustainable clothing production. The director Andrew Morgan’s attention was drawn to the topic after the 2013 Savar building collapse, when a commercial building in Bangladesh named Rana Plaza toppled and killed over a thousand workers.

Clay Work’s exhibition @ Asni Gallery

Mihret Dawit’s clay works exhibition was presented on April 21 at Asni Gallery. The versatile artist who is highly drawn about three dimensional forms has been initially experimenting with materials such as gypsum and cement to create sculptures.

Later she moved on to recycled paper, cardboards and bottles. “I was not fully convinced with the results until I tried my hand on clay. I must say it was love at first touch. Clay is a material that speaks to me. I am able to express my ideas, emotions and thoughts through it,” read the artist’s statement

Her work revolves around the themes of life, death, love and womanhood. Mihret Dawit graduated in painting from the Alle School of Fine Arts and Design in 1990. Her works have been exhibited in group and solo shows locally and also internationally such as the Netherlands, France and Kenya. In addition Mihret was a resident artist at the Vermont Studio Center in the US in 2011.

Masenko maestro passes away

Getamesay Abebe, a veteran musician, passed away last week. Getamesay is known for his songs such as “Yene Ayal” and “Tiz Alegn Hagere”.

Pursuing a music career at a young age, he joined the Ethiopian National Theatre formerly known as Haile-Selassie Theatre when he is 18 and worked as vocalist and a masenko player. Getamesay also played a great role in Orchestra Ethiopia, which was formed in 1963 by Egyptian born American composer and ethnomusicologist Halim El-Dabh. He has also taught masenko to Peace Corps volunteer, Harvard-educated Charles Sutton, Jr. Sutton facilitated many of the orchestra’s tours overseas. Dubbed “The Blue Nile Group” they toured 20 states in America alone. This tour is also part of a National Geographic documentary film entitled “Ethiopia the Hidden Empire”. Until his retirement Getamesay worked in Hager Fikir Theatre contributing profound works not only in music but also in theatre such as “Yedekamoch Wotmed”, “Yelewut Arbegnoch” and “Sintayehu”. The 73 years old music veteran was a father of 10 children and 19 grandchildren.

“Watch Me” exhibition @ Alliance Ethio-Française

A painting exhibition entitled “Watch Me” will be opened on April 30 at Alliance Ethio-Française. This exhibition is a collection of Tewodros Hagos’ works. His last exhibition, which was shown at the Alliance Ethio-Française, dates back to 2013. In two years his works has taken on various transformations by taking on themes that are more prominent. In this specific exhibition the artist offers new nuances. With his latest artworks Tewodros offers an innovative look on construction workers. By painting the attitude of everyday life, the artist teaches that life is not something that should be used for other things than itself.

Tewodros was born in Ethiopia in 1974. He graduated from the School of Fine Arts and Design in Addis Ababa in 1995. He left Ethiopia and settled in Belgium where he worked for ten years. Tewodros’s work was presented at exhibitions in Berlin, Antwerp, Los Angeles and Addis Ababa. One can find his work in many private collections worldwide.

A poetry compilation book entitled “Field of Dreams” was launched on April 24 at Hilton Hotel. This compilation is the works of the poet Lulit Kebede. Classified in three parts namely “Color of Days”, “Ribbon of the Heart” and the title “Field of Dreams”, it consists of more than 100 poetry pieces.

Some of her poems include “Abyssinian Girl”, “For the Sake of the Mothers”,” Loving Eyes” and “Humble Spirits”. Unique to Ethiopian poetry scene, Lulit writes in English issues that touch her.

According to the written statement on the cover of “Field of Dreams”, the poet tries to reminisce her childhood dreams and imagination. “What if the world be the dream we all dream to be? Remember the good old days while we were kids. We used to have those dreams we never wanted to wake up from,” Lulit describes all the dreams children had, the joy they had and the fairytales they believed in.

Peregrinate @ Modern Art Museum Gebrekirstos Desta Center

A photograph exhibition entitled: “Peregrinate” will be presented on May 19 at Modern Art Museum Gebrekirstos Desta Center.

Peregrinate features the work of three photographers: South Africans Thabiso Sekgala and Musa Nxumalo, and Kenyan Mimi Cherono Ng’ok. The exhibition explores the concept of photography as a common method of investigation, discovery and representation – an act of wandering undertaken by the photographer as traveler and explorer. Jointly curated by the featured photographers, this exhibition is the final stage for the three participants as part of the Goethe-Institut portfolio workshop.

Traversing Soweto streets, backyards in Nairobi, dusty Jordanian alleys, Peregrinate invites viewers to consider the intimate politics of home and belonging, as well as the possibilities inherent in dislocation, or a lack of anchoring, and the routes one takes to find a way. Subtitled ‘field notes on time travel and space’, the exhibition examines notions of spatial politics, the economics of time and travel, and the kinds of access granted to travelers.

Addis International Film Festival to kick off

The 10th edition of the Addis International Film Festival is to be launched on May 4 at the Italian Cultural Institute, Hager Fikir Theatre and Serawit Cinema. More than 60 documentaries will be screened from May 4-10.

Organized by Initiative Africa Films— a company that raises socially relevant issues— the films will be screened followed by discussions with the filmmakers. One of the films that will be screened during this occasion is entitled: “The Black Panthers”.  Change was coming to America and the fault lines could no longer be ignored—cities were burning. Vietnam was exploding, and disputes raged over equality and civil rights. A new revolutionary culture was emerging and it sought to drastically transform the system. The Black Panther party for self-defense would for a short time, put itself at the vanguard of that change. The other critical film of the America’s prison system is “Guantanamo’s Child”. The other films include “Terror”, “Cartel Land”, “Chuck Norris vs. Communism” and “How to Change the World”.

Mahmoud Ahmed’s 75th birthday @ Yared Music School

The legendary Ethiopian musician Mahmoud Ahmed 75th birthday is going to be celebrated on May 5 at Yared Music School. The renowned vocalist’s birthday celebration will take place on the first week of May at various locations showcasing the long and memorable musical odyssey of Mahmoud Ahmed. During the occasion there will be various entertainment events and photographic display of his historic timeline. Renowned with his songs such as Tizita, Mela Mela, Alawokshilgim and Teresash Woy, Mahmoud is endowed with a gift that is able to transcend the generation gap.  Born in Addis Ababa Mercato area he pursued music at an early age and is still persistent in pushing after four decades of stay in music. Coming from a humble background, his professional music career started while he was hanging out at Emperor Haileselassie’s Imperial Bodyguard Band after performances. With an electric stage performance and unique talent, it only took him a short time to catch people’s ear.

