Mengistu Musie (PhD)
Mmusie2@gmail.com
June 17, 2024
Ethiopia stands at a critical juncture in its history, necessitating a significant transformation to address longstanding issues and chart a new course for its future. The end of the TPLF/EPRDF rule marked a crucial moment, symbolizing the people’s desire for change after 27 years of divisive governance. The nationwide protests that spanned three years were a testament to the people’s discontent and their demand for systemic change. However, the path to genuine transformation has been fraught with challenges and complexities, highlighting the urgent need for a transitional government to facilitate a peaceful and inclusive transition.
The genocidal war against the Amhara people continues. The resistance by the Amhara Fano is also well underway. The call for a transitional government resonates with many, reflecting a widespread desire for a more representative and just governance structure. The Fano, in coordination with some political organizations and stakeholders, could spearhead this transition.
Citizens in Addis Ababa are prohibited from waving the symbolic tricolor national flag (the green, yellow, and red), which is emblematic of anti-colonial Africa and the freedom of all black people around the world. The economic condition is dire, with many unable to afford basic necessities.
The country’s instability under the rule of a single ethnic group was a primary reason for ousting the TPLF government.
These issues underscore the need for radical socioeconomic and political changes in Ethiopia. The current political landscape is untenable and unacceptable for a nation as large and diverse as Ethiopia. The future of the country hinges on its ability to embrace a more inclusive and equitable system that addresses the needs and aspirations of all its people.
The TPLF/EPRDF Rule: A Period of Divisive Governance
The TPLF/EPRDF government, which ruled Ethiopia for nearly three decades, left a legacy of division and discontent. The regime’s approach to governance was characterized by ethnic-based federalism, which many critics argue exacerbated ethnic tensions and hindered national unity. The continuous protests that culminated in 2018 reflected widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s policies and practices, which many Ethiopians felt were repressive and exclusionary.
Despite the growing unrest, the dominant TPLF was reluctant to relinquish power. The parent organization (EPRDF) strategic move to appoint Abiy Ahmed as Prime Minister in 2018 was an attempt to preserve the existing political system. Abiy Ahmed, initially perceived as a reformist, was tasked with maintaining the status quo while addressing the immediate demands for change.
His rise to power was marked by a rhetoric of national unity and reform, which garnered significant support from various quarters, including opposition figures and the general populace.
Abiy Ahmed’s Premiership: A Mixed Legacy
Abiy Ahmed’s ascent to the premiership was initially met with optimism and hope. His acceptance speech, in which he invoked the name of Ethiopia numerous times, resonated with many Ethiopians who longed for a unified and prosperous nation. Prominent opposition leaders, such as Birhanu Nega and Andargachew Tsigie, endorsed Abiy, viewing him as a potential catalyst for change. This endorsement, however, soon became a double-edged sword.
While Abiy Ahmed made some strides in political and economic reforms, his tenure has been marred by significant challenges and controversies. The initial promise of inclusive governance and national reconciliation gradually gave way to accusations of authoritarianism and ethnic favoritism. The Oromia-centric approach of his administration alienated other ethnic groups,
particularly the Amhara, who have been subjected to targeted violence and discrimination. The hopes for radical systemic change were dashed, and the demand for a transitional government grew louder.
The Demand for Transitional Government and Justice
The Ethiopian people’s demand for a transitional government is rooted in a desire for justice and national reconciliation. Since the days of the military junta led by Mengistu Hailemariam,
Ethiopians have yearned for a just and inclusive political system. The transitional government of 1991, established in the wake of the Derg regime’s downfall, was a missed opportunity. Instead of fostering national unity, it paved the way for the TPLF/EPRDF’s ethnically divisive rule.
Transitional justice is essential for addressing the historical grievances and systemic injustices that have plagued Ethiopia for decades. The crimes committed by the military junta, compounded by those of the TPLF/EPRDF and the recent atrocities under Abiy Ahmed’s rule, demand accountability and redress. The genocide and targeted violence against the Amhara people, in particular, have been egregious and underreported. The international community’s failure to acknowledge and address these issues has only compounded the suffering of the Ethiopian people.
The Role of the International Community
The international community, particularly Western powers, has played a significant role in shaping Ethiopia’s political landscape. The TPLF/EPRDF’s rise to power was supported by the Anglo-American alliance, which saw the regime as a strategic ally in the region. However, this support came at the expense of the Ethiopian people’s aspirations for democracy and justice. The West’s continued reluctance to hold the Ethiopian government accountable for its human rights violations has undermined efforts for genuine change.
For Ethiopia to move forward, the international community must adopt a more balanced and principled approach. It should support the establishment of a transitional government that prioritizes justice, reconciliation, and inclusive governance. This includes providing political and financial support for transitional justice mechanisms, promoting dialogue among Ethiopia’s diverse communities, and ensuring that perpetrators of human rights abuses are held accountable.
