With the exception of a handful of entities not dependent on the state-owned telecom monopoly ethio telecom for the provision of internet service, users were denied access to the service early this week immediately after assurances were provided that the new higher education entrance examination that students are currently sitting for have not been leaked like the initial examination due to be given early June. Naturally the responsibility of ensuring the integrity of the exam does not lie on the government alone; it is borne by each and every citizen. Taking the country offline right after the government reassured students and parents that the exam has not been leaked has led to confusion and alarm in equal measure. The move not only defeated its attempt to put the public at ease, but may well have dented Ethiopia’s international standing as well. It also subjected local users ranging from individuals to private, governmental and non-governmental organizations to inconvenience. This is unacceptable by any standard.

Even if there are legitimate concerns that the exam may be leaked again, the government should have eyed other options that the latest technology avails to it. At a time when the world has become a globalized village thanks to the advent of the internet, the abrupt blocking of the service without any warning whatsoever has had an adverse political, economic and social ramification for the nation and its people. It should be all too clear that given the service is gradually becoming critically important across all sectors and aspects of life, shutting it down is much more consequential than disrupting other less matters.

As part of its strategy to effect a structural change in the economy, the government is courting Foreign Direct Investment. Towards this end it has undertaken the construction of a slew of industrial parks in various regions. It’s when the stringent demands of foreign investors are met that Ethiopia can become a preferred investment destination from neighboring and other African nations. If Ethiopia is to emerge competitive with and surpass Kenya, which has been dubbed the Silicon Valley of Africa due to its vibrant information technology industry, it has to excel in the delivery of different types of services including internet service. The harmful effects of taking decisions hastily without thinking through their consequences tend to undermine the principle of accountability. The government should have cleaned its house so that the fresh set of higher education entrance examination is not leaked instead of taking a drastic action which made life difficult for everyone.

Who will be held answerable if banks, which contribute to the growth of the company by employing hundreds of thousands of jobs, were to sustain a loss due to the suspension of their electronic payment service? How will companies and individuals who rely on the service to conduct commercial transactions be compensated for the loss they are forced to bear? What can be done to redress the social cost to citizens, potentially fatal in some instances, that severing internet connection entails? Why did the officials ultimately responsible for the extreme measure fail to anticipate its disastrous fallout? Somebody has to come up with a prompt clarification.
The crucial role information technology plays in the advancement of a nation is a fact that everyone should appreciate, more so government officials. However, it was recently revealed at a parliamentary hearing that a shockingly high proportion of office holders have a limited understanding of the importance of information technology and actually consider its enhancement to be a luxury the country cannot afford. It is quite disappointing to see a technology which deserves the utmost attention given it is instrumental in accelerating the nation’s growth used as a means to avert the leaking of national exams. The prevalence of such a reactionary attitude, which is unconcerned with the detrimental impact of disconnecting users from the internet, does not bode well for the country in that it not only tarnishes the country’s image, but also tramples on the constitutionally guaranteed right of freedom of expression and other legitimate interests of citizens. It also lends credence to the oft-levelled accusation that the government routinely violates democratic and human rights. This is exactly what is taking place.
As we always say the absence of transparency and accountability of in the conduct of the government is bound to lead to acts which run counter to the public interest. The surest way to prevent not only the stealing of exam papers, but also other forms of rent-seeking that threaten the very survival of the political establishment is the resolute application of the principles of transparency and accountability. Failure to do so has put the credibility of the establishment on the line. The government’s inability to see to it that its house is clean resulted in the leaking of exam papers that cost the country dear. So what prompted the government to block access to the internet and leave many inconvenienced on the heels of the announcement that the backup examination would not be tampered with? Why were other options not explored alongside the preparation of the substitute examination?

Any complex undertaking like administering national examinations is always fraught with problems. The important thing is to draw the appropriate lessons therefrom and institute long-term solutions. The government’s track record in this regard is checkered where its attempt to rectify its mistake with another mistake gave rise dreadful outcomes. The leaking of the initial examination on social media should have elicited the search for a durable solution, not a knee-jerk reaction which led to more problems than solve them. In this age of ultra-fast communication contemplating that the leaking of examinations can be averted by blocking the internet is a demonstration of the lack of creative thinking. The government ought to have stayed the course with its assurance to students and parents, not sow even more confusion by an ill-considered step. Cutting off the country from the rest of the world by blocking access to the internet is unwarranted and totally unacceptable!