Renowned writer and journalist Sibhat Gebregziabher had always dreamt of celebrating his 80th birthday. Unfortunately he passed away February 20, 2012 at the age of 76. However, his friends and fans did not let him down as they celebrated his 80th birthday on May 5 at Amist Kilo Campus, Graduate School Hall. 

Educators and writers shared their memories of Sibhat. Professor Shibru Tedla, Alemayehu Gelagay and Zenebe Wolla, who wrote Sibhat’s biography, were among the presenters. In addition to that, a monologue based on his short story Amist Sidist Sebat, a despaired man who lost his family in famine and a character analysis based on Sebategnaw Melak were part of the celebration.

Among other things, Sibhat is known for naturalist writing style and tinted life with its pimples. Renowned with his unique writing skills and presentation Sibhat wrote renowned books such as Letum Aynegalign, Sebategnaw Meleak and Egre Menge. He also contributed for publications such as The Ethiopian Herald, Addis Zemen and MenenMagazine.

Addis DJ festival in Addis

Addis DJ festival is scheduled to be held from May 9-15 at various venues in Addis. Organized by EML Events, the DJ festival aimed in elevating the proficiency of DJs in Ethiopia and to redefine Djing as a form of art.

The event is comprised of a five-day workshop on various topics including History of Djing, mixing and scratching, sound engineering, music productions and video mapping techniques. These workshops will be held at Stockholm, Flirt and H20 clubs with three time intervals; in the morning 10:00am-12:00am, 1:00pm-3:00pm and 3:00pm-5:00pm. Additionally, there will be a two-day festival on May 14 and 15 at Bole Fana Park. International DJs from the US, England, Kenya, South Africa and other countries will highlight the two-day performance. Additionally the festival will also have video mapping event. All the workshops are free events but for the festivals the will be entrance fee from 2:00pm-5:00pm fifty birr and after 5:00pm the cover fee is 100 birr.

A new music album to be launched

A new music album entitled Kale Ena Ene (My Word and Me) is scheduled launched next week. For the musician Dawd Sultan, who is based in London, this is his debut album. Traveling back and forth from London to Addis Ababa he finished the album after some eight years. Abel Paulos, who arranged music for artistes such as Tsedenia Gebremarkos and a single for Teddy Afro, is behind Dawd’s new work. The famous lyricist Surafel Abebe, a man behind prominent musicians such as Tewodros Tadesse and Muluken Melesse wrote seven of his lyrics.

The album has 12 songs including Yarada Lij, Kanchi Riqe, Nafekegn and Audamet. One single, YaradaLij was released three months ago that according to the producer and manager of the musician Senay Petros got a good feedback. Most of the songs are love songs, which draw from a pool of music genres such as Zouk, Chic Chica, slow and a fusion of other music styles.

New American Center for Ethiopia

The Embassy of the United States in Addis Ababa will be inaugurating a new, high-tech American Center on Monday May 9, 2016, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Archives and Library Agency (NALA).

The new American Center is named after Col. John C. Robinson, an African-American flight pioneer and the man considered to be the father of Ethiopian modern aviation.  The Col. John C. Robinson American Center is equipped with a state-of-the-art technology and serves as an innovation center for Ethiopian students and young professionals.

The Col. John C. Robinson American Center has a number of resources, including a large tech-enabled room for programs and meetings; a MakerSpace room equipped with high-tech tools and gadgets, such as a 3Dprinter; and a large computer room with an iPad bar, 30 brand new computers; a SmartBoard, and digital video conference (DVC) facilities to enhance and expand international educational connection to users.

At least seven Ethiopian films are set to screen in NYC in May 2016 as part of the New York African Film Festival and the 13th Annual Sheba Film Festival.

Hermon Haily’s Price of Love will be featured at the Lincoln Center this week at the New York African Film Festival as well as Director Yared Zeleke’s award winning drama Lamb: Red Leaves by Bazi Gere starring Debebe Eshetu; Afripedia X New York by Ethiopian and Eritrean filmmakers Teddy Goitom and Senay Berhe of Sweden; and the Dance of King David by Axel Baumann exploring the Ark of covenant.

The Dance of King David is a documentary film about the history and the contemporary worship of the Ark.

In addition, If only I were that warrior, directed by Valerio Ciraci about “the Italian occupation of Ethiopia and its unresolved legacy today,” will screen on May 24^th at Tsion Café in Harlem as part of the 2016 Sheba film festival.

(Tadias Magazine)

Julie Mehretu honored with Skowhegan medal of painting

Last month, Julie Mehretu was honored by the prestigious US arts institution, The Skowhegan school of painting and receiving the medal for painting at its 70^th anniversary celebration and 2016 awards dinner that was held in New York city on April 26th. Last fall, Julie was the only living female artist whose work was featured at Christie’s postwar and contemporary sale. The New York Times noted in a story that “the Ethiopian born painter was offered at Christie’s post war and contemporary sale, alongside 18 living male artists.”

“Celebrated internationally for large scale, gestural paintings, the Ethiopian-born artist addresses both the formal concerns of color and line and the social concerns of color and line and the social concerns of power, history, globalism, and personal narrative,” said the announcement from Skowhegan. Julie was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1970 and immigrated to the United States with her family in 1977 during the initial years of the Derg regime. (Tadias Magazine)

Mikael Seifu among 25 artists from “Around The World You Need To Know”

In its first-ever global issue sampling the underground music scene from Africa to Europe and Latin America, the New York based magazine, The Fader, highlights Ethiopian electronic artist and producer Mikael Seifi who “mixes traditional Ethiopian influences with mind expanding electronic sounds” among 25 artists from Around The World You Need To Know Right Now. The magazine notes that Mikael Seifu who calls his style “Ethhiopiyawi Electronic,” has an album forthcoming on Brooklyn-based experimental label RVNG this year in which “he documented a typical day living in the Ethiopian capital.”  Mikael was born and raised in Addis Ababa and attended Lycee Guebre-Mariam as a child, and went on to study music production and the music industry at Ramapo College of New Jersey—a small school about 45 minutes outside of Manhattan. While in college Mikael found a mentor professor Ben Neil “the composer and music technologist who trained with La Monte Young. He was inspired by Neil to take serious his calling in music. (Tadias Magazine)

Lij Michael to perform at Bole Fana Park

One of the uprising rappers, Lij Michael, is scheduled to perform on May 21 at Bole Fana Park. At this concert Lij Michael will be featured with Michael Belayneh. Organized by Yorka event organizer this concert is entitled “Addis Concert”. This concert focused on having a mini festival in introducing the best album, best singles and also best DJs in the country.  They chose Lij Michael as their debut concert since his album entitled “Zare Yihun Nege” was well accepted among fans.  Especially his single “Zemenay Marye” was able to capture audience ears easily.

