The ESAT Discussion Forum in Virginia

The Ethiopian Satellite Television (ESAT) is organizing a discussion forum to be held on the 18th of August 2013 in Arlington,Virginia, the USA. The general topic for discussion is, according to ESAT Radio August 15th broadcast, on current Ethiopian affairs and on identifying possible "solutions" to Ethiopia's problems. Participants are from political parties, civic organizations, government officials, and the general public. Branded as the first of its kind, the discussion is expected to explore possible 'exits' from the ugly political scene Ethiopia finds itself for decades. This is a timely and crucial initiative that needs deliberations. I want to highlight some points related to the planned forum.

Inclusive Discourse: A Prelude to National Reconciliation

To ensure the rule of law, freedom, and democratic governance in Ethiopia, the opposition mainly use two modes of struggle. What appears to be the dominant modus operandi is peaceful struggle, to which all the political parties operating in Ethiopia are required to subscribe. Armed struggle is preferred by other opposition parties/groups, whose scale of operation seems unclear to date. A limited number of groups claim to be eclectic in their approaches, vowing to use any means available to bring genuine change. The government of Ethiopia dubbed those groups that use the last two approaches as “terrorists” and hence, their physical presence is limited to the jungles and foreign capitals.  

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.