What is the responsible thing PM Meles and his government can do now? A continuation to "Meles Zenawi's Departure: Will the sun rise in Ethiopia?
Zekarias Ezra
March 26, 2009
"Famines do not occur in functioning democracies", argues the Indian Nobel laureate in economics, Amartya Sen. By that measure Ethiopia does not have a functioning democracy even though regime is good at keeping appearances.
Despite the repeated boastings of PM Meles and his government that Ethiopia is on track to ensure food security, the reality is Ethiopia continues to be a country susceptible to famine. The ruling party and the government has completely lost any credibility to govern and consequently to effect any positive and lasting change.
Just ask yourself. How is it possible in a country with a "double digit economic growth" (as PM Meles and his cohortsī love to parade at every opportunity) over 90% of the people live under abject poverty?
Is EPRDF vowed to preside over the destruction of Ethiopia? I really donīt think so. In fact, EPRDF has attempted to improve the lot of Ethiopian people for the past 18 years. In all fairness, we have seen many positive accomplishments across many economic sectors. Sadly, however, these modest gains have no real meaning and value when bench marked against the bottom line. What is the bottom line? This is the bottom line. Have the livelihood and standard of living of the people improved? The answer is a resounding no.
Regardless of the reasons for such a dismal result, PM Meles and his government must take full responsibility. Regrettably, his government is too corrupt and too arrogant to be able to change course. Just look at the recent response by PM Meles to a question posed by MP Legesse Biratu. Let us replay the exchange.
MPīs Question: "How many soldiers did we send to Somalia and how many of them were injured and how many did we lose?"
PMīs Response: I am not obligated to answer parts of the last question which asked me to disclose the gains and losses from Ethiopiaīs recently concluded intervention in Somalia. it is not important for the House to learn, the details of the casualties and fatalities suffered by Ethiopian soldiers".
Does this sound a functioning democracy to you? This is yet another proof that this government is just beyond repair. So, what is the responsible thing PM Meles and his government can do now? Resign. How? To be continued
Despite the repeated boastings of PM Meles and his government that Ethiopia is on track to ensure food security, the reality is Ethiopia continues to be a country susceptible to famine. The ruling party and the government has completely lost any credibility to govern and consequently to effect any positive and lasting change.
Just ask yourself. How is it possible in a country with a "double digit economic growth" (as PM Meles and his cohortsī love to parade at every opportunity) over 90% of the people live under abject poverty?
Is EPRDF vowed to preside over the destruction of Ethiopia? I really donīt think so. In fact, EPRDF has attempted to improve the lot of Ethiopian people for the past 18 years. In all fairness, we have seen many positive accomplishments across many economic sectors. Sadly, however, these modest gains have no real meaning and value when bench marked against the bottom line. What is the bottom line? This is the bottom line. Have the livelihood and standard of living of the people improved? The answer is a resounding no.
Regardless of the reasons for such a dismal result, PM Meles and his government must take full responsibility. Regrettably, his government is too corrupt and too arrogant to be able to change course. Just look at the recent response by PM Meles to a question posed by MP Legesse Biratu. Let us replay the exchange.
MPīs Question: "How many soldiers did we send to Somalia and how many of them were injured and how many did we lose?"
PMīs Response: I am not obligated to answer parts of the last question which asked me to disclose the gains and losses from Ethiopiaīs recently concluded intervention in Somalia. it is not important for the House to learn, the details of the casualties and fatalities suffered by Ethiopian soldiers".
Does this sound a functioning democracy to you? This is yet another proof that this government is just beyond repair. So, what is the responsible thing PM Meles and his government can do now? Resign. How? To be continued
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