Do we need Democracy in Ethiopia?
Despite the occasional outcries for democracy or it being tagged in the acronyms of the incumbent and opposition parties; democracy does not have a central place in Ethiopia’s political discourse. From the early 70s on, the Ethiopian student movement introduced two major political questions around which the entire political discourse of the country revolved; the land question and the national question….
These days America is awash with elections. Over the last two weeks, local elections for county council seats, mayoral, attorney general, governor and lieutenant governor positions are being held in many of the states. Even more, the primaries for the November congressional election have already started. Election ads, posters, placards, souvenirs, fundraising events, TV debates are being held for the thousands of local, state level and Federal level government positions. If America is a democracy, elections are the pulse beats of that democracy. Of course, comparing Ethiopia with America requires a stretch of imagination. But for once, compare these with the five year national elections we conduct- ‘elections’ in Ethiopia (for that matter most of Africa) are nerve wrecking, violent, marred and always controversial. Nevertheless, they are becoming regular affairs in our political life. Are elections worthy? To be blunter, do we need democracy in Ethiopia?
Readers would obviously think that these are questions with foregone conclusions. I disagree. Despite the occasional outcries for democracy or it being tagged in the acronyms of the incumbent and opposition parties; democracy does not have a central place in Ethiopia’s political discourse. From the early 70s on, the Ethiopian student movement introduced two major political questions around which the entire political discourse of the country revolved; the land question and the national question. Pressured by the student movement, to gain popular legitimacy or somewhat inspired by the tenets of socialism, the Dergue endorsed the Rural Lands Proclamation on March 4 1975. The edict abolished the infamous ‘gabar’ tenure system, nationalizing all rural land and redistributing it to the tillers. The consequences of this radical reform, its virtues and flaws are still a subject of hot intellectual and political discussion in Ethiopia. The issue is such a flogged horse but still alive and kicking. A victim of its own success, however, the land question is now relegated to a secondary position outflanked by the ‘national question’ in Ethiopia.
The ‘national question’ is a meta-problem with auxiliary questions like: how did Ethiopia emerge as a modern nation-state? What forms of economic, political and cultural injustices prevailed in this state formation process? What could possibly be done to redress past grievances both in the state architecture of the country and its socio-cultural affairs as a nation? Here again, democracy was not a central agendum of Ethiopia’s political discourse up until the 1990s. Consider the names of major political actors: TPLF, OLF, ONLF (post facto; let us exempt the EPLF from being considered as an ‘Ethiopian’ insurgent group). The raison de etre of these organizations was ‘liberation’ that entails self determination up to and including secession. Democratization has never been the main stay of these organizations. It is ironic that TPLF still retains its title of ‘liberation’ after being in power for nearly two decades! I guess the task of ‘liberating’ others is so arduous that you just can’t finish it. You need all the time in the world. Reciting all versions of ‘liberation theology’, the ‘national question’ has now succeeded to single handedly determine Ethiopia’s political spectrum. On one extreme are the Ethiopian nationalists and we have ethno-nationalists on the other.
In fact, history tells us of bad blood between nationalism/s and democracy. Nationalism in pre-WWII Europe, and post independence Africa brought regimes which ended up muffling dissent, furnishing autocracies and fueling violent conflicts, state-sponsored or otherwise. Closer to home, the blues of nationalism in post-independence Eritrea reinforce my case. Even more, turning “liberation fronts” (e.g. TPLF, EPLF) and “national congresses” (e.g. KANU, ZANU, ANC) into democratic parties is proving to be an uphill struggle. Upon incumbency, many of these nationalist parties deferred the people’s dream for freedom. The price they pay for ‘liberation’ ends up becoming the bride price for domination. As such, the people of Africa are undertaking a second generation struggle for democratization against their own ‘liberation and nationalist fronts’. Ethiopia is no exception.
Given this background, I argue that the case for democracy would and should be the next important question in Ethiopia’s politics. Let me explain the “would” part before concluding this first section of the article. In my opinion, the May 2005 election was more than an election. The regime took the election outcome not as opposition wins but as ‘protest votes’. The logic of this argument is flimsy. Of course, the opposition wins when there is disenchantment against the incumbent. Others took the unprecedented wins of CUD- a pan Ethiopian coalition- as the demise of ethno-nationalism and the victory of Ethiopian nationalism. One wonders what the outcomes of that election would be if all entities that have exited (notably the OLF) were fielding candidates. Hence, one should take the earlier argument with a pinch of salt. For me, the May 2005 election was a referendum! It was a referendum for democracy! It was democracy that won its lot in Ethiopia that very day.