Singles that have popular feedbacks such as Behailu Baye “Lagshign Mata Mata”, Yared Negu “Yemerkato Arada” and Asgegnewu Ashiko “Dindesho” are also part of this concert. Famous DJs in town including Kingston, Sherry, Yemi and Rofi are expected to highlight the event. Renowned with his nickname “Crazy” Lij Michael’s rapping career started with MCing with famous tunes. Lij Michael is one of the founders of the earliest hip-hop group named ABC.

The invading Italian army, which was routed in the epoch-making Battle of Adwa some 120 years ago, was again handed a humiliating defeat 45 years later thanks to the heroism of our patriots. The thousands of Ethiopian patriots who paid the ultimate price in repelling the attack launched on several fronts by the Italian army led by the fascist party of Benito Mussolini shall be remembered for posterity. This week marked 75 years since the young patriots of then emulated the feat of their forefathers at Adwa in achieving an anti-fascist victory that is still honored by succeeding generations.

Motivated by the desire to avenge the Adwa humiliation, Mussolini deployed a well-trained army that was equipped with thousands of machine guns and artillery as well as hundreds of tanks and aircraft to conquer Ethiopia. He also authorized the use of chemical warfare agents such as mustard, which went a long way in tipping the invasion in Italy’s balance. The very poorly equipped forces of Ethiopia were armed with nothing more than a deep love of country and a steely resolution. After the fascist army overrun the country through superior firepower and gas poisoning that led to the death of hundreds of thousands of compatriots, our brave patriots launched an anti-occupation resistance which culminated in victory five years later. Their valor has earned them eternal gratitude and honor in the annals of history.

Although the allies of fascist Italy, which believed that the expansionists’ design that was dealt a severe blow at the great Adwa battle had revived, considered the occupation of Ethiopia through massacre to be a singular achievement, Ethiopian patriots did not lose sight of their objective for a second. In a display of bravery that put to shame even those who jeered at Ethiopia or condoned Italy at the League of Nations, turned the 5-year occupation into a nightmare for the Italians proving to be a constant thorn in their side during the period. These heroic children of Ethiopia indeed deserve everlasting honor for paying a heavy sacrifice to restore their beloved nation’s sovereignty when it was forsaken by the rest of the world.

The victory against fascist Italy is mainly thought of in terms of our patriots. They played an instrumental role in regaining the independence of Ethiopia while the country was left leaderless on account of the fact that Emperor Haile-Selassie was forced into exile in order to drum up diplomatic support. Though the United Kingdom, which initially sided with Italy when it invaded Ethiopia with a view to retain it as an ally in case hostilities broke out with Germany, lent a helping hand following Italy’s decision to forge an alliance with Nazi Germany during the Second World War, the credit for ending the occupation must primarily go to our intrepid patriots. The inimitable legacy they have left behind is worthy of veneration and has set an example that subsequent generations are proud of.

The incredible exploit of our valiant patriots should be seen in the context of the overwhelming odd they faced. Historical records show that Ethiopian forces were equipped with obsolete weaponries on the eve of hostilities. These consisted of about 234 antiquated pieces of artillery mounted on rigid gun carriages, a dozen of anti-tank guns, hundreds of thousands of largely outdated rifles, 800 light and 250 heavy guns, a hundred of anti-aircraft guns as well as some 300 trucks, 7 armored cars and 4 tanks of the First World War age. The Ethiopian army numbered around 400,000 men though only about a quarter had any kind of military training. Some of the newly recruited soldiers were armed with nothing more than spears and bows. Meanwhile, in the build-up to the invasion the Italian army deployed some 12 infantry divisions comprising 685,000 soldiers. This number does not include the Italian units already in East Africa, colonial units, or units arriving during the war. For example, there were 400,000 Italian soldiers in Eritrea and 285,000 in Italian Somaliland before the new divisions arrived. The massive army forming up in East Africa also included a great number of logistical and support units. Some 200 journalists were embedded with the army. The equipment for the build-up alone included 6,000 machine guns, 2,000 pieces of artillery, 599 tanks, and 390 aircraft. Before these arrived, 3,300 machine guns, 275 artillery pieces, 200 tankettes and 205 aircraft were already in place. The Italians brought with them tons of ammunition, food, other necessary supplies and the internationally banned poison gas. They also had motor vehicles to move supplies and troops while the Ethiopian army carried supplies in horse-drawn carts. Our patriots should be eternally honored for standing up to and defeating the massive invader ranged against them.

As Ethiopians commemorate the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Victory Day we would do well to appreciate that no price is too big to pay in the defense of the motherland. Generations of Ethiopians have on several occasions demonstrated a deep-seated love for their country by vanquishing aggressors intent on subjugating them well before the anti-fascist resistance. There is nothing nobler than revering the selfless sacrifice paid by our patriotic forefathers. Aside from paying tribute to the legacy they have left behind, the generations that follow them have the moral obligation to care for and support surviving war veterans. Let’s honor for posterity our brave patriots!

As a critical factor in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of a nation, it is of paramount importance that the overarching plan where by the government sets out to accomplish this goal must be properly formulated and put into practice. Like any other of its kind  such a plan needs to be justifiable and practicable if national resources are to be successfully utilized and put to their intended use. Formulating unrealistic plans is an exercise in futility. This is precisely what is currently transpiring in Ethiopia. Though plans cannot be executed one hundred percent all the time, it is unhealthy when their implementers consistently under-achieve. As a result, the government’s credibility is on the decline.

The nine-month performance of the 2015-16 budget year that the Ministry of Trade submitted to Parliament last week proves the point we are trying to make. The report states that export earnings during the reporting period, which happens to fall on the first year of the second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP II), is woefully below projection. Receipts from the agriculture, industry and mining sector stood at USD 2.05 billion against the USD 2.91 billion. Meanwhile the revenue from the export of commodities barely edged over USD 2 billion during the period, just about hitting the 50 percent mark for the entire year. One would almost cringe in shame when making a comparison between the performance and the plan.

The very essence of a plan—that it must be grounded in the reality—is being ignored. Beginning with GTP I it has become a norm for practically all government agencies to adopt a “stretched” goals which are neither reasonable nor attainable. Although setting ambitious targets may be motivating, it is destined to be counterproductive if the goals appear to be so exaggerated that they seem to be not feasible. The ensuing underperformance is blamed on a host of excuses. Unless there was a flaw in planning, it is unacceptable to ascribe the underwhelming export performance to the vagaries of the international market. After all, it is conventional wisdom that if one were to be competitive in terms of quality, pricing and speedy delivery, exporting is a money-making venture.

