I was and still am one of the proponents of the right for the different ethnicities in Ethiopia to study and work in the languages of their choice, while still acknowledging the importance of one unifying language, and to develop their respective cultures. I feel that that is the only way to make the millions of Ethiopians feel at home in their own country, not to mention respecting their basic rights. There of course are many more reasons that can be cited in support of this. (Note: I am not claiming most Ethiopians study in the language of their choice at the moment. In many cases, it is simply imposed by the politicians.) However, never did I think the use of a unifying language would be eroded like it is at the moment.
When non-Amharic speaking regions started using their respective languages in the early years of the EPRDF, they still kept Amharic at least as one course, because it is the national working language. I was confident that that will be good enough to teach the children the language they need to compete on the national level, so were the many people around me. We thought the balance will always be maintained. But we were wrong. To begin with, for example, in Oromia, Amharic is thought in schools starting at 5th grade for one period only. By 5th grade, most kids are 10 years old; in Ethiopia, the majority are older than that. Secondly, as almost every other subject in schools with poor infrastructure (as almost all public schools in Ethiopia understandably are), the lessons are given carelessly. In fact, the Amharic lessons might be given even more carelessly as part of a greater purpose, so I learn. So, Amharic is learned too late and too little in that part of our country. (I assume it is the same in the other non-Amharic speaking regions. But I will just speak about Oromia since my information is from there.)
Today, the children don’t speak Amharic and even those who do don’t know how to read or write it. I thought that was natural and they will learn as they grow. I am wrong again. Stories of recent high school graduates having to beg older people (graduates of Amharigna days) to fill out job application forms in Amharic for them, of recent university graduates unable to properly fill out Amharic forms by the Statistical Agency during the census, etc…are just too numerous to ignore.
These stories raised my concern and started to make me think about the different implications of what is happening. Why are children being raised to be marginalized? How is a child from Oromia going to compete on the national level when he grows up? How could he get a job in Gonder, Hawassa or even Addis Ababa? If he wants to go into politics, how is he going to be able to communicate with people of other regions to create a winning coalition? And where does this leave Ethiopia? How could a country exist when her citizens of different regions don’t even speak the same language and don’t understand each other?
It appears that people of the ruling party, specifically in the OPDO, know precisely what is happening and want it to happen. A friend’s friend recently had a conversation with a ranking OPDO official on the same topic. She suggested to the official about the need for a common national language and how teaching the children more Amharic won’t be harmful. Apparently, the response was, and I paraphrase, “what makes you think we want a common language let alone teach it? And what Ethiopia are you talking about? The one Minilik cooked? Yes, we want some who are fluent in Amharic, English and other languages for diplomatic purposes, but we don’t want all our children to be fluent Amharic speakers.”
When some people suggest that the EPRDF intends to take apart Ethiopia, it is usually a subject of ridicule for some who insist that the EPRDF is only interested in power and its just that they would do anything to hold onto it. And when some call the EPRDF “anti-Ethiopia”, they are accused of being devoid of reason and labeled as people who just love to call everyone that doesn’t agree with their politics anti-Ethiopian. I am not going to say this or that one is right, but have realized that I must consider those claims. On the issue at hand, it appears the policy of the ruling party is that ‘states teach their children whatever they want, and if that means avoiding a common language, so be it. And if that results in the disintegration of the country in the long run, so what? Even the constitution provides for the right to self-determination until secession, right?’ This is clearly dangerous from my point of view (being someone who wants to see Ethiopia continue to survive as a united country).
So, how did OLF become part of my topic for this post? Well, some people confidently say that the OLF is a useless organization who is doomed to get old and die in exile/jungle. They say considering the number of the Oromo people in Ethiopia, it should have been able to garner enough support to have won its war by now. But in a country where a party supported by less than 10% of the population controls the national government, OLF, claiming to represent 45% of the population, is out there in the jungle accomplishing little to nothing.
If you ask me: one of the accomplishments of the OLF when it came into Ethiopia with the TPLF was to help in the implementation of the current language situation in Oromia. If the current situation in Oromia continues and the future generation speaks and understands nothing other than Afan Oromo, it is parties like OLF that are going to benefit. In the meantime, the OPDO continues to harass and imprison Oromos on suspicions of being OLF members and sympathizers and advertises for OLF even in areas it was not popular. What happens when you, your family member or your neighbor gets attacked for something they are not? You start identifying with it! Call it the preparation for the victorious entry of the OLF, if you will. Sooner or later, that is where things are going.
