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.