Why Ethiopia Needs a Transitional Government?
The establishment of a transitional government in Ethiopia is imperative for addressing the deep-seated issues that have hindered the country’s progress. Such a government should be inclusive, representing all of Ethiopia’s diverse ethnic and political groups. It should prioritize the following key areas:
1. Justice and Accountability: Since the Derg era, there has been a dire need for justice in Ethiopia. A transitional government must implement mechanisms to address past human rights abuses and ensure accountability for perpetrators. This includes establishing truth and reconciliation commissions, reparations for victims, and legal proceedings against those responsible for atrocities. Addressing these issues is crucial for healing and moving forward.
2. National Reconciliation: After consecutive government abuses of society, it is imperative to serve justice and close cases for all. Promoting dialogue and understanding among Ethiopia’s diverse communities is essential to foster national unity. This involves addressing ethnic grievances, promoting inclusive policies, and building a shared national identity that transcends historical divisions.
3. Political Reform: The Ethiopian students of the 1960s emerged as a political force advocating for political change and the rights of the people, including free and transparent elections. However, subsequent regimes brought more suffering and abuses. Overhauling the political system to ensure fair representation and participation for all Ethiopians is crucial. This includes reforming the electoral system, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring the independence of the judiciary to uphold the rule of law.
4. Economic Development: Ethiopia is rich in agricultural, mineral, and other resources. Yet, past governments, instead of modernizing and expanding economic opportunities, prioritized consolidating their dictatorial regimes, leading to war and repression.
Addressing economic disparities that have fueled conflict and division involves implementing policies that promote inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty, and create opportunities for all Ethiopians. The focus should be on harnessing the country’s potential for growth through modernization and equitable development.
5. Security Sector Reform: The need for rule of law and reform of the security apparatus, which has often been an instrument of repression, is one of the most essential changes desired by the people. Reforming the security forces to ensure they serve the people rather than oppressing them is critical. This includes professionalizing the military and police forces, enhancing civilian oversight, and addressing the root causes of insecurity to create a safer and more stable environment for all citizens.
By addressing these key areas, a transitional government in Ethiopia can lay the foundation for a more just, inclusive, and prosperous future. The journey towards genuine transformation will be challenging, but with collective effort and commitment, it is possible to achieve lasting peace and progress for all Ethiopians.
A Call for a Transitional Government
Calling for a transitional government in Ethiopia requires a mandate from society and a credible organized forces capable of managing outcomes responsibly. In this context, the Amhara FANO stands out as a potential facilitator for several reasons beyond its military strength and its mandate from the Amhara and other ethnic minorities. Including opposition organizations those who have the trust of the society in the country in this case EPRP, ENAT PARTY and MEAD may play the role assisting the FANO in the preliminary arrangement of calling a transitional government in Ethiopia.
First, the Amhara Fano has demonstrated significant organizational capacity and resilience. Their proven ability to mobilize and maintain order is a testament to their effectiveness as a stabilizing force. This organizational strength is crucial for navigating the complexities of a transitional period, where maintaining peace and order is paramount, providing a sense of security about their potential leadership.
Second, the Amhara Fano’s broad base of support, not only among the Amhara people but also from other ethnic minorities who have experienced marginalization and repression, is a testament to their ability to represent diverse interests. This widespread support is essential for legitimizing the transitional government and ensuring it represents the interests of a diverse population. Their mandate from these communities underscores their credibility and capacity to lead a genuinely inclusive transitional process, instilling confidence in their potential leadership.
Third, the Amhara Fano’s role in resisting government abuses and advocating for justice has earned them respect and trust among many Ethiopians. Their commitment to addressing past injustices, including human rights abuses and ethnic grievances, aligns with the broader goals of a transitional government. They can help lay the groundwork for a more just and unified nation by prioritizing accountability and reconciliation. Furthermore, Amhara Fano’s involvement in the call for a transitional government can facilitate the necessary reforms in various critical areas.
Conclusion
Ethiopia’s journey towards a just and inclusive society requires a transitional government more than ever, as the country grapples with the legacy of past regimes and the challenges of the present.
The Ethiopian people’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity are a testament to their desire for a better future. By addressing the root causes of conflict and division, promoting justice and reconciliation, and fostering inclusive governance, Ethiopia can embark on a new chapter in its history—one marked by peace, prosperity, and unity. The international community should stand with the Ethiopian people in this endeavor, supporting their quest for justice and lasting change.
The Amhara Fano’s leadership in calling for a transitional government is not only feasible but also necessary given their organizational strength, broad support base, and commitment to justice and reform. By leading the transition, they can help ensure that the process is inclusive, accountable, and geared towards creating a more just and prosperous Ethiopia.
