The Ethiopian Opposition: On Keeping the Momentum

For the last two decades, the ruling party, EPRDF, set the agendas for political discourse, putting the opposition to a clear defensive position. The former drafted, ratified, and implemented rulings and laws solo several of which are calculated to contain and neutralize any form of public dissent. The opposition has had nothing to do about it but to mildly shout that the political playing field was and is too narrow to play. Discourses related to national economics and development were/are also the exclusive business of the ruling party. Moreover, it was/is the EPRDF only who re-defined/s our border lines and our relations to neighboring countries. The opposition reacted in some forms to such maneuverings. Generally, one could safely argue that the EPRDF and the opposition have respectively assumed their offensive and defensive roles for years.  

Ethiopia after Meles

By Obang Metho
I would like to thank the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Congressman Edward Royce, and all ranking members of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations for this important opportunity to examine the Ethiopian Government’s observance of democratic and human rights principles in post-Meles Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Airlines: Awards and Boycotts

The 2013 World Airline Awards were announced this June and The Best Airline Staff Service in Africa award went to Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian). This is just one of the many awards Ethiopian amassed over the years for its continued expansions and for its grip on state of the art technology in the airline business. To me, Ethiopian is the only entity in Ethiopia that defines my concept of competitiveness and productivity and excellence. Ethiopian is not just about commerce and profit; it is a national image carrier. It just communicates Ethiopia to the world.  I wish all other institutions follow suit!

Keep Rallies Up!

The peaceful demonstration organized by the Semayawi party is a giant step towards success. Great job, the Blue guys and all the brave Ethiopians who are able to make it to the streets! Congratulations! I also congratulate the Ethiopian government for allowing this to happen although they were supposed to daily enact the rights of citizens enshrined in the constitution. Ensuring the rule of law is the only option available out there.

The Ethiopian Diaspora!

The Ethiopian Diaspora are making seminal contributions to socio-economic and political realities back home. Their support ranges from making financial contributions to opposition parties at home to communicating government's and oppositions' deeds to the international community.