Comments on: Will democracy work in Ethiopia?

By: john

john — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:29:34 +0000

Refreshing to read something on ethiopian politics which contrary to the norm, looks deeper at the actions of Meles. All to often, all that has been published is highly emotive and lacks that which is embodied in this article and that which epitomises true journalism.

By: Bulcha Demeksa

Bulcha Demeksa — Thu, 07 May 2009 16:16:52 +0000

Democracy can work in Ethiopia. Ethiopians are not so different from the Ghanaians, the Senegalese, the Basutos, the Tanzanians, the Malawians, the Zambians where democracy is functioning halfway decently. Ethiopians are not so wildly violent. They are mild, polite, respectful, reasonable. If a leader tells them “that is the way” they go that way. No leader in Ethiopia ever faced mass disobedience. Civil wars (very few) were led by the elites of some ethnic groups. But the majority listens to the leadership. Ethiopians might arise in unison against what they perceive as outsiders (like the Italians) or usurpers but, even then, only with strong leadership.

I have lived in several African countries and America. I have not seen any radical difference between Ethiopians and any other society. Ethiopians want “democracy” and nothing else. They understand that democracy means respecting the rights of others including members of your family. Government has to keep the peace in accordance with the will of the people, but the government, like other citizens, must respect the rights of other citizens. Every Ethiopian knows how to take off his hat for a stranger, bow down and greet him profusely. Nobody forces him to do so. He knows he gets nothing for that. It is just an inner force of habit. I think that this is the stuff democracy is made of.

Bulcha Demeksa, Chairman, OFDM political party, Ethiopia

By: ferhun

ferhun — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 13:55:57 +0000

Of course!!but every side needs to stop bargainig on the lives of millions rocked by tyrranny ever spinning to deep poverty-modern way of colonization

By: buffalojump

buffalojump — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:27:04 +0000

Never, unless they consult with Mugabe, Mbeki et al

By: Tesfaye

Tesfaye — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:24:10 +0000

why not?? it will work but the ruling party has to stop closing space and abusing people. all sides have to adopt peaceful means otherwise it will be a political stalemate and blame game that perpetuates tyranny until another rebel group takes power. america has to stop giving weapons to the regime and at the same time america and UK should not ignore armed groups (like ONLF leaders based in London). all sides should stop violence and work poeacefully, then dialogue and democracy will work.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 23:40:09 +0000

PM Meles must be pressured to step down. The people will most certainly elect anyone but him. We, the international community, have to support this so that Ethiopia will continue to grow and prosper. A strange power sharing hybrid form of democracy is taking hold in Africa with regimes like Kenya and Zimbabwe. Ethiopia must set an example that dictators can give way to democracy.