Nature has blessed the world with a kaleidoscope of diversity. Diversity of views has been a feature of human existence throughout history. Building a society that cherishes differences is a hallmark of democracy even as resolving differences through force is the height of backwardness that ultimately will result in conflict and destruction. Given that democracy is a marketplace where competing ideas can find manifestation and the public is the final arbiter of which of the ideas is acceptable, it is a moral imperative to garner the consent of the people through political discourse and submitting to their will. The ethos that the people of Ethiopia have forged over centuries that has allowed them to co-exist harmoniously transcending linguistic, cultural, religious and other differences has been ignored by politicians of all stripes. The mortal tug-of-war they have been engaged in over the past century illustrates this fact.

The four pillars of democracy—justice, equality, freedom and representation—can be given practical effect to when differences are accommodated in a civilized manner.  These pillars are instrumental in ensuring protection for the rights and freedoms of citizens, thereby laying the groundwork for the forging of a society where social justice reigns. In nations where state power is assumed not through bullets but the ballot-box the free expression of differing views has been shown to stimulate, not undermine democracy. Individuals and groups can exercise the right to freedom of expression, thought and association in a setting where diversity is respected. Sadly, in contemporary Ethiopia intolerance for ethnic, religious, political and other differences, the very antithesis of democracy, is on the rise and poses a threat to the country.

The ruling Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) is prone to constrict the political space, denying its opponents a level playing field. Opposition parties meanwhile equally exhibit parochialism and hatred, labeling anyone who does not agree with their point of view an enemy. While one side essentially is steeped in anti-democratic rhetoric and an impediment to the democratization process, the other is spurning the opportunity to commit itself to build on the pioneering accomplishments it achieved. Consequently, the peaceful pursuit of political objectives is giving way to the settlement of differences by violent means. Politicians who swear by democracy are failing to live up to their preaching and going down the path to destruction; they are refusing to submit themselves to the will of the public, instead holding it to ransom at gunpoint. All this stems from their mutual hatred and inability to engage in a civilized conversation.

Ethiopia can extricate itself from poverty and achieve prosperity if peace, democracy, the rule of law and the sovereignty of the people prevail. The ruling party’s restriction of the political and its complete control of the legislature along with its allies in the 2015 elections which did not allow all contestants to run on an equal footing have engendered a sense of disenfranchisement all over the country. The practical implications of declaring oneself a winner in an election where the electorate was not given the opportunity to choose from a menu of different alternatives representing diverse interests are being seen sooner rather than later. Imposing on citizens a single set of political and economic philosophy instead of embracing diversity and governing by consensus runs contrary to the tenets of democracy. No matter how free and fair the election process may have been a result where the incumbent and its allies make a clean sweep of all seats is not credible for it flies in the face of the realities on the ground.

The opposition camp for its part is anathema to the concept of respecting differences, adopting the attitude “either you are with us or against us”. The conversations on various websites and social media make it manifestly clear that an out-and-out breed of dictators is emerging. Alien to the basic precepts undergirding democracy, these individuals pillory and occasionally even threaten anybody who ‘dares’ to opine a view that does not conform with theirs, particularly those who espouse peaceful political struggle. It does not take a prophet to imagine what would unfold if such compatriots were lucky enough to assume power.

There has been a spate of conflicts in Ethiopia over the past one year. The clashes did not flare up due to the absence of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms. Had these mechanisms, which are valued by all communities alike been applied in a democratic manner it would have been possible to resolve the differences of opinion that gave rise to the conflicts and avert the resulting loss of lives, injuries and destruction of property. If either the government or those who claim to represent the public does not heed its legitimate grievances, unpleasant consequences are bound to ensue. The country and its people are paying dearly because political forces are shirking their responsibility in terms of promoting the idea that differences are natural as well as bringing about a peaceful resolution to conflicts. This decades-old malaise is now assuming ethnic dimensions with the public being incited to internecine violence by sinister forces behind the scene.

As we always reiterate, social justice must prevail. The constitutionally enshrined human democratic rights of citizens need to be respected. The ideal that ultimate sovereignty resides in the people has to reign supreme. Citizens should participate actively in the affairs of their country. And the resources of the nation ought to be equitably shared. For all this to be realized it is imperative to uphold the rule of law and equality before the law as well as to ensure that the conduct of affairs of government are transparent and subject to accountability.If the pursuit of political goals through peaceful means is to bear fruit, there is no choice but to uphold the pillars of democracy. The French saying “vive la différence!” needs to be well and truly respected. It is when Ethiopians embrace the notion that there is unity in diversity and diversity in unity that the ideals of democracy they aspire for can be fulfilled. Let’s not desecrate this blessing that nature has bestowed upon us. Otherwise we shall be confronted with dire straits.

