Events in Retrospect

The year 2013 is only three days away. It is educative and even interesting to go back in time and reconsider some of the key events that took place in Ethiopia. Since its launch on the 28^th of June 2012, this blog, Abyss, entertained several socio-economic, religious, and political issues, some of which are highlighted below, beginning from the oldest one. The following texts are direct quotations taken from previous posts followed by the links that lead to entire posts.

In the new year and beyond, Abyss aims to 1) support solicited and unsolicited reflections (from other people), 2) consider global-level issues as related to Ethiopia, 3) stay non-partisan and objective, and 4) significantly contribute to Ethiopian politics. Special currency will be given to your comments and criticisms! Now, enjoy reading the summaries of some key past posts below.

The EOTC Patriarchate: A Cause for Division

The division of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC) into two competing synods has a single cause: the way the most infamous patriarch, the late Abune Paulos, was instated as leader of the church twenty years ago.  The then members of the synod did not oppose the political maneuvering made and several even praised the move. That effectively divided the top leadership of the church that survived countless challenges before. For the last two decades, the two synods invested a lot of their time and resources to ‘fight and kill’ each other, which in the end unfavorably checked the church’s growth and development.

Most Troubling Facts about Ethiopia

During the last two decades, Ethiopia for sure witnessed improvements in some fronts. Basic infrastructure such as hydroelectric dams, roads, education and health institutions, and catering businesses are significantly expanded. Particularly important are the efforts made to make schools and universities accessible to a huge number of students that is found to be higher even by international standards. In fact, Ethiopia is among the few countries in the world that achieved the highest expansion of of the education sector. This and other signs of improvements must be duly acknowledged and commended.

Courage and Honesty

Note: This entire text is copied and pasted from an email being forwarded by many. I found it powerful. 

A successful businessman was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business. Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different.  He called all the young executives in his company together.

President Girma's Letter: Slip of the Mind or the Tongue?

                                                President Girma WoldeGiorgis, Google picture

Since his coronation in October 2001, the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Girma WoldeGiorgis, has been ‘playing’ at the background of the political scene. He is occasionally seen on ETV, receiving ambassadors and inaugurating the start and finish of projects. Luck has him that he was given a second term in office in October 2007. His term will technically end in October 2013.   

Having this as a background, I want to focus on the president’s take of the reconciliation efforts underway between the two EOTC synods. In his letter addressed to the patriarch abroad, he clearly highlighted the need to merge the two synods through reinstating Abune Merkorios to his position in Addis. In a separate letter addressed to the acting Patriarch in Ethiopia, Abune Natanael, the president requested the synod there to make a decision to reinstate Abune Merkorios as patriarch.

Who Retards Political Change in Ethiopia?

Chairman of Unity for Democracy and Justice (UDJ) party, Dr Negasso Gidada, nicely highlighted the current political condition in Ethiopia. In a discussion forum arranged for party members, Ethiopia’s former president identified major challenges and problems that strangle contemporary politics. The absence of a united public movement for change, the authoritarian nature of the governing party, the limiting nature of the electoral system, the ineffective culture of mediation and negotiation, and the tendency to expect change from above and abroad are major issues highlighted by Dr Negasso. He stressed that the governing party is not willing to change or relinquish power in its own accord.  His suggestion is that, in order to bring genuine change, the Ethiopian people must nurture their political culture and must create immense pressure on the governing party.

VOA Discussions on the EOTC

In my previous post, I tried to examine how the two EOTC synods are approaching the reconcillation effort. Two scenarios were identified and possible trans-synod cooperation and collaboration mechanisms were suggested. In addition to the several comments I got from EthioMedia, where my piece was also posted, the VOA two-part discussions with archibishops  and religious experts from both synods was seminal. What is interesting is that all the discussants loudly asked members of the two synods to make sacrifices of any sort for the sake of EOTC's unity. The opportunity at hand is too big to be missed! 

Part 1 discussants were Abune Gabriel from Ethiopia, Abune Yosef from America, Dr Walle Engidasew from Texas, and myself from Oslo. Liqekahnat Haileselassie Alemayehu and Abba SereqeBirhan WoldeSamuel from America, Dn Daniel Kibret and Megabi Haddis Eshetu Alemayehu from Ethiopia were Part 2 participants. Your comments are most welcome!

Part 1: http://www.voanews.com/mp3/voa/africa/amha/amha1800aFRI.mp3 

Part 2: http://www.voanews.com/mp3/voa/africa/amha/amha1800aSAT.mp3   

  

The EOTC at a Crossroads

During the last two millennia, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC) survived countless challenges that tremored its integrity and identity. The most serious and most embarrassing of all the challenges is the split of the Holy Synod into two competing factions twenty years ago. The division challenges the very integrity of the church and is in direct contradiction with what the Gospel, its canons, and traditions say. 

