Normally governments
create arm’s-length agencies when they feel that there are public issues that can
be better addressed by non-partisan organizations. In fact, arm’s length agencies are sometimes
referred to as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that run government
business. Although ministers or prime
ministers/presidents handpick members of their governing boards or councils,
these agencies are supposed to function without the inference of politicians
and state bureaucrats.
Why should we
be concerned about an arm’s-length Diaspora agency? First, currently Ethiopian Diaspora
affairs are managed by a small directorate within the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and cadre of diplomats stationed at various Ethiopian missions
abroad. An arm’s-length agency (preferably
governed by experienced civil servants and representatives of the public) will
have sufficient bureaucracy and organizational resources to deal with Ethiopian
Diaspora issues effectively. The agency will also have a departmental portfolio
which means that it will directly report to the Ethiopian parliament and give Diaspora
issues more visibility. Second, the Ethiopian
Diaspora climate is good. The people of
the Ethiopian Diaspora have made a distinction between what is and is not important
in their lives. They want to participate in the development of Ethiopia. Finally, an arm’s-length, non-partisan agency
is relevant for the realities of the Ethiopian Diaspora where there are diverse
interest groups ranging from those who would like to pursue professional
careers in Ethiopia to those interested in investment, trade, development and
political “struggle”. The Ethiopian government’s
Diaspora engagement strategy must include Diaspora opposition groups that
prefer to embrace peaceful political opposition and poverty fighting agenda.
It is
possible that there will be new initiatives within the Ethiopian government
after the May 2010 election including review of ministerial portfolios. One
must then appreciate my effort here to be forward-looking and suggesting the creation
of a government arm’s-length Diaspora agency. What has also become clear is that the majority
of the people in the Ethiopian Diaspora have said, “enough
is enough”. They want to do serious business with the Ethiopian government, and
in doing so, contribute to Ethiopian development. Thanks you.
Getachew
Mequanent
Ottawa,
Canada
May 2010