Having witnessed those live and engaging debates between parties; attending gatherings and rallies; hoping for some peaceful and democratic transition in the country; Ethiopians have reached the verdict. Gone are the days where politicians want to rule by the muzzle of the gun and impose their will on people!! The election made one simple, powerful but understated point- democracy is the only way through which the right of people to self-determination is actualized! Why should the quest for democracy take the front seat in Ethiopia’s political discourse? I have a proposition- Only democracy guarantees an everyday form of self-determination for the people and by the people. The next part of my article will grapple this proposition in more detail exploring the link between self-determination (my proxy for the national question) and the apparent need for democratization….I have a proposition- Only democracy guarantees an everyday form of self-determination for the people and by the people.
An Ethiopian farmer would not ask that question. Boring! Look how many people commented.
Hi Derese,
it is a nice take! The arguement here is: can the Empire really be democtratized? The answer is big NO! If it really happens, as you suggested, democracy can lead to the self-determination of nations. But trying to democratize an Empire like Ethiopian empire is a pipe dream. Just imagine Habesha elites including Weyane honestly allow a purely democratic fair and free election. They surely know Oromo nationalists will be in control of power in Finfinne palace. They just want to see this on their dead body, never as long as they live. That is why Oromo nationalists propose that first let’s destroy the system of domination (clolonization) per bullet and then democratize nation-states like Ogadenia, Tigrai, Amharia and Oromia. These democratized nation-states can forge a UNION of independent Nations in the form of ‘United Horn of Africa’ for common benefit. Otherwise trying to democratize an imperial unitary Ethiopia is already doomed to fail! You can write whatever philosophy or theory you want, but fact on the ground is that no Habesha elite wants to see Oromo nationalists taking over power in Finfinne palace per ballot! But surely they will be compelled to give up their domination only per bullet! That is why the solution for Oromo nation is only the very strong OLF/OLA! Oromo people need to invest here, not on a futile attempt of democratizing the dying empire.
Galatoomi.
I just wonder what a hell of problem is with the oromo elite and with OLF.
I disagree about the concept of colonization, it is an illconceived idea. I believe an oromo farmer has no ideas about liberating oromia from ethiopia!
I think OLF should revise its vision and mission. The ormomo elite should strart to think about how we can build a strong democratic ethiopia together.
I always remember Meles’s response about similar question from Negasso.” ye…. zefen and new” now we are in 21st century. the question should about about how to build a better Ethiopia: a democratic and wealthy nation.
Dear Derese, great question!! Of course we democracy. No question about it. But, look how the current regime abuse and misuses the conceptual as well as operational meaning of democracy. Democracy as a means provide power for citizens to determine who should govern them. Many EPRDF leaders and supporters think election as an end. However, election is one element of a democratic system and only a means. Looking how the ruling party behaves and act, I wonder why they need to use democracy? The Ethiopian style of democracy is actually suffocating citizens and forcing them to subscribe the ruling party ideology rather than creating a conducive environment for citizens to speak what they embrace. There are no signs that indicate that we are actually ready to engage in the democratization process. Unfortunately, the reality shows that we are far behind to have a true democracy with high degree of transparency.
Dear Derese,
It seems to me that the situation is even more murkier than you thought. I shall not here comment on the link between self-determination and the need for democratisation, as, I suppose, your discussion of it is forthcoming.
Reading your article, I have been reminded of Claud Lefort’s two tier theory of constitutional democracy, the democratic or populist element and the constitutional pillar. I must say, I’m a little bit confused which pillar you’re referring to. By democracy if you meant the populist pillar, then many subsequent questions would come into the fore. These may include: Is democracy a sufficient condition for a free and autonomous life for each citizen to enjoy? What would be the place of ‘liberties of the moderns’ in a political order where democracy took centre stage? But, on the other hand, if your take is the whole notion of constitutional democracy, then I think we’re on the same boat.
My hunch is that, the key to the puzzle is redifining the political discourse towards the very notion of rights. What are our monumental rights and why do we have them?
