On Shimaglewoch – A Short Commentary.

Kelemu Smeneh  November 19, 2009

Allow me to weigh in on the current discussion regarding the new effort by the ‘Shimagles’ of Ethiopia .

This Ethiopia of ours is in the midst of growing pains. As many of us said in the early days said this is a country that faces an extra ordinary problem and needs extraordinary unique solutions. And one of the extraordinary unique characteristic of the ruling party, EPRDF, has been its boldness in instituting unique and untested measures to solve the problems of the country. A strong constitution with units being allowed to decide on their own destiny including secession, agriculture led development scheme, land lease are among the measures that make this party unique.  It did this despite a strong resistance and criticisms from many of us – me included. Its persistence has paid.

All to say that ‘giving in’ for the sake of stabilization, democratization is a bold measure that EPRDF has to take regarding this new initiative.  As Gurumssa said there is no way, even the slightest possibility that this new ‘Medrek’ will remotely compete in a significant way to make a dent in the outcome of the election.  This is party/ coalition, whose constituency is only the disgruntled folks of yesteryears. And how many are they?

Our role as distant observers with good wishes for our country should be, in my opinion, to foster tolerance and patience among political groups.  EPRDF and those who support it have a lot to gain from this process of ‘shimglina’ than any other party in the country. It will be admired for its tolerant gestures. It will win many hearts than it has before. It will help democracy and free election take a good footing in the country. More importantly it will deny all naysayers and negative elements one more venue to disrupt the election process. It will greatly make the ever dwindling extreme Diaspora groups more irrelevant.

In my opinion, talking to Medrek folks and hearing their ‘stories’ will be of important advantage to our country. There is nothing the ruling party or other parties will lose because ‘Medrek’ got a ‘special’ treatment of being talked to in private. The only outcome of this discussion, if I may dare to pre-judge, is that the same code of conduct agreed upon by other parties is going to be re-iterated in this round of talks. Some minor items of less importance could also be agreed upon. It is also my hope that through this process, Betrukan is forced to realize her mistake and be subsequently pardoned from prison.

Mind you folks; sometimes the way to treat a (‘chiko lij) die hard kid it to talk to him/her nicely rather than shun him/her off.

I am not sure if this round of ‘shimglina effort’ will bear fruit.  The old boys, especially Merera is a pompous character with no substance but much bravado.  Nonetheless, it is important that talks proceed in good faith. My hats are off to the Shimagles for their latest effort.