For those of us who love the country called Ethiopia, we can do a lot in trying to fill the gap left by lack of a common language. I recently heard a child in Oromia uses the words terrorist and Kinijit interchangeably. There is no wonder in that as the government holds the monopoly over most of the media available to people outside the capital. But we must ask ourselves, what are opposition parties like Kinijit doing to challenge that monopoly and feel the gap? I understand that regional party representatives are expected to take care of publicizing the party and its stands in their respective languages. But in resource deprived countries like Ethiopia, specially at a time when opposition party officials are not even allowed to do their jobs, the leadership should not have such expectations. Instead, they should give out interviews on VOA Afan Oromo, VOA Tigrigna, etc…Other radios that broadcast to Ethiopia must consider diversifying their programs to include at least the major languages. The leaderships of such parties must make available their press releases and announcements in all the major languages. Print media should diversify and break the monopoly the EPRDF holds in the different regions.
In general, parties like Kinijit must invest in reaching out to the different regions in their respective languages if they intend on winning their hearts. This has become a matter of practicality. If you don’t speak their language, you simply do not reach them. Kinijit should not take the support it received in 2005 for granted and continue in the same path. It must go more distances in fighting not to concede an inch to the EPRDF and parties like the OLF.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Why Siye's reflection on the days of TPLF before power matters
There is an interesting article on ethiomedia by former TPLF members Kahsay Berhe and Tesfay Atsbeha.
As I was reading the article, I was thinking of Siye Abraha and the excitement surrounding his decision to join the struggle for democracy in Ethiopia. I respect him and, considering his background and experience, think that he would make a great addition to the cause.
I read that he was confronted with questions of whether he is going to apologize for his days in the TPLF and his disagreement with such suggestions. I understand why he may not want to apologize for simply having been in the TPLF, because the Dergue was a brutal regime and armed struggle seemed to be the only way to get rid of it, and the TPLF at the moment may have appeared the most viable option of doing so for young Tigrayans like Siye. I don't think he should be pressed to apologize for simply having been part of the TPLF. We should, as some suggested, focus on what he says he believes in today and what he does to support that claim, and look to the future.
However, although it may not be fair to demand an apology from Siye for having been part of the TPLF, it is very important to press him on his opinions of what the TPLF did. With all due respect to him, if he is the kind of democracy soldier that he says he has become today and is to be accepted as such, it is very important that he reflects on his years in the TPLF and take a stand. Because the things that happened then as described by the two former members, if they did happen, are quite relevant today! A person's opinion of those acts is a reflection of where one stands today vis a vis democracy. It is a test, a result of which can show whether a person has democracy as a principle or just as a convenient means to get back in the game. As a former ranking official of a group accused of having committed such crimes (when he was part of the group) and as someone who has decided to stand for democracy today, Siye needs to come clean about these accusations against TPLF. He needs to either corroborate or dismiss these charges. If they had actually happened, we need to know his stand. And frankly, if they did happen, I think he should be grateful that apology is all that is demanded from him.
As I was reading the article, I was thinking of Siye Abraha and the excitement surrounding his decision to join the struggle for democracy in Ethiopia. I respect him and, considering his background and experience, think that he would make a great addition to the cause.
I read that he was confronted with questions of whether he is going to apologize for his days in the TPLF and his disagreement with such suggestions. I understand why he may not want to apologize for simply having been in the TPLF, because the Dergue was a brutal regime and armed struggle seemed to be the only way to get rid of it, and the TPLF at the moment may have appeared the most viable option of doing so for young Tigrayans like Siye. I don't think he should be pressed to apologize for simply having been part of the TPLF. We should, as some suggested, focus on what he says he believes in today and what he does to support that claim, and look to the future.
