Negash | November 1st, 2012
You are hearing it from the horse’s mouth: the group ruling Ethiopia
under the moniker of EPRDF is corrupt head to toe, according to a pro-regime
newspaper. The mastermind of the group is the Tigre Peoples Liberation Front
(TPLF). The TPLF has engineered the largest transfer of wealth from a
much-suffering population to a small tribalist coterie. The pro government
paper is bringing up the issue of corruption to facilitate the purge of
undesirables, to ensure Tigrian rule and to avoid systemic collapse.
Cleaning up house critical for EPRDF
By Reporter (thereporterethiopia.com)
October 27, 2012
It is not inconceivable for the ruling Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary
Democratic Front (EPRDF) to enjoy a popular base and support if it has the
desire. Of course, this requires that it continually strengthens itself, which,
in turn, calls for it to display the courage and determination to clean up its
house.
Failure to pursue such a course is bound to polarize it with the public
and lead to schisms and its eventual demise.
Why does the EPRDF need to engage in a courageous and determined house
cleaning?
1. It is riddled with corrupt ion from top to bottom!
True, there are leaders and members within the ranks of the EPRDF who
serve the public with integrity and stand for change and development. On the
other end of the spectrum, however, there exist those who have are disinclined
to serve the public and are intent on advancing their selfish interests through
any means, including corruption. If bold actions are not latter taken to purge
the latter, they will eat the Front from inside out and hasten its implosion.
2. Incapable and yet smooth-talking leaders, members abound
The fact that appointments are based not on merit but rather on one’s
perceived loyalty is making it difficult for the EPRDF to further its
objectives and duly fulfill the public’s demand. Consequently, these leaders
and members are causing the public to lose confidence in and respect for the
Front.
3. There is lack of a strong bond between member organizations and
within the EPRDF
There is no denying that the EPRDF is more united than opposition
parties. Had such unity not been in evidence the smooth power
transition that took place recently would not have materialized.
But let’s not delude ourselves. In terms of the level of unity that is
required in the face of local and global challenges, there still is a long way
to go before the EPRDF can be deemed to be strongly united. There is a clear
absence, both within individual member parties and the EPRDF in general, of the
will to conduct the necessary critical self-assessment which is vital to ensure
that they are solidly united.
4. Plans are not executed effectively and with the requisite alacrity
The government of Ethiopia has adopted the 5-year Growth and
Transformation Plan (GTP). Already into its third year, the plan is not being
implemented according to schedule. In some places development endeavors have
practically ground to a halt. The justice system is breaking down. The
government is not collecting the revenue needed to accomplish objectives it has
set out to. Properties and monies that the country can ill afford to waste are
being squandered. The aspirations and wishes of the government and the public
are not being fulfilled at expected pace. And both the federal and regional
governments are not making unstinting and resolute efforts. All this makes it
incumbent on them to display the courage and the fortitude to get their act
together.
5. The EPRDF is not promoting itself effectively
The people of Ethiopia are very much willing to support the government
as well as to demonstrate patriotism and civility. The admirable unity and good
manners they showed recently both at a time of national mourning following the death
of the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and national joy in the wake of the
qualification of the country for the 2013 African Cup bear testimony to this
fact.
Nevertheless, this does not imply that they do not fault the EPRDF no
matter what.
For instance, they are unhappy with the sad state of justice in
Ethiopia, with the unwillingness of most government and party officials to
listen to their grievances. As a result the public is not being engaged in the
manner it expects and indeed deserves by the federal, regional and local
governments. We can go on and on about the grievances the public has; this is
just illustrative of the scores of problems confronting the public has and is
sufficient to make our point.
The problems did not begin to surface after the transition of power,
however; they have been around for some time now. What we are saying is that if
the newly elected prime minister and chairman of the EPRDF, Hailemariam
Desalegn, is to steer Ethiopia on the path to a sustainable and sustained development
it is imperative that he cleans up the EPRDF for it’s only then that the
government and party he heads can provide the required strong leadership.
The constituent parties of the EPRDF and the Front itself are set to
hold their respective congresses in a few months’ time. Hence, they have to
start preparations for an honest and constructive self-evaluation that is
conducted without fear or favor.
Neither Ethiopia nor its people stand to benefit if either the ruling
and opposition parties are enfeebled. In the context of the grave challenges
both from within and outside, the nation’s interest could be particularly
jeopardized if the ruling EPRDF does not emerge stronger until the next
elections.
Therefore, given that one of the key factors essential for the building
of a strong and democratic nation which enjoys rapid economic growth and brings
about prosperity for its citizens is the existence of a stable and
people-centered government, it is high time that the EPRDF exerts a courageous
and determined effort aimed at cleaning up its house. The sooner the better!
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