Optimism about Ethiopia

Consider any indicator of development, be it economic, political, health, educational, and/or technological. You will find Ethiopia at the bottom of the list, sometimes outachieved even by Somalia and Eritrea. Not least worrisome is the exodus of Ethiopians to foreign lands. Journalists, politicians, academics, the youth, and even seniors are turning their backs to their country. Education and work are becoming more and more incompatible in Ethiopia. The cost of living and the rate of inflation are mind boggling. It is becoming hard to get independent and critical media back home. Ethiopia is also becoming a prison nation. And one could add a lot more problems. Despite all these, I turned to hold an optimistic view about Ethiopia’s future.

D-Day: The Ethiopian Type

During World War II, Nazi Germany invaded several key spots in Northwest Europe including France. To ‘check’ Hitler's aggressive expansion and then abolish his rule once and for all, a number of countries including the UK, USA, and surprisingly Ethiopia formed a military front, dubbed as the Allied forces. Operation Neptune was the name of the military campaign that sought to oust Nazi forces from Europe, first from France, particularly from the area known as Normandy. The operation did not initially set a specific day for attack and was simply called D-Day. Finally, June 6, 1944 heralded the beginning of the largest allied military operation ever against Nazi. Thousands of ships, tens of thousands of planes, and hundreds of thousands of ground forces participated. In just three months, the entire Normandy and then Paris were freed and that effectively ruined Hitler’s dream of becoming a world leader. Every year in June, the D-Day is remembered and gains large media coverage in the West.

Medrek: An Insider's View

My latest post "Medrek: Challenges and Issues" also appered at Ethiomedia, from where I got several comments including one from an Executive Member of Medrek. Overall, my commentators seem to generally concur with the issues I raised. I also get some comments that seem to offer new insights. A very interesting comment came from a member of Medrek in Addis. I found it useful as it reveals new information about Medrek's activities on the ground. I thus decided to post it as it stands- with no edition. I have asked the commentator, Ahmed, for his permission and he is willing to see his response posted at my blog. 

Medrek:Challenges and Issues

One of the gravest mistakes one may make in life is exclusively focusing on individuals and not on ideas. In countries where dictatorship is the norm, people usually consider the death of top leaders as the beginning of the end of tyranny. But that does not often translate into reality. Africa is a region where this assertion stands tall; decades witnessed the replacement of one dictator by another. In Ethiopia, the collapse of the imperial feudal system culminated only in the entourage of one of the harshest military rules on earth. That again is succeeded by what appears at the surface a mild form of governance where democracy, the rule of law, freedom and being human are all systematically put at the edge. Still, people expected positive developments following the death of the late PM Meles Zenawi. So far, golden opportunities are missed mainly because we Ethiopians focus on individuals: Haile Selassie, Mengistu Haile Mariam, and Meles Zenawi. We failed so far to dissect, choose, and act on ideas, which could have led us elsewhere.

Ethiopian Intellectuals: The Sleeping Giant

Every society expects significant contributions from the educated. In fact, the very essence and rationale of education is to help people grow and develop mentally, morally, emotionally and physically, which all are crucial for a country’s socio-economic and cultural development. That contemporary economies require more than before the substantial production and application of knowledge puts the educated at the forefront of development initiatives including political participation. This is even more so in developing countries, where poverty is the order of the day. But what if hard educated people prefer to keep silent in the midst of struggling economy, corruption, absence of alternative media, absence of rule of law and freedom, and exodus of citizens?

Hailemariam Dessalegn: A Leader or a Manager?

On the 21^st of September 2012, the urgently summoned Ethiopian Parliament appointed Hailemaram Dessalegn as PM and Demeke Mekonnen as Deputy PM. The new premier then  presented his acceptance speech to the Parliament and to the Ethiopian people at large. His speech stood in direct and monotonous defense of his predecessor’s legacy. The overarching logic of the speech was that the late Meles was the more than ideal leader of the century who not only dragged Ethiopia from the brink of disaster and complete collapse but also one who made Ethiopia to be one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The implication of this claim is that Ethiopia could not afford to try a new governance model. One could also spot a lot expressions loaded with emotions that were intended to beautify the main message.

The New Leadership

After weeks of secrecy and confusion, the Ethiopian political landscape seems surveyable now. The EPRDF council selected Mr Hailemariam Desalegn and Mr Demeke Mekonnen as Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. The nature of the selection process remains entirely secretive. If it were explained, the selection process could have told us tones of truth, which were vital for making sensible analysis of current and future politics. Hailemariam addressed the Parliament and the Ethiopian people soon after he took the oath. In a nutshell, he said that his leadership will stand in clear defence of the "legacy of the great leader (Meles Zenawi)" and there will be  "no change or revision to to be made to his vision". Still, based on his speech, it seems a bit risky to conclude that he will not be a change agent. We need much more information about his background, personality, and importantly the current political climate at Arat Killo.      