Addis Ababa is wallowing in urban dirt that has been uncollected for some time now. Although Repi landfill, the sole open dumping site for the city’s solid waste since 1968, was closed over a year ago following the commissioning of the Sendafa modern solid waste management project some 40 km north-east of Addis Ababa in the Oromia regional state, the new landfill recently stopped providing service. Residents are aghast at the unprecedented flooding of their beloved city with refuse. No government agency has to date either provided an explanation as to what brought about the non-removal of the garbage, which has proven to be a serious health hazard, or tackled it head on. This is a prime example of dereliction of duty by the city administration.

Addis Ababa is not just the capital of Ethiopia. Like New York, Geneva and Brussels it is a diplomatic hub where different international organizations are headquartered, including the African Union (AU). It is inexplicable then why both the federal government and the city administration have not hastened to arrange a temporary dump site until such time that the Sendafa land fill resumes operation. At a time when peoples have been urged to be vigilant in the face of the outbreak of Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD), how come the streets and neighborhoods of the metropolis are overpowered with garbage? Isn’t the health and safety of residents as well as visitors of paramount concern? Shouldn’t the image of the country, which is improving gradually thanks to the tiresome effort put into it, count for something? The absence of a government agency which is seen to be taking charge of the problem is all the more worrisome.

How much does the Addis Ababa city government work in close cooperation and exchange information on solid waste management and disposal with the municipalities and communities of neighboring towns where the solid waste it generates is dumped? Is it due to the absence of a framework agreement between the administrations of Addis Ababa and Sedafa that the solid waste management facility built at a cost of over 1 billion birr in Sendafa suspended operation? Or is there another cause which the authorities have seen fit not to reveal? If the suspension, as some reports have it, is indeed attributable to the refusal of the local community to allow the dumping of waste from Addis Ababa, the reason which prompted such action has to be identified and dealt with accordingly.

The relationship of the federal government with regional administrations, particularly on land use, needs to be uniform in accordance with the provisions of the constitution. As the seat of the federal government, the city government’s ties with the towns of the adjoining Oromia region over land utilization in connection with infrastructure development and other matters of common interest must be just, informed by the principle of give-and-take, and ensure that both parties stand to benefit mutually in the long term. Needless to say, this requires a shared vision and an unswerving commitment on the part of both administrations. Currently though the relationship seems to be strained. The fact that the legal framework the constitution stipulates will govern the provision of social services or the utilization of natural resources and similar other matters has not been enacted is indefensible by any measure.

Aside from the garbage heap marring the city’s landscape, the seemingly intractable problems besetting the construction of various infrastructure projects speak volumes. The ruling Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) never tires of shouting out aloud that it is committed to ending poverty and backwardness. Though it is undeniable that some changes have come about, the progress that is touted to have been made and the reality on the ground is far apart. The primarily factor behind this state of affairs is the woefull inadequacy of the execution capacity of the government. Roads built at a considerable outlay of capital have a short lifespan due to the fact that they are often dug up to lay water or telephone lines. Floods caused by the clogging up of drainage lines, which are mostly in a poor condition, as well as the illegal dumping of construction materials a long the roads where construction works are being undertaken also contribute to the frequent disrepair of roads. All this has led to accidents which have resulted in deaths, injuries and property damage.

The city administration is also accused of callousness towards squatters who have been living on illegally occupied land. After the thousands of squatters, aided and abetted by corrupt local administration officials, built homes and lived therein for years without any consequence, they are suddenly evicted leaving children and the elderly homeless. The innocent are forced onto the streets for the sins of dishonest officials. Lulled into believing that the acquiescence of government officials, who ought to have nipped in the bud the erection of illegal settlements, affirmed that they are entitled to equal protection under the law, the settlers were infuriated and resorted to deadly violence by the demolitionof their homes. Such a turn of events not only engenders a sense of disenfranchisement within the squatters, but is also liable to erode the general public’s confidence in the government.

The inefficiency afflicting the delivery of transport, electricity, water and various municipal services is a prime example of the lack of good governance citizens are aggrieved over. Granted that all problems cannot be solved overnight, the public nonetheless is apt to be disgruntled by the recurrence of the same old ordeals. The proliferation of incompetent government officials who do not care an iota for the welfare of and exacerbate the suffering of the people is the major driver of public discontent.  What is more the absence of transparency and accountability in the operation of the institutions they head rubs salt into the wound.

And now these entrenched problems are aggravated by the overpowering refuse, which comes on the heels of the outbreak of AWD and threatens to spread other communicable diseases. The municipality is yet to provide detailed explanations on the extent of the problem and how it plans to address it. It is incomprehensible why a government which claims to have assumed office through the ballot box is reluctant to tell the public what is going on and the remedial steps it is contemplating to take. The overpowering of Addis Ababa with garbage is a stark reminder of the failings of the city administration.