Let’s take a look at the textile and leather sectors for illustrative purposes. The annual export earnings from these sub-sectors was set at USD 1 billion for textiles and USD 500 million for leather and leather products byGTP I. The actual revenue, sadly, was mediocre to say the least. What’s more, the pertinent government agencies were confidently predicting that the target would be met just months before the plan was due to come to an end. The export targets under GTP II are more or less similar to its predecessor’s goals and the nine-month performance of the first year of the plan is likewise way off mark. For instance, the manufacturing sector brought in USD 258.58million in export receipts in nine months, just about 51 percent of the USD 508.06 projected for the period.

Despite announcing that they have reviewed their respective plans in order to align them with the reality on the ground following the adoption of GTP II, government agencies have to ensure that they are not overextended. The policies, strategies, laws and plans the government adopts may have unintended consequences that rob it of credibility if they are not crafted judiciously. Individuals or companies which make investment decisions based on the government’s plans may well lose trust in it if they lose out due to the fact that its plans are unsound. Aside from investors, public confidence in it has been eroded as well on account of its consistent failure to make good on its plans.

The reluctance of Ethiopia’s policymakers to learn from past experiences is best exemplified by the perennial underperformance of the export sector. The propensity to proffer excuses instead of identifying the reason behind why plans on which considerable human and financial resources were spent went awry is costing the country dear. Even if the plunge in export revenue may be attributed to a fall in global demand and prices, inability to enhance quality and productivity, and similar other factors, it is up to the government to seek immediate solutions. Otherwise, the nation will find itself in a bind.

To recap, the plans formulated by government agencies are beset with flaws. If plans are not duly articulated and executed, it’s the nation that will pay the ultimate price? How can anation grow, how can its citizens’ livelihoods improve if there is a constant disconnect between plans and performance? The public is bound to shoulder an even greater burden unless the relentless widening of the country’s trade imbalance is brought to heel. Growth will remain a pipedream if plans are not anchored in objective reality. That is why it is incumbent upon policymakers to benchmark proven best practices before they embark on a planning exercise which is doomed to fail from the outset. This calls for a shift in focus away from agricultural commodities, which are prone to wild price swings, to strengthening the manufacturing sector through a mix of policy and legal interventions if Ethiopia is to become globally competitive. It is therefore obligatory toput in place ambitious and yet realistic plans with a view to motivate increased performance. The government would do well to understand that deliberately adopting overstretched plans is tantamount to planning to fail and erodes its credibility. 

Last week Ethiopia lost one of its wonderful sons who played a vital role in causing the national tri-color to fly high over and over again on the international arena. Ethiopians were shocked and saddened by the death Woldemeskel Kostre (PhD), the renowned distance running coach considered by many to be the architect of Ethiopia’s string of gold medals at the Olympics and World Championships from the mid-1980s onwards. Ethiopia owes a debt of gratitude to this coaching legend, who earned numerous accolades during his career including the 2006 IAAF Coaches’ Award. The passing away of the celebrated coach compels us to reflect on how we should treat souls who have done well by their country.

Ethiopia has produced numerous citizens who have duly contributed their share to the country’s cause in various disciplines. Different generations of individuals have done their country proud through exemplary feats in fields of national defense, government service, diplomacy agriculture, health, education, law, construction, commerce, sport, arts, literature, etc. Who is supposed to provide them with the care they require when they age, succumb to illness or become homeless? Many have been forced to undergo hardship and ordeal that eventually resulted in death because the invaluable contribution they have made is rarely if ever remembered when they are alive.

It is only when they become bed-ridden or die that citizens who have discharged their obligation to the nation are remembered. They should be honored when they are alive in order to motivate the youth to emulate their accomplishments. When they are neglected succeeding generations will have nothing to look up to. That is why it is imperative to put in place a legal framework which governs the conferring of recognition and awarding of medals of honor for those who are worthy of receiving them.  Though it is a matter of moral obligation to serve one’s country with devotion, it is equally important to develop the culture of recognizing deserving citizens.

If roads, squares, schools, hospitals, stadiums and the like were to be named after individuals who are generally regarded to set a positive example, it would spur the youth to work hard for and passionately defend their country. While it is appropriate to erect statutes for or naming streets after foreigners who have proven to be friends of Ethiopia, it is indefensible to overlook Ethiopians to whom the country owes a debt of gratitude. Naming streets, schools, hospitals and other institutions after Ethiopians who are held in high esteem by the public is gratifying to the recipient of the recognition; it is a way of saying “thank you” to them for the commendable things they did for country and fellow citizens.

Hardworking folks who retire after long years of service in either the public or the private sector also merit recognition. Such acknowledgement need not necessarily be equated with bestowing honor on them. It just requires availing them with libraries, parks and facilities where they can meet other senior citizens, play recreational games and exercise. Most of them lead a miserable existence because they are unable to afford these pursuits on the paltry pension they earn. If the government and the society fail to care for them the rest of their life is bound to be meaningless. Any development plan hence must accord sufficient attention to the needs of these citizens; they have to be treated with respect and dignity.

Generally speaking citizens owe the obligation to serve their country in their chosen field irrespective of age as long they are physically and mentally able to. Though we should be willing to pay the utmost sacrifice for our beloved us in the spirit of President Kennedy’s saying “Ask not what our country has done for you but what you have done for our country”, it is in the national interest to remember citizens to whom the nation owes a debt of gratitude. The youth will be inspired to write their own chapter of history and take Ethiopia to greater heights when the achievements of these citizens is appreciated through various means including, among others, the awarding of medals of honor, dedicating public institutions or infrastructures after them as well as tending to their needs during the twilight of their lives. If, however, we do nothing as a nation when they go hungry, become homeless or suffer from illness, the youth’s moral will be sapped. It is incumbent up on all of us to remember and provide the care that citizens who have done right by their country when they are alive!

The ruling Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) is today celebrating the silver jubilee anniversary of its assumption of power by toppling the military Derg regime. It is touting successes in accelerating economic growth as well as encouraging strides in the social arena as it looks back on its twenty-five-year administration.

Nevertheless, the grave shortcomings observed in the political sphere, and to a lesser extent in the economic and social arenas during the Front’s tenure, need to be critically examined. It should acknowledge that in as much as its overthrow of the Derg has brought about countless benefits, its rule was also beset by a raft of flaws. It is undeniable that Ethiopia has undergone fundamental changes over the past quarter of century. However, the changes have had both positive and adverse ramifications. Let’s take a look at those that stand out.

The measures taken to create a single economic and political space have led to promising outcomes in terms of ensuring respect for the rights of nations and nationalities and managing diversity in a way that enhanced the participation of the citizenry in national development endeavors. This said, questions arise over the extent to which such a new chapter could and should have progressed. Though the rights to self-rule, to use one’s language as the working language in regional and local administrations and courts, and to be taught in one’s mother tongue have been exercised since the constitution came into effect, a lot remains to be desired with regard to accommodating political differences in accordance with the constitution.