Concerning your take on the outcome of 2005 election, I concur with you that it was a referendum for democracy. I would, however,like to put it this way: it was a case for liberation from the self-appointed liberators.
peace
As you rightly put it, the May 2005 election was more than an election where the Ethiopian people clearly said enough to the EPRDF style of rule. It was clear that the Ethiopian people were alacritous to a peaceful transition of power. It was a o=moment where Ethiopians were able to come out from the prevailing cynical attitude and openly engaged in public political discourse. Unfortunately, citizens’ vote for opposition didn’t enable them power. Rather the regime took it as ‘protest votes’…as a way of gaining insight to improve their dictatorial administration. Of course we need democracy but we have to ask how we can achieve that without losing the momentum.
In addition to posing this important question, I would call up on all concerned parties to come up with a workable solution that will deliver the country from the current totalitarian regime. The May 2010 election result signifies the danger ahead of us. Ethiopians had spoken clearly that they are done with the self appointed liberators five years ago.
@Keno, your comment indicates your ignorance. Do you think you are better than Ethiopian farmers?? They clearly understand what is going on.
Dear Keno
You are right, the article could be boring for you…but it does not mean it should not be discussed. I do not personally gauge the worth of the article by the number of comments made. This is not like a music idol show where one gets more comments, he qualifies to the next round of being a celebrity artist..I am not in the show business.
Meseret, my very decision not to discuss the 2010 election here is to say I DO NOT CONSIDER IT AS AN ELECTION AT ALL!!But you are right teh 2010 election has its verdict as well-whether that verdict is of the people or the EPRDF is contestable!!
One last thing, I think farmers do far better in terms of intelligence and respect than most ‘educated’ people..Thanks for making that point!
Derese, 100% agree with you. I had spent days searching for a term or concept that can capture Ethiopia’s election. However, experts in Political Science told me that there is none. They rather used degree of transparency in order to describe elections…from closed election to highly transparent….
That generation,I agree,didnt adress a single question on democracy and freedon of expression; Dont forget this is high time we need to struggle for democracy today.It is 21st century.Lets leave asside that stuff,addressed for 3 decades. Ahun se seletene zemen lay nen, ewnetegna democracy new linitagelilet yemigebaw!
You guys are stuck in 2005. Can’t you move on? The Ethiopian farmer has.
You addis neger gus we miss you so much. but do u think this will continue in Ethiopia(I think z govt will block the website) but good 2 see u again
you are right Derese, The concept of Democracy is difficult to sell for the people by elite who want just only power to themselves and even their actions would be soon questioned by the very concept(democracy)they claim they are fighting for.
Juvenile comments such as Keno’s has left many discussion forums closed in the past. Such kind of people do not have anything to say more than two sentences and insulting individuals who contribute to discussion. It is better to shut them off since they do not add anything to the subject on discussion. Pls do not allow to rotten the discussion.
Dear Derese,
Thanks God, we are gradually getting a solution oriented person like you from pro-Ethiopian unity. Concerning 205 election, I afraid some commentators are reaching at unrealistic conclusion that people voting for opposition imply that they have done with ‘self appointed liberators’, which they mean to indicate organizations such as OLF. According to my observation, some sections of the country like Oromo voted for CUD not for its political program but due to hate for EPRDF and lack of other alternative. Hence, care should be taken not to use such erroneous conclusions as premise towards solving our problem.
Dear Hundee,
Your referrence to “unrealistic conclusion” seems to be a response to the comments I made.
I think you misread my point. My allusions to liberty from ‘self-appointed liberators’ in the context of the 2005 election doesn’t speak anything about OLF. In fact I didnot have OLF in mind, for no one plays and continues to play this (liberator) card much more than TPLF and co.
More importantly, I don’t buy the claim that “Oromo voted for CUD not for its political program but due to hate for EPRDF and lack of other alternatives”. In the first place Oromia did not vote for CUD as it did for UEDF. Look at the bare statistics. CUD has won only 16 out of 177 parliamentary seats available for Oromia, whiile UEDF took 41 seats which accounts for 79 percent of its overall parliamentary seats. 11 went to OFDM. Does that then ground your claim that the 16 seats CUD got was because the people had no other viable alternative to vote for? In simple logic, the alleged ‘EPRDF or CUD’ scenario is a false dichotomy
Whose conclusions are, thus, erroneous? you be the judge Hundee.