Institutions vs Individuals/Parties

Ethiopia is slipping peacefully through several weeks without an official leader.  EPRDF politicians are in battle for the position while the public is patiently waiting to learn a nomination of a figure.  Although the ruling party tries its utmost to keep power skirmishes secret, information leaks day by day and reaches the virtual world. We have by now learnt the presence of competing EPRDF and TPLF groups that entertain alternative strategies for winning the position. Who will emerge victorious is unclear but history indicates the relative supremacy of groups who position themselves in fine tone with the military and security apparatuses. This is the rough truth in Africa, where the most 'muscular' take all and stay in power until their last breath.

The Church and the State: Signs and Seals

Following the deaths of the late Patriarch Abune Paulos and PM Meles Zenawi, Ethiopia finds itself at a crossroads. Ethiopians are eager to know what trajectory their country is likely to take. Unfortunately, a lot secrecy surrounds with regard to leadership succession and power transfer, and hence, it seems difficult to confidently make a sensible analysis. But there are some signs and 'seals' both at the church and State levels that grossly point to a degree of optimism and skepticism, respectively, in the future. Comparatively, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church (EOTC) seems in a pretty better shape so far and seems more resilient than the State. This post analyzes the implications the signs and the seals have on Ethiopian society.  

Hailemariam Desalegn: Next Ethiopian Leader?

In my 9^th August 2012 post entitled “The ideal Ethiopian leader”, I argued that a leader’s demographic characteristics must be discussed about in addition to her/his emotional and intellectual maturity. It was my take to see the next leader be an elected female president who is over 50 years old. My other preferences were that she be functionally educated, religious, from smaller ethnicities, and an Ethiopian residing in Ethiopia. Only time will tell us who is gonna take the position. 

Although Government Communications Minister, Bereket Simon, indicated that Hailemariam Desalegn is the next EPRDF favorite, we have not yet seen an official (national) consensus and confirmation. And there are reports that seem to indicate eminent power struggle within the governing EPRDF, which is  overwhelmingly dominated by TPLF. Giving Hailemariam the very front seat is, to me, the ‘golden mean’ that should ‘represent’ all interest groups. Do you think this is weird? I got my own rationales.

Post-Meles Stress Disorder

                                         The late PM Meles Zenawi, Google picture

Following the announcement by the government in Ethiopia of the death of the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, the cyber world witnessed heated debates over his legacy. I could identify three major lines of arguments or groups of people. One, there are several people who compassionately argue that the death of Meles is roughly equivalent to the death of Ethiopia's and Africa's future. They labeled the late minister a national hero, a genius, courageous, developmental, and irreplaceable. These group of people admire his initiatives to: make basic education accessible, provide village-level health services, construct asphalted roads in all parts of the country, build large-scale hydroelectric dams, champion the free use of mother tongue and culture, strengthen pan-Africanism, and fight for Africa and the developing world when it comes to climate change and development aid.

Beyond the Death of EOTC Patriarch

                                        The late Abune Paulos patriarch, Google picture

The Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (EOTC), his holiness Abune Paulos, has passed away from natural causes. I pray that his soul rests in peace! We as Christians, however, need to reflect on the implication this has to the church and the nation at large. It is not a perfect time to talk about what the late patriarch failed to accomplish as such. We need to look forward for now and contribute what we could do to the smooth operation of the church. Obviously, EOTC must deal with this very  responsibly and it will do. One must-to-do thing is for sure bringing the two synods together and elect a great father who is selfless, accommodating, and God-fearing. We do not need a bishop who is busy with secular issues, for which we happen to have exceptional experts.  Nor one who is dear and near to ruling parties at the cost of the church's traditions and values. 

The Ideal Ethiopian Leader

What qualities should the ideal Ethiopian leader possess? Commonsense has it that leaders, be they presidents or prime ministers, must be  patriotic, selfless, wise, popular, ambitious, social, orator, charismatic, intelligent, and unifying. These qualities seem to transcend socio-economic and cultural boundaries; these are the qualities sought from a potential leader regardless of time and place. The qualities, one way or another, reflect leaders' state of mind, social skills and emotional intelligence. Election campaigns aim at, albeit much done implicitly, assuring potential voters that leaders really possess the expected qualities. One can however ask whether other qualities are worth mentioning as well. In this post, I like to raise the important  demographic characteristics a 21st Century Ethiopian leader should possess.

Do You Know Your Personality?