The political space has become constricted because of a distinct lack of desire to promote or legitimize any political ideology the EPRDF does not subscribe to. The oft-criticized human rights record shows no sign of improving. Civil society institutions that can play an instrumental role in the democratization process have been sidelined. Most of the basic tenets of democracy exist only in rhetoric; they are not practiced on the ground. And a large number of political parties pursuing a peaceful political struggle have either gone bust or become irrelevant due in large part to political pressure. This inability to accommodate differing political views is one of the gravest problems facing the country.

The rave reviews Ethiopia has been receiving owing to its economic advances are sadly detracted by the continuous censure of its spotty record on the global stage in promoting democracy and human rights. Nothing much has come out of promises to rectify past historical injustices. It’s only when democratic and human rights are protected, diversity of views is respected and the building of a multi-party democracy take root that the country’s peace and journey on the path to development can be assured. This requires the facilitation of conditions whereby citizens can participate fully and with a sense of ownership in the development and prosperity of their beloved country.

The achievements of the government geared towards extricating Ethiopia from the clutches of centuries of abject poverty and put it on a growth trajectory have earned it plaudits from far and wide. In spite of the rosy outlook on the economic front, the country continues to be at the mercy of the scourge of drought. Its inability to end dependence on rain-fed agriculture to feed its people has rendered citizens vulnerable to the vagaries of nature and become perennially food-dependent. The suffering of millions must and can no longer be blamed on climate-change-induced drought. It is a source of national shame that many countries which have a harsher climate than Ethiopia have managed to become prosperous while we go begging cap in hand despite possessing optimal weather conditions, vast arable land, considerable water resource, and a population that is predominantly youthful. Such a state of affairs should not be countenanced any longer.  

The economic growth that the EPRDF is proud of is not immune to one legitimate criticism, though. Were the benefits of the growth equitably shared and trickled down to the masses or did a select few get rich at the expense of the poor? The rags-to-riches story of a handful of individuals within the blink of an eye is a case in point while the vast majority of the population leads a wretched life makes the case that the growth is not genuinely inclusive. How can hardworking families who barely make ends meet accept that growth has occurred when they are left out?  How can we talk about an equitable distribution of wealth in the face of the plundering of the nation’s resources at the hand of those who became unbelievably wealthy overnight through corrupt practices? Though the fact that the per capita income of Ethiopia is steadily rising may be used to substantiate the argument that the country is on track to become a middle-income country within a decade or so, the increase would be hollow if the living standard of the bulk of the populace does not improve as a result of the growth. The signs that Ethiopia is on track to join the rank of middle-income nations would have been apparent by now if its growth was more inclusive.

The EPRDF is prone to comparing itself to the Derg, a military dictatorship it ousted, and Eritrea, which chose to go its separate way, as it evaluates the past twenty-five years. The seventeen years of the Derg’s horrific and tyrannical rule is not something the EPRDF should measure itself against more than two decades after the junta’s overthrow. One winces to see it occasionally goes back even further and engages in a comparison with rulers of the feudal era. And contrasting its record against that of Eritrea—a country which has spurned even sham elections, multi-party democracy and a free press, among others—is akin to setting a low bar for itself. Instead it should aspire to emulate advanced democracies and economies in Africa and elsewhere. It’s senseless to compare oneself against egregious regimes at a time humanity is living in an increasingly globalized world.

Ethiopia needs to have a national consensus if it is to rid itself of deep-seated problems which have beset it for centuries. Citizens who feel they have a stake in issues of national importance must be encouraged to contribute their share regardless of differences in political outlook. Doing so can go a long way towards persuading them to devote their knowledge, experience, capital and other resources to the nation’s development. This requires, inter alia, respect for the rule of law. The age-old propensity of the executive branch of the government to put itself above the law has to stop. The principles of separation of power as well as check-and-balance between the legislature, the executive and the judiciary ought to be scrupulously observed. The more the executive flexes its muscle forging national consensus is bound to be quite difficult. A nation can grow and prosper when its citizens are empowered and believe that they have control over their destiny. Assuring respect for the rule of law is central to the realization of this ideal. As the EPRDF celebrates the twenty-fifth year it overthrew the Derg, it should reflect on its failures even as it extolls its successes.

One of the manifestations of moral depravity is thievery. Regardless of whether it is petty or grand, stealing is a crime. Crimes against education are particularly odious because they are no different to killing a generation. This Monday the Ministry of Education decided to cancel and defer to an unspecified date National Higher Education Entrance Examination after a leaked English examination designated Code 14 was posted on various social media. Consequently, some 254,000 students who were due to sit for the 4-day examination were victimized for no fault of their own. The individuals who collaborated in the perpetration of the crime by posting the leaked exam online are no less culpable than those who actually leaked the exam. No matter what justification aggrieved parties may tender to defend their misdeed, they should be roundly condemned for jeopardizing one of the pillars in the enlightenment of a society like Ethiopia to advance a political end.

As we have reiterated on several occasions lawlessness, corruption, and maladministration flourish in the absence of accountability. This in turn endangers the very moral fiber of the nation and the values of the society. The actions of elements that are incapable of seeing beyond and are blinded by their selfish need pose a grave threat to the entire nation. That is why it is incumbent upon the relevant authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the matter in order to determine the identity of the parties responsible for leaking the examination and the role they played with a view to bringing them to justice. If prompt measures are not taken to nip such an atrocious crime in the bud, even more egregious offences are bound to occur.

Everyone can easily empathize with the ordeal that the students who were sitting for the entrance exam and their parents are going through. Admittedly, national exams have been leaked before, albeit on a smaller scale. Given that in the age of social media any leaked exam can be accessed by anyone from one corner of the country to another, how does the decision to cancel the exam sit with the hundreds of thousands of exam candidates? What assurance do they have that future exams will not be leaked? Who is to be held responsible if they still feel jittery despite the government’s plea that they await the rescheduled exams with patience? And who shall atone for the psychological blow inflicted on them? These questions need to be addressed quickly.

It is high time that we show, as a nation, greater concern than ever before when untoward practices rampant in other sectors begin to afflict the education sector as well. It is quite appalling to see the compatriots who leaked the exam offer an unacceptable justification to defend a wrongdoing that has wreaked havoc, to see self-serving collaborators make money on the suffering of innocent students, and to see the government agency responsible for maintaining the integrity of education fail to announce the launch of an inquiry the moment the leak was discovered. The fact that the leak, which goes against centuries-old societal values of Ethiopians,transpired soon after the government called on citizens to safeguard their pride by condemning cheating on exams makes the whole affair a source of national shame and outrage.