However, although it may not be fair to demand an apology from Siye for having been part of the TPLF, it is very important to press him on his opinions of what the TPLF did. With all due respect to him, if he is the kind of democracy soldier that he says he has become today and is to be accepted as such, it is very important that he reflects on his years in the TPLF and take a stand. Because the things that happened then as described by the two former members, if they did happen, are quite relevant today! A person's opinion of those acts is a reflection of where one stands today vis a vis democracy. It is a test, a result of which can show whether a person has democracy as a principle or just as a convenient means to get back in the game. As a former ranking official of a group accused of having committed such crimes (when he was part of the group) and as someone who has decided to stand for democracy today, Siye needs to come clean about these accusations against TPLF. He needs to either corroborate or dismiss these charges. If they had actually happened, we need to know his stand. And frankly, if they did happen, I think he should be grateful that apology is all that is demanded from him.
Friday, February 8, 2008
The Infamous Questions: “Are Ethiopians ready for democracy?” or “Can Democracy be Ethiopian?”
These are questions that frequently come up in different shapes and forms when discussing Ethiopian politics.
1. Some people do not genuinely think our society has the tools necessary to harness democracy at this point; and others argue democracy is a western value that just doesn’t suit our way of life.
2. Government apologists often use that and other similar arguments as an excuse to slow down steps towards democratization. One of their infamous phrases is “democracy takes time”.
Books and many articles have been written on this issue, specifically concerning Ethiopia. Readers are encouraged to do research on the topic. If you are a person that stands or claims to stand up for democracy in Ethiopia, it is better to know all the arguments that are raised against your stand. That way, you will be able to strengthen your own argument and present it boldly. Many poor Ethiopians, inside and outside Ethiopia, have fallen for these arguments and are in a confused state. So, those of us with resources need to educate ourselves, take a firm stand that’s based on substance and share it with as many people as we can.
Here’s what I have to say about it. Most Ethiopians may not understand democracy the way intellectuals do, or they may not even know the word itself or its meaning. But here is what they know:
I can go on listing.
If these aren’t values of democracy they are seeking, I don’t know what is. However, whatever you call the hunger for freedom of thought and freedom of expression, freedom to tend to one’s farm peacefully, freedom to seek happiness and prosperity, right to live, justice, independent judiciary and other government institutions, etc….whatever you call those, Ethiopians want it! In fact, they have been longing for it for long; it is just that nobody listens.
As for those who are concerned that our society may not have all the tools that are necessary to harness democracy: the cure for that problem is NOT avoiding democracy. If, in fact, our society has all those problems, the only way we can address it is by opening up and allowing a free space for differing views so that we can educate each other. When we make openings, it is not only the ills that will be coming forth but the good ideas that will counter them. So, whether in delivering justice to the citizenry or allowing us to educate each other, we can benefit a great deal from democracy. It is a matter of fact that democratization is the most important step we can take towards fighting the ills of our society.
As for government apologists, the only thing the statement “democracy takes time” tells us is that all of us, primarily the government, should be turning over backwards to do all that is necessary to get to it fast. We should be using all the opportunities that continue to present themselves and taking all the steps towards democratization. What it does NOT mean is to sit down and do nothing about it, and it sure does not mean be an obstruction to it or take us backwards, which is what the EPRDF has been doing!
1. Some people do not genuinely think our society has the tools necessary to harness democracy at this point; and others argue democracy is a western value that just doesn’t suit our way of life.
2. Government apologists often use that and other similar arguments as an excuse to slow down steps towards democratization. One of their infamous phrases is “democracy takes time”.
Books and many articles have been written on this issue, specifically concerning Ethiopia. Readers are encouraged to do research on the topic. If you are a person that stands or claims to stand up for democracy in Ethiopia, it is better to know all the arguments that are raised against your stand. That way, you will be able to strengthen your own argument and present it boldly. Many poor Ethiopians, inside and outside Ethiopia, have fallen for these arguments and are in a confused state. So, those of us with resources need to educate ourselves, take a firm stand that’s based on substance and share it with as many people as we can.
Here’s what I have to say about it. Most Ethiopians may not understand democracy the way intellectuals do, or they may not even know the word itself or its meaning. But here is what they know:
- When an Ethiopian farmer says he is sick and tired of the government using land and fertilizers as leverages to get his vote and whatever else the government wants from him, he means that he wants justice.
- When an Ethiopian mother says she doesn’t want a Kebele official to use his position to pressure her on how to vote, she means she wants freedom.
- When Ethiopian government employees say they don’t like being pressured to become members of the ruling party, they mean they want freedom.