And on the record, I choose my words very carefully.
Cheers,
I’m psyched that people are talking so openly with each other. Something we’re denied in the real world.
It saddens me to read that there are still people in this world, who can’t see past their nose. Like those of you, who dream of a union of separate Ethiopian states. I acknowledge the fact that our history is marred with unfortunate and shameful set of events but I don’t think that’s an excuse to deny all the good we’ve managed to accomplish together (however little this may be). What would be the logic of being segmented? It is my feeling that this has no social, economic or political up side. For those of you pot-heads please enlighten yourself.
Dear Deresse,
YES we may need democracy! But decolonization preceds democratization (freedom of nations preceds multi-national democracy). Enjoy the following article: http://gadaa.com/oduu/?p=3931 Galatoomi
Dear 15th commenter (sorry your name is not readable),
Thanks for your comment,
I apologize for I misunderstood you concerning ‘self appointed liberators’. For the figures you mentioned, I am really not politician and have no data to argue with you but what I wanted to indicate, qualitatively, is that erroneous premises concerning the feelings of the peoples of the country will pose misunderstanding in looking for the way forward, in forging the intended unity of our nations. I feel interests of every section of our societies should be studied and be used in designing the way move forward. As I understand, pushing everything to fit in to personal or group interest (Ye raasin fillaagooti inda ye Itoophiyaa hizboochi fillaagot aadirgo maaqireb) is the main problem that is keeping us in vicious-circle.
Dear Hundee,
Never mind for not able to read my name, its ironic ha!!!
I do agree with all what you had to say. But it has got absolutely nothing to do with my comments.
Obviously, you are reading your thoughts into my mind.
You could have propounded your ideas independently of mentioning me on the background. It would have, then, been more plausible. But when u put them forward as if they were in tension with my views, that shows a huge problem in your reasoning.
cheers
I hope that Addis Neger will continue to flourish. But I am affarid that some ignorant comments might affect the healthy discussion forrum such as this. I suggest that some hot-headed persons should not be allowed to suffocate the healthy discussion opportunity addis neger offers.
Please ethno-nationalists spare from your venom. You have alternative forums to vomite your dirt. Not here.
Thanks Ha,
For the my misunderstanding I did apologize. I think you did not notice it. My interest was to get the message across. I think that is done. There is nothing personal here.
Dagna-Krestos,
You concluded we do not need democracy in Ethiopia or what?
Hundee,
My response specifically refers to those who want us believe that Ethiopia is an imperial entity and prison house of colonial subjects. For all we know that is a naked lie and should not be entertained here. Regarding whether we need democracy or not, what do you expect me to say?
There could hardly be any disagreement that democracy is not a privilege or a necessity to us Ethiopians. It is a sacred right to which we are entitled as human beings.
Let’s forget the ruling regime of the Hegemonist Looting Front (HLFs), but try to clarify and describe the three camps of the opposition:
- the ultra left Unionist Liberation Forces (ULFs), who do have European Union as their role model and want to forge Union of Independent Nations in the region called Ethiopia/the Horn the union wich ic similar to EU
- the middle positioned African Killil-Federalists (AKFs), who want to build African federation of autonomous nations, all nations having their autonomy at the levels of province (nation -state), zone, district and county based on the capacity and size of each nations. Weyanes Killil-federation is the fake form of such TRUE African Federation.
- the ultra right Unitarist Patriotic Forces (UPFs), who do have United States of America as their role model and want to foster region-state called Ethiopia with ONE national language (of cource Amharinya) similar to English in USA, disregarding the national interest of other nations and nationalities in the empire to use and develop their own language in their own autonomous national areas.
ULFs in the empire are reperesented by Oromianists with their project: nation-state called Oromia, but seem to be anti-Ethiopia (reject the regional project Ethiopia). UPFs are mainly Ethiopianist Amharas with their project: region-state Ethiopia, but are anti-Oromia (reject the national project Oromia). At the middle position the AKF do try to accomodate both projects and to promote both Oromian national autonomy/independence and Ethiopian regional union/integration.