The leak takes place at a time the government has acknowledged that the ubiquitousbad governance, miscarriage of justice and corruption cannot be countenanced and must be combated vigorously. The government is bound to be held answerable if it does not initiate an independent investigation into the reprehensible act that took place in its own backyard. In the meantime officials who are entrusted with the responsibility of seeing to it that leaks do not arise have to be relieved of their duties until the probe is completed and their innocence is established. No-one is above the law.

Aside from incurring spiraling costs to cover the cost of education, parents spare nothing to ensure that their children have a bright future. Actually they have a moral and legal obligation to do so. Children also have the duty to pursue their education with seriousness so that they accomplish their purpose in life and become productive citizens. The government and the public at large on their part are obliged to provide the required education for the leaders of the next generation. The cost associated with the preparation and administration of the exam for which 254,000 students were due to sit is covered by taxpayers. The country has no oil money while its export earning is negligible. The wastage of hundreds of millions collected from hardworking farmers and workers by those who have no love or country is infuriating. To make matters worse some individuals have openly supported on social media the leak instead of tabling suggestions that help to do away with the problems plaguing the delivery of education, a fundamental component in the shaping of a generation.

The plummeting of the quality of education, the booming business for the ‘authors’ of graduation thesis, the pervasive mismanagement and corruption evident in educational institutions, the unchecked proliferation of establishments around learning centers which expose students to various forms of addiction, etc. are all major headaches for the country. The leaking of exam papers compounds the already dire situation even further and may cause one to lose heart in facing up to it. However, for the sake of the rule of law the necessary price has to be paid in order to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice. Though it is unclear how the government can make strides while it is reeling from all these shortcomings, it is incumbent upon it to acknowledge that despite the successes it claims to have registered there are many among its rank that are morally bankrupt. Stealing exam papers or expressing misguided support for it is an immoral act which sears the conscience of the public and is extremely detrimental to the national interest. The ultimate solution to this and similar other crimes is to uphold the rule of law and reach a consensus on the concept of national consensus. It is imperative to launch a probe into the matter and put on trial the culprits.

The EPRDF-led government of Ethiopia has been criticized for being prone to inconsistencies when making administrative decisions during its twenty-five-year rule. Its propensity to apply different criteria to settle similar issues have engendered widespread public disgruntlement over the years.

Recently the demolition of settlements deemed to have been illegally built in a locality called Wore Genu in Woreda 12 of the Bole District of Addis Ababa had got under way. The demolition crew of the Woreda razed down scores of houses erected by squatters in a part of the city which the city administration says is one of the areas worst affected by land invasion. Tens of thousands of settlers who put up homes on land over which they do not have legal possession rights were left homeless on account of the measures taken by the city administration.

No sooner had the demolition started when it was announced that vast swathes of land illegally occupied in Addis Ababa in the wake of the 2005 post-election violence were legalized. The instability that arose then between the ruling Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), which swept all parliamentary and city council seats of Addis Ababa, paved the way for the seizing of numerous plots of land without government approval. Land grabbing was particularly rampant from 2004 through to 2006. The city administration said the decision to legalize illegal landholdings was prompted by the substantial number of squatters and settlements as well as the adverse social and economic impacts that demolishing the settlements would entail. Accordingly, it issued land holding certificate to settlers who built homes on land they were not entitled to from 1996 to May 2006. 

Article 25 of the constitution provides that all persons are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to the equal protection of the law. It goes on to stipulate that the law shall guarantee to all persons equal and effective protection without discrimination on grounds of race, nation, nationality, or other social origin, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, property, birth or other status.

As a guiding principle constraining the government from exceeding its powers the rule of law affords citizens to lead a predictable life by arming them with knowledge of what is permissible and what is not under the laws of the land. If, however, laws are enacted or implemented arbitrarily, the ensuing consequences for the country and its people are bound to be dire.

The illegal settlements demolished in Woregenu were built over three years ago. The squatters erected fully functional homes on the land they occupied. It is quite inexplicable then why regulators at the city administration and district levels turned a blind eye to the construction of these homes even though it fully knew that they were destined to be demolished. The fact that state-owned entities provided water and power services to the settlers and built access roads for them evidently emboldened them. It also created the impression that their landholding would be regularized down the line. Here we would like to emphasize that we are not sanctioning land invasion; we are just pointing out that the settlers were encouraged by the inaction or otherwise of the city government. This is symptomatic of serious gaps in the enforcement of the law. Had the government acted immediately the moment the first squatters began to engage in illegal construction, the wastage of the considerable resources that went into construction works as well as the injuries inflicted on the settlers when protesting the demolition could have been avoided.

The government needs to take the long-term view and be proactive; it has to stop its propensity to react to problems after the fact and rush to put out the fire. In other words it is incumbent upon it to nip problems in the bud before they get out of control and cause untold damage.

The city administration’s inconsistency when it comes to enforcing the law is borne out by the recent voiding of some 250 title deeds. Prompted by the failure of developers to begin construction on time, the measure, albeit belated, is commendable. The government is duty-bound to take firm action against investors who leave idle the land they should have put to its intended use. This said, the city administration has been reluctant to take measures against investors who, for years, have not developed vast plots of land they are obliged to. Such incongruity inevitably not only engenders grievance but also erodes the principle of equality before the law. Unless the government sees to it that it uniformly enforces the laws it enacts all the time, its fairness and commitment to the rule of law will be questioned.

Ethiopian and Eritrea have been in a stalemate over the last sixteen years ever since the end in 2000 of the two-year bloody war they fought. This state of “neither war nor peace” apparently has had a devastating effect on the peoples of both nations and unpleasant ramifications for nearby states. The armies of the two sides have engaged in several skirmishes during the long standoff.

The latest clash saw the countries exchange heavy fire at their disputed last Sunday. As usual apart from pointing figures at each other no casualty figures or the estimated value of property damage was disclosed by either side. History has shown that an impasse is not in the interest of both countries. This is why we believe they have no option but to draw lessons from the past and commit themselves to seeking a lasting peace accord.

Last month Eritrea celebrated its twenty-fifth year independence anniversary. The fanfare with which the celebrations were held belie the dire state the country is in. The widespread and systematic crimes against humanity that the increasingly tyrannical Asmara regime has committed over the past 25 years have forced its citizens to flee in droves to Europe and other parts of the world. The number of Eritreans undertaking a perilous journey across the Mediterranean in search of a better life is on par with that of the citizens of war-torn countries like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. Many in the international community refer to the Eritrean government as the North Korea of Africa on account of the egregious human rights violations and brutal repression it has perpetrated and willfully continues to do so.

The UN Security Council has repeatedly imposed sanctions and embargos on Eritrea citing the numerous infractions of its government. And last week a new report by the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea, which accused the dictatorial Eritrean regime of committing crimes against humanity, called for the international community to take steps, including using the International Criminal Court, national courts and other available mechanisms to ensure there is accountability for the atrocities being committed in Eritrea. This is the strongest of the slew of criticisms that the UN has delivered against Eritrea. Nonetheless the Eritrean population continues to be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment at the hand of their own government.