- When students say they don’t like the way their imaginations and creativity are being suppressed by the fear of government spies that infest the college and university campuses, they mean they want freedom.
- When jobless young people show their frustration at favoritism towards party members while applying for government jobs, they mean they want fairness and impartiality.
- When business owners express frustration and helplessness over favoritism towards party cronies when applying for government contracts or even licenses, they mean they want justice and fairness.
- When Ethiopians of all ages and gender and ethnic group say they are sick and tired of being imprisoned, beaten, tortured, displaced and their loved ones killed for how they voted, they mean they want freedom!
- When Ethiopian intellectuals say they are burdened and sickened by the atmosphere of fear that is perpetrated on college campuses, they mean they want freedom.
- When Ethiopian opposition Parliamentarians say they are tired of being threatened and their supporters and people around them persecuted, they mean they want freedom.
- When many Ethiopians say they are just sick and tired of living in fear, they mean they want freedom.
- When many Ethiopians say they want to see people they support and helped win elections work freely in parliament and hold government posts, they mean they want their votes to count.
- When Ethiopians say they are tired of public media being used to transmit single sided propaganda only and want to affect how it is used, they mean they want to be part of the decision making.
- When many Ethiopian say they are tired of looking at their police force and military as some strange forces that are there to attack them and not protect them, they mean they want them to be independent.
I can go on listing.
If these aren’t values of democracy they are seeking, I don’t know what is. However, whatever you call the hunger for freedom of thought and freedom of expression, freedom to tend to one’s farm peacefully, freedom to seek happiness and prosperity, right to live, justice, independent judiciary and other government institutions, etc….whatever you call those, Ethiopians want it! In fact, they have been longing for it for long; it is just that nobody listens.
As for those who are concerned that our society may not have all the tools that are necessary to harness democracy: the cure for that problem is NOT avoiding democracy. If, in fact, our society has all those problems, the only way we can address it is by opening up and allowing a free space for differing views so that we can educate each other. When we make openings, it is not only the ills that will be coming forth but the good ideas that will counter them. So, whether in delivering justice to the citizenry or allowing us to educate each other, we can benefit a great deal from democracy. It is a matter of fact that democratization is the most important step we can take towards fighting the ills of our society.
As for government apologists, the only thing the statement “democracy takes time” tells us is that all of us, primarily the government, should be turning over backwards to do all that is necessary to get to it fast. We should be using all the opportunities that continue to present themselves and taking all the steps towards democratization. What it does NOT mean is to sit down and do nothing about it, and it sure does not mean be an obstruction to it or take us backwards, which is what the EPRDF has been doing!
Introduction
My name is Tesfaye. This is my personal blog, 'ye tesfa chilanchil' (glamour of hope (?), in Amharic). It is solely meant to be a space for the expression of my personal views. I will mostly be expressing my views in regards to Ethiopian politics, and whatever else falls in between.
Blogs, among many other mediums of self expression, are some of the things we take for granted in the west. Many in our country can only dream of such an unlimited opportunity to express themselves. In their respect, I will do my best to be as responsible as possible.
Regarding feedback, although I do not believe in censorship, I am not fond of most internet commentators who take shield in their anonymity to fill the space with negativity either. In most cases, those comments, most of which probably come from few individuals, end up overshadowing the important message. So, I have weighed the pros and cons and decided to disable the comment section. However, if people are interested in giving feedback, they can e-mail me at tesfamaru@gmail.com. Once a week or so, I will post few messages that I believe are representative of all the feedback. That way, a reasonable space will be given to all.
Thank you for visiting my blog.
Blogs, among many other mediums of self expression, are some of the things we take for granted in the west. Many in our country can only dream of such an unlimited opportunity to express themselves. In their respect, I will do my best to be as responsible as possible.
Regarding feedback, although I do not believe in censorship, I am not fond of most internet commentators who take shield in their anonymity to fill the space with negativity either. In most cases, those comments, most of which probably come from few individuals, end up overshadowing the important message. So, I have weighed the pros and cons and decided to disable the comment section. However, if people are interested in giving feedback, they can e-mail me at tesfamaru@gmail.com. Once a week or so, I will post few messages that I believe are representative of all the feedback. That way, a reasonable space will be given to all.
Thank you for visiting my blog.
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