Nowadays some political organizations like OLF, ONLF, G-7, EPRP, EPRP-D and UEDF-Diaspora are calling for alliance (TIBIBIR) against the fascist regime. What can be the common ground for the ultra left ULFs like OLF and ONLF with the ultra right UPFs like EPRP and UEDF? I think the only compromise position is that of AKFs, i.e a TRUE Killil Federation of the region-state Ethiopia. AFD and MEDREK already took this position, even though they were not successful as expected. G-7’s position is ambigious, between that ot AKFs and UPFs. Let the time clear such cloudy positions. I hope in due time all the ULFs, the AKFs and the UPFs will agree on such common compromise position to forge a very strong opposition against the fascist regime of the HLF.
Dear Dagna-Krestos,
Thanks for your civilized way of reply. If we are for democratizing a country common to all of us, I think we do not have to reject each other’s ideas but listen thoroughly and argue with facts. We like it or not, this feeling is already there in certain portions of our societies and we need to entertain it and device ways of winning each other rather than pushing away, which I think does not serve the purpose of ours, but keep us apart. We have to have room for ideas we do not like. If we want to hear what we like only, we will end up in mess as usual.
Let us tolerate each other for common benefit!
Walfidaa, what a wonderful summary. Let Ethiopianist Amhara and Oromianinst Oromo face the reality and smell the coffee. Evading the real issue is not a solution. Ethiopiainsts should learn to accomodate Oromian project and Oromianists should reciprocate with accepting Ethiopian project. Only a common opposition alliance which can accomodate both Ethiopian unity and Oromian unity for common benefit can prevail. Our lasting goal is a United Horn of Africa = a Union of Independent nations (UNION of Independent Tigrai, Amharia, Ogadenia, Oromia…) in the Horn. Let Waaqayyoo/Igzi’abiher help our politicians!
Walfida and Kuulani,
Can you be more specific how your proposal on what the relation between various people in Ethiopia should looklike in the future? Do you think that it is doable? What are the sacrifces to be paid to materialize your propsal? It seems to me very wild and unrealistic. Your demamd is nothing short of radical break from the past and too much of a nihilims to work ( you know what I mean?). To try to realize a plan such as yours is like trying to stop time. I would suggest that we build on our common ground towards a better future rather to start with what holds us apart. It might be also advisable to tone down some of your statments.
Dagna-Krestos,
it seems you didn’t read the opinions clearly! Read them again. The future is in short for the compromise position taken by AFD and MEDREK, i.e a TRUE Killil-federation in which both Ethiopian unity and Oromian unity can be accomodated. The anti-Ethiopia left radicals and the anti-Oromia right radicals should give up their extreme position and join the MIDDLE position of the moderares! Which part of this middle position is unrealistic. The caricature (fake form) of the federation is already there. We need only to have first the liberation process to get rid of the hegemonists now in power and then follows the democratization process of each autonomous national areas like Tigrai, Amharia, Ogadenia and Oromia in order to foster Ethiopian/Horn UNION (true Killil-federation) on the grave of the hitherto Ethiopian empire with its Abyssinian domination system! Where is the cloud which covered your eye not to see clearely. Otherwise, where do you want me to tone down? Not to call the regime as hegemonist and looting force?
@ Hundee and partly Walfidaa
Your analysis of the party alignments in the current politics is superb. The three groups ar eindeed out there- the ULF, UPF and the middle ground solutionists that you named African Killil Federalists. Out of curiousltiy I didnt exactly understand why you used the adjective African here. because Federalism in all its forms has been a Euro American state architecture! Most African states are in fact extrememly unitarist!!Only south africa and Nigeria come to my mind as those that mildly approach a federal structure of government!!
Now where I disagree with you is on two things. First is the solutions you recommend : liberation and democratization. As you know I was arguing democratization should take primacy. Let me honestly tell you why. Because the Ethiopian state is no more an empire! The feudal empire died in 1974. In 1976 begun its funeral with that radical land distribution. The economic logic of exploitation of surplus appropriation stopped there and then. Remember the Derg was quite popular in the west and south of Ethiopia as opposed to the North-which harboured EPRP, EPLF,TPLF and to a small degree EDU. Second, teh quest for internal self determination was addressed through the current ethno-federal structure where Oromiyaa for instance is no more a mental abstract but a reality. with regional council, executive body, working language, with all the forms and functions of government! Ethiopia is no more the country of tekaly gizats. If you look at it from this point of view- The ethiopian state has changed forever! What is left? People ask is the political playing field in Oromiyaa democratic? Is the poltiical playing field when it comes to the federal governmetn democratic? That is not addressed yet.Seen from that vantage, you have to be careful when you call the federal structure ‘ fake’ it is fake in content not in structure and form. There is federalism but is a captive of one party control!It is a hostage!! So when one recommends liberation? what exactly are we suggesting- anything else aside democratization?