The belligerence of the Asmara regime is not directed at its citizens alone, though. It is bent on destabilizing Horn of Africa countries. Numerous reports commissioned by different entities have affirmed that it is mired up to its eyeball in illegally funding and arming the Somalia-based jihadist al-Shabaab, al-Qaeda-linked Islamic insurgent battling the internationally recognized government in Somalia. It also backs groups which have gripes with other countries of the region against whom it had a falling out. Though it has been cast out as a pariah state as a result of these breaches of international norms, it is unwilling to desist from undermining the region’s stability.

On the contrary, Ethiopia is relatively more peaceful and stable than Eritrea. And it has been registering one of the fastest economic growth over the past decade globally, a fact attested by the likes of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Needless to say this does not imply that the nation is a bed of roses; it still is afflicted by rampant corruption, miscarriage of justice and other forms of bad governance that have prevented its economy from growing at an even faster pace.    

Ethiopia was unable to achieve a sustainable economic growth prior to the last decade owing to a raft of internal and external factors. Chief among these is the 1998-2000 Ethio-Eritrea war which exacted a severe humanitarian and economic toll on the warring sides. We believe Eritrea should be able to enjoy the peace and stability Ethiopia is blessed with. This can be realized when the two countries sit down and negotiate a win-win settlement that not only heals wounds, but also lays the foundation for deeper ties.

The peoples of Ethiopia and Eritrea have centuries of brotherly relations. They lived as one people for eons until 1991 and share similar languages, religion and culture. Such a bond actually makes the reconciliation between the two nations a lot easier. If the impasse cannot be resolved at some point, there is no doubt the type of conflict that broke out last week is bound to recur and even escalate to a full-scale war that may well exacerbate the crisis besetting the region by creating a fertile ground for terrorism and reversing the hard-fought political and economic gains made over the years. As always the brunt of the conflict will be borne by the innocent and the vulnerable. War is a lose-lose proposition which never fails to wreak havoc on the sides involved. In cognizance of this fact, therefore, the governments of countries and regional states as well as the international community need to ramp up efforts to break the deadlock and bring about a lasting peace. This will go a long way towards ensuring the stabilization and prosperity of the entire Horn region.

The Olympic Games are the largest sporting spectacles globally. There are 39 days to go before the 2016 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXXI Olympiad, are due to take place from August 5 to 16 in Brazil, which is finalizing last-minute preparations to welcome athletes and spectators from all over the world. The games will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing unity and solidarity if all participants internalize and abide by the lofty ideals they embody. As a major sporting event where the flags of nations fly high, their national anthems are sung and cultures and traditions are displayed, billions of people tune in to follow the Olympics.

Up until thirty years ago, racism and political rivalry had marred the Olympics on several occasions. Since then, however, athletes from different corners of the world are competing in the games without facing racial or political discrimination. This, though, in no way implies that the Olympic Games are blemishless. In fact, they are confronted with the specter of a menacing challenge threatening to undercut their very integrity. The scourge of doping has become the single biggest problem undermining the principle of fair play that they stand for. In recognition of the gravity of the problem the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) unequivocally resolved to combat it ruthlessly. This is evidenced by the suspension in November 2015 of the All-Russia Athletic Federation (ARAF) from membership ofthe world athletics governing body for state-sponsored systemic cheating. Consequentlyathletes and athlete support personnel from Russia were banned fromtaking part in international competitions including the Olympicsunder the Russian flag even if they are accepted to be clean. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) this week upheld the ban on Russian with the caveat that Russian athletes who were able to prove they were clean enough would be allowed to compete and would go to Rio as part of Russia’s national Olympics team. Such an unprecedented step is a severe setback for one of the most successful sides in the history of athletics. It will take a long time for the country and its athletes to recover from the damage to their standing as a result of the sanction.

Russia is not the only nation that has been the focus of doping accusations. Kenya and Ethiopia were frequently mentioned by the media in relation to investigations into doping offences. Last month three Ethiopian athletes were formally suspended and another three were placed under investigation for testing positive for banned performance-enhancing drugs. The growing doping scandal has very much shocked the nation and its people.

Ever since Ethiopia first competed in the Olympics in the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, it has produced a string of internationally renowned athletes. AbebeBikila became the first Ethiopian and indeed sub-SaharanAfrican to win Gold in the Olympics after he crossed the finishing line first in the 1960 Rome Olympics while running barefoot. His victory amazed the entire world. Similarly Derartu Tulu wrote her name in the annals of history by becoming the first female African to win an Olympic Gold when she romped to victory in the 10,000m race in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Four years later FatumaRoba achieved the feat of becoming the first African to win Gold in the women’s marathon at the Atlanta Olympics.

These are not the only Ethiopians who came out on top at the Olympics and other international events. The likes of MammoWolde, MirutsYifter, Haile Gebreselassie, KenenisaBekele, TiruneshDibaba, MeseretDefar and others are Olympic champions who did their country proud. Ethiopian athletes are also acclaimed for the exemplary teamwork they displayed in winning successive long-distance disciplines earning the team the moniker “Green Flood”. For a country which has such a glorious history the doping saga is a blot on its accomplishments and a traumatizing development. It is therefore imperative for the EthiopianAthleticsFederationand other concerned entities to go beyond condemning the cheaters and demonstrate that they have zero tolerance towards doping by punishing athletes involved in this despicable practice. Otherwise, the reputation Ethiopia has built for over half a century as a long-distance powerhouse, thanks to the feats of its heroic athletes, canbe dealt a debilitatingblow.

Ethiopia’s success in running disciplines has played a vital role in rehabilitating its decades-old image associated with internal strife and famine. Moreover, it has drawn athletes from different parts of the world to come to Ethiopia to train, thereby contributing its share to boosting revenue from tourism. Furthermore, it inculcates a winning mentality within citizens, strengthens the spirit of solidarity between them and inspires the youth to excel in their chosen field.

Ethiopian athletics is at a crossroads.To rub salt into the wound, the unheard of testing of a number of Ethiopian athletes positive for banned substances is being exacerbated by the rampant corruption in the sport and the escalating tension between athletes and the leadership of the national governing body. Unlessthese grave challenges are firmly and promptly tackled, the future of the country’s athletics and its hard-earned standing on the international stage as a nation of clean athletes are bound to suffer.

The policy decision of the Government of Ethiopia to effect a structural change in the economy whereby it un overgoes a transition from being agriculture-led to industry-led is now taking shape after fifteen years of ups and downs. In this regard Ethiopia has managed to attract foreign direct investment with major international players in the textile, leather, cement, pharmaceutical and other sectors establishing their presence in various parts of the country and generating much-needed hard currency. The companies which have invested billions of dollars come mainly from India, Turkey, India and the U.K.  