How much do you know yourself? Seems strange question? I am not talking about how much you weigh and how heigh you are. Nor am talking about your color or body built as such. As many people have objective and latest knowledge of their physical/biological conditions through regular check ups with their GP's. Based on the information they get from their doctors, they try to take several measures that help them to stay fit and neat. They avoid harmful conditions or habits and capitalize on those conditions or habits that nourish their biology. This way, they thought to promote happiness and prolong their longevity in general. But this post is about the noblest quality that distincts we Homo Sapiens from other species, our psychological 'gait'.

Friends that Empower: Part 2

The Samaritan

Your Samaritan friend does unforgetable big surprises to you and your beloved ones. By many accounts, you usually consider this friend as 'distant' and hence, there is no intimate relationship between you and him. But he proves you otherwise by 'saving' you from real, big troubles. You may fall sick and/or you may face a tough challenge that could turn around your life in an unwanted direction. You clearly feel help from some one very close to you. Unfortunately, all the people you approach may decline to offer you any help and/or they do not just have the required qualities that time. You will then find yourself no where.

Friends that Empower

In my previous two posts, I highlighted some of the characteristics of friends that consciously or unconsciously hurt. In this post, I have the pleasure of acknowledging the deeds of those genuine friends who constantly regulate their actions and in favor of their friendships. In fact, good friends are at the core of modern life, as we amazingly pass a significant portion of our time with them, albeit much using social networking technologies. 

One Ethiopia Many Religions

Religion defines the spiritual, moral, and even secular lives of billions worldwide. Although the extent and modality differs from religion to religion and even from individual to individual, religion is generally considered a frame of reference to life and living. Modern social values including the legal and educational systems are influenced by the norms and traditions of religions. This is clearly observed in Ethiopia where believers are usually actively living their religious values, norms and traditions. It is thus seminal to talk about religion as related to social cohesion and development generally. 

Change in the Air Again?

I feel as if we are in  the early and middle 60s (Ethn. Cal.), when the default news and public discourse were  on regime change, possible clashes, and the like. Visit any blog and/or website, you will get articles on how PM Meles has been doing recently and what he is up to. I very much wish him to stay in good health and witness, if not participate in, the next change. If I were him, I would have facilitated a peaceful and truly democratic change in Ethiopia. That way, I could 'save' my name for centuries to come, and above all, Ethiopia could once again emerge as loveable and livable.

Friends that Hurt: Part II

In my previous post, I promised to  characterize the actions/behaviours of bad friends, only to a certain extent though. This with the prime goal of understanding who really some of our friends are. Mind that the following types of terrible friends are just a few of the posssible many that, in one way or another, complicate or ruin the lives of poor fellows. The pictures are taken from various sources to somehow simplify my ideas.  

Friends that Hurt

How do you characterize your friendship networks? Or, of your friends, who hurt/s and/or help/s you and how frequently? This seems a naive question but it is quite worth considering as friends are among those people who 'shape' our lives. Yes, the lives of many are challenged and even devastated by the irresponsible acts of their own close friends. You would have heard, witnessed, and/or experienced complications in one's friendship networks that finally took their nastiest form. And you might have perceived that the hurt from 'bad' friends has psychological, moral, social, spiritual, and even economical manifestations. Yes, there are extreme instances where best friends ended killing each other, at character and person levels. 

On Boycotting Ethiopian Airelines

                               

                               The flag carrier Ethiopian, Google picture

Within the context of non-violent peaceful struggle for freedom and democracy in Ethiopia, April 2012 saw debates on economic boycotting. Some 12 media organizations, for instance, call for an all encompassing  boycott of organizations affiliated with and sympathetic to the regime in Ethiopia. The major target of the boycott has been Ethiopian Airlines, henceforth called Ethiopian. I was following the discussions with keen to 'see' how and to what extent the general public, particularly the Diaspora, react to the boycott calls. Unfortunately, the debate has never crossed April- I am not seeing any further dialogues on the topic. 

On My Blog

My blog, Abyss, is about virtually every aspect of life and living in Ethiopia. My personal  experiences and views on topical social, cultural, economical, educational, political, and religious issues will be shared, taking a completely non-partisan position. This with a goal of stimulating fruitful discussions, which might in the end positively contribute to democratic conceptions and practices. 

Anyone who has worthwhile ideas, insights, reflections, commentaries, analyses, data, information, and/or criticisms on all issues Ethiopia faces is most welcome to publish at this blog. As its name indicates, this blog is an incredibly immeasurable virtual space that champions absolute intellectual freedom and free expression. There is no moderation/censorship by me of your inputs. That means, you yourself judge the quality and ethical standard of your own contributions such as comments! 

My wishes to my beautiful country Ethiopia:

• Absolute Freedom
• Justice
• Rule of Law, and 
• Equitable and Sustainable Growth and Development!

All my commentaries emerge from my urge to see Ethiopia enjoying these fundamental human rights! 

Teklu Abate
Oslo