@ Dagna kristos
I am with you when it comes to questioning the decolonization project. But just as you were critiquing hundee and walfidaa for non toning down, I think you should admit that decolonization is NOT LIKE STOPPING TIME!! It is no where close to that. it is only Kristos who can stop time!! Needless to mention, my brother, that references like ‘potheads’ is an insult. I do not expect it from somebody whose pen name has Christ’s( one of the most fundamental high concepts in philosophy) name in it!
Hundee just think about my comments and post back some of your reflections..As usual you are free to tear my ideas down to pieces if you feel like it!! Tearing them down is not tearing me down.
Galatooma!
Hi Dere,
Thanks for your truth-finding comments.
Concerning the empire nature of Ethiopia from Derg onwards, I will leave it to those who knows better than me but I fill that I can compromise the use of the terminology if it hurts the feelings of some, as I see in many comments, in order to focus on our future.
Regarding liberation then democratization, some people understand the concept as something leading to disintegration first and reunification later. However, I understand the two processes are not separated in time but implemented immediately one after the other: liberation first, because it is impossible to democratize the country before removing the existing Government as we are witnessing it from the hitherto aborted election trials; then follows democratization of the killil federations, which are more or less there in structure but fake in content as you said.
I think, this will be common ground that can unite us as Walfida said it. If we agree on it we have to work hard to persuade both the ultra right and left groups of ours.
Hi Deresse,
thanks for the well reflected reply. Just to answer your few questions in short:
- I used the term ‘African’ for the middle position, because I just think that TRUE Ethnic federation is the best arrangement for Africa in comparison to the EU-model (Union of Independent Nations of different languages)which is seen as an example by ULFs and USA-model (federation of regions or states speaking and using the same ONE language), which is idealized by UPFs.
- I think the empires system of domination is defined not only by the system of land-adminstration and land-policy. It consists the whole system of domination in the beurocracy, millitary and civil service starting from the Palace to the Qebeles. This system of domination was under control of Amhara elites till 1991 and now under Tigrean elites. You may call some Oromo names in power, who do have no influence at all, and tell me that Oromo was part and parcel of the system. But the truth on the ground is that Oromo is under subjugation (call it colonization, enslavement, domination, oppression or suppression) since the end of nineteenth century.
- The process of liberation I mentioned is in the sense of getting rid of this system of domination (not necessarily separation of Oromo land from the rest of nations in Ethiopia). It is only after getting rid of this system now under control of Weyane that we can imagine democratization.
- Yes Oromia is there formally, but still governed by Tigrean elites (indirectly) and by their co-opted (selected) servants! Unless we first liberate Oromia from this “alien” rulers, it is a pipe dream to democratize Oromia. That is why the liberation process in a sense of getting rid of the tyrannts by ALL means must come first.
Derese,
Just for the record;there was a spelling error in my very first post. I did not mean potheads. please take note that I meant hotheads.
Dear Dagna- Krestos
I take my critique back..Typing errors do happen and I am sorry for labelling you for what you did not meant to..Yikerta Wodaje!
Dear Hundee and Walfidaa
Guys you really are tough. We should meet up someday over coffee and discuss this issue together! coffee is on me..Lol!But for now lets agree to disagree.
Thanks Dere,
Before going apart, I have two questions:
1, Taking the successive failures of democratization process in to consideration, as witnessed by series of aborted attempts to change Government per ballot,can you comment on how to go about the intended democratization before liberation?
2, Please, will you also comment on how to practically compromise the different views existing in our societies, if you agree on their existence.
Dear Hundee
Point well taken. I will work on that and comment on my subsequent articles.
Dear Hundee,
Of course you are not prisoner in Ethiopia. But, one thing is clear. You are the prisoner of your own thought.