In the first 5-year Growth and Transformation Plan (GTP I) of the government, which ran from 2010-2015, the manufacturing sub-sector of the industrial sector registered a 20 percent growth. The government has targeted a 25 percent growth for the sector in GTP II (2016-2020). This said, the contribution of the manufacturing sector as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is still hovering around the 5 percent mark. This figure in no uncertain term demonstrates that there is still far to go before the sector takes the lead in the structural transformation it has been projected to take. On the contrary, the service sector has leapfrogged over the agriculture sector and now accounts for the lion’s share of GDP without a meaningful government support.

Several factors are to blame for the lackluster performance of the industrial sector. Chief among these is the inability of the government to duly implement on the ground the enticing policy and legal frameworks it has put on paper. The critical shortcomings identified by stakeholders as constraining manufacturing in Ethiopia include inadequate power supply and other infrastructures, poor logistics and customs services and the dearth of a disciplined workforce.  Though the government had pledged that it is committed to eliminating the challenges standing in the way of the sector, the prevalence of red tape, corruption and other forms of maladministration have prevented it from providing efficiently the services investors expect from it.

With a view to tackle the afore-mentioned drawbacks in an integrated manner and render the sector globally competitive, the government is pursuing the development of industrial parks as a key strategy. Two sprawling industrial parks have been developed in the past few years while several more are in the pipeline. The Bole Lemi and Eastern Industry Zone parks are soon to be joined by the Hawassa Industry Park with the Bole Lemi Two, Adama, Dire Dawa, Kombolcha, Bahir Dar and Mekelle industrial parks slated to commence operation down the line.

The government isfinancing the erection of the parks through the USD one billion it borrowed from the international market via the sale of sovereign bond as well as concessional loans obtained from donors. The parks have to commence operation within the shortest possible time and begin generating income so that the country does not default on the debt it incurred for their construction. Already major apparel companies like Phillips-Van Heusen and Vanity Fair have set up shop in the soon-to-be-opened Hawassa Industrial Park. The government is eyeing USD one billion and USD 500 million in annual export revenue from the textile and leather and leather products sectors, respectivelyby the end of GTP II.

It is quite disappointing to say the least then that the industry parks which have commenced operation are beset with a host of construction-related problems that not only cast a shadow over the manufacturing sector but also dishearten the overseas companies operating in the parks. The flaws in the delivery of water and other services identified in a report members of parliament submitted to Parliament following a recent visit to the Bole Lemi Industrial Park are good examples.

Moreover, the companies are paying dear as a result of faulty construction works. The report indicated that a Chinese company was asked to pay close to one million birr (around USD 43,000) for water that was wasted due to shoddy plumbing work. What is more dismaying, though, is the fact that the water utility company charged such an exorbitant fee without any qualms.The report further revealed that the local contractors at fault had rectified the problem, albeit after the company’s production was disrupted severely.

Meanwhile, pioneering textile companies like Ayka Addis are saying that they are finding it difficult to remain competitive on the international market. To make matters worse, they and similar other businesses are reported to be perennially in the red and on the verge of going bankrupt, forcing banks to foreclose their assets.

It is to be recalled that the development of the industrial parks had sparked a controversy with local contractors complaining that they were excluded from the construction of the parks. The government defended its decision saying local contractors lacked the necessary capacity to take on the kind of complexity the parks’ development represents. All this reaffirms that the manufacturing sector in Ethiopia is confronted with grave challenges putting a question mark over the government’s lofty goal of making Ethiopia Africa’s manufacturing hub.

It should be underscored here that if the problems afflicting the manufacturing sector are not dealt with posthaste, it is entirely plausible that the foreign investors operating in the country may well pack up and leave while deterring new investment in the nascent sector. Ethiopia can ill afford the dire consequences that would ensue if this scenario were to come to pass. Therefore, it is imperative to ramp up government support for the manufacturing sector.

Meteorological forecasts show that this year’s rainy season will be harsher than ever before. Inasmuch as above-average rainfall levels have beneficial effects at a time when millions of Ethiopians are in need of emergency food assistance due to the devastating El Niño phenomenon, they are also liable to destroy crops as well as buildings and costly interstate and urban roads. The pertinent agencies in particular need to take proactive measures to avert the potential damage that heavy flooding may cause to roads and bridges.

The loss of life and extensive property damage that the deluge which hit the city of Adama, 100km south-east of the capital, last Sunday reinforces the point we are trying to make. The downpour  broke the city’s drainage lines, flooding residences, hotels and other establishments in some five districts. It also claimed the life of a child and carried away scores of cars. The flooding is a harbinger of similar tragedies in numerous towns across the country.

Practically all the roads in Addis Ababa are prone to flooding whenever sustained rain falls for even less than an hour. Failure to take strict measures against the clogging of the inadequate drainage lines of the city through the careless disposal of solid waste means they simply cope with the projected heavy rains of the next two to three months causing floods that not only destroy lives and properties but also severely hamper the movement of people and vehicles. The fact that the use and maintenance of road infrastructure, whose construction accounts for a significant chunk of the national budget annually, is not accorded the attention it duly deserves shortens their life span as well as that of the vehicles which use them. The adverse economic implications of this at the individual level to the country are all too obvious. As a nation we can ill afford the unnecessary expenditure of desperately needed foreign currency for road upkeep works, which are as costly as building the roads themselves, and the acquisition of spare-parts for cars, as well as medical costs incurred to treat accidents prompted by bad road conditions. Hence, the government agencies entrusted with the responsibility of the administration and the supervision of roads are duty-bound to discharge their responsibilities with a sense of ownership and dedication.

One would do well to bear in mind that there is no escaping liability should a calamity occur owing to negligence to take pre-emptive actions before the onset of the rainy season. Offering lame excuses to defend indecision on such a grave matter cannot absolve the concerned officials from being held answerable for their inaction for individuals and the entire nation. At a time when unaccountability across practically all sectors is harming the national interest and the government has vowed to be more committed than ever before to tackling any form of bad governance, it is inexplicable why simple measures like repairing flood-damaged roads, restoring to good shape broken-down drainage systems, erecting flood defenses along vulnerable sites, etc., before the expected heavy rains exact a terrible price.

Neglecting to safeguard roads when citizens living in flood-prone areas are being relocated and the effects of deadly floods have already been acutely felt in some urban centers is bound to wreak havoc. There is no use in trying to cope with the aftermath of the floods instead of undertaking making thorough preparations aimed at preventing the specter of an avoidable disaster. This is why it is of paramount importance that the government and the public at large do whatever is possible to prevent the devastation of the nation’s road infrastructures by floods and the ensuing dire consequences.