Governing a nation is a grave responsibility which requires of leaders to personify wisdom, far-sightedness, integrity, leadership skills and an unswerving commitment to peace, democracy and development. A government cannot be deemed to be populist just because it claims that it possesses these attributes; it has to demonstrate in action that it is willing to submit to the will of the people and to conduct its affairs in a transparent and accountable manner. It’s only then that its response to any public demand can be prompt, reasonable and consensus-oriented. Even if the response is not to everyone’s satisfaction, the very fact that the process is participatory lays the groundwork for further dialogue. Such kind of thinking needs to take root in present-day Ethiopia. Anyone who tries to act contrary to this principle is bound to collide head on with the public.

The various structures of the ruling Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) teem with self-serving individuals who give precedence to force over reason when the public demands its rights, impede the free flow of ideas, crave power more than the national interest, are prone to hurl insults instead of engaging in dialogue, contribute directly or otherwise to undermining the rule of law and prevalence of lawlessness, and make no bones about their distaste for democracy. The organization’s reluctance to conduct a critical self-assessment and house-cleaning in no way helps to resolve the grievances some sections of the public harbor toward it. Offering flimsy excuses rather than heeding the legitimate demands of the public is liable to have unpleasant consequences for the country and the public at large.

Like the governments of other civilized nations the administration here must take it upon itself to make responsiveness one of its mantra. Responding democratically to the appropriate demands of citizens can go a long way towards ensuring that peace, prosperity and democracy prevail instead of conflicts, destruction and authoritarianism.  Though the people, of Ethiopia, estimated to number around 100 million, are a kaleidoscope of different cultures, languages, faiths, and political outlook, there is more that unites them than divides them. And they have a proud history of celebrating their diversity and peaceful co-existence. If a polity as diverse as Ethiopia is to forge a stronger unity anchored in mutual tolerance, respect and trust, all citizens ought to be able to enjoy equally and fairly treated without exception. The existence of a political space which fosters the accommodation of different interests through democratic means is instrumental in averting conflicts.

As in any period during its history the present generation in Ethiopia has unanswered questions. Regardless of whether the questions are rational or not the ultimate arbiter is the public. Issues pertaining to identity, equitable distribution of resources, respect for human and democratic rights, access to justice, employment opportunity, etc. need to be in accordance with the applicable law. Needless to say, the way the questions are raised as well as the response to them is important in that it has to be peaceful and not impinge the legitimate rights of others. The public shall pass judgement on those who tend to be irrational and offensive, are bent on inciting internecine violence to further their sinister agenda, and act as the errand boys of the nation’s sworn enemies even as they claim to represent it. After all, it knows very well what is in its best interest and what is not. Hence, it is dead wrong and indeed undemocratic to suppress the legitimate demands of the public while dealing with such elements.

The ruling EPRDF should view the questions the public raises on paramount matters from the perspective of such fundamental considerations as freedom of expression and equality of access to economic opportunities. Refusing to heed the public in disregard of these principles is not only unwise, but also legally questionable. That is why it should abandon its age-old habit of externalizing the reasons behind the types of unrest which recently rocked the country and start looking inward. With the exception of demands that run counter to the law as well as the national and public interest, the government owes a constitutional duty to lend an ear to and provide solutions for all grievances voiced by the public. It is incumbent upon the EPRDF to bring to heel members and supporters who are unwilling to submit to the will of the people and have no inkling about how to serve the public. The fact that these characters have enriched themselves illegally having infiltrated state structures and mass organizations and are steering the country on a perilous course thanks to their misdeeds requires of it to take firm measures including dismissal from membership and criminal prosecution. The nation certainly does not need in position of power individuals who are woefully behind the times, incompetent and liable to hand, wittingly or otherwise, foreign adversaries an opening which they can use to wreak havoc.

Transparency is one of the mechanisms which ensure it is held accountable in the conduct of its affairs. The more the government opens up and facilitates dialogue forums the more it can filter genuine public opinion from views distorted by pseudo representatives and respond effectively. The demands made by citizens over the years are often characterized as actually being driven by forces behind the scene is a result of the failure to accord due attention to the needs of the public. However irresponsible or absurd an idea may be, it should not be repressed for the public is wise enough to embrace a viewpoint that advances its interest and reject that which does not. The demands made during mass protests in Oromia a bout a year ago and in the Amhara region in the past month have to be heeded properly so that it is possible to get a handle on the true intention of the protestors. If the government, as it is wont to do, is committed to respect the basic rights of citizens then it is imperative for it to address the public’s demands democratically.