Lessons from the government’s pardon

Last week’s pardon given out by the Ethiopian government to the jailed opposition leaders is truly a measure that is worthy of praise. Credit definitely has to go to the mediators involved who have gone beyond political partisanship and innuendo to come up with a long forgotten concept in contemporary politics i.e. despite the overwhelming rifts in politics, there can always be room to mend fences. The actions of the elders are truly a unique opportunity for all of us to search deep within our cultural wealth to solve some of the pressing issues of our nation. As we were seeing light at the end of the tunnel, ironically, certain segments across both political aisles are trying to capitalize on this sudden reprieve from political tensions to add more to the flames of conspiracy theories and blame games.

What these people do not understand is that the nation has a unique opportunity to salvage whatever opportunities remaining to finally lay to rest all the ill will and heartache that have gripped the nation for almost two years now. Yes, mistakes have been committed but a certain degree of progress has been achieved and more progress can be achieved if old wounds are allowed to heal.

For almost two long and painful years the nation seemed to be gripped with trepidation at the political impasse with the jailing of the opposition leaders, discouraging any hope of political compromise. The past few weeks increased tensions with the sentencing nearing in regards to the faith of the jailed opposition leaders of whether the death penalty or life imprisonment would be handed down thus fueling speculation that Ethiopian politics has finally spiraled into an abyss. The government’s actions here also are worth praise as it was the right course in ending this saga. Few can doubt that the end of this sad story ended with a win-win scenario for all parties included ending the stalemate in everyone’s favor.

However, we should all look into what should be the next steps that need to take place in Ethiopian politics. For one, a bipartisan approach should be introduced within Ethiopia’s politics so that there should not be any polarization. Granted differences of opinion and policies do occur but the debates spurred by these differences should not be used as a wedge in Ethiopian politics. These debates should continue as debates and should continue in a process of mutual respect and understanding.

The various political parties should also look at mapping a way where differences in opinions and outstanding grievances be dealt in a manner that includes collaboration and the will to avert debacles similar to those during the post- election period. Burying the hatchet on vendettas should be an important feature that should take up prominence in Ethiopian politics. We cannot continue to look back in the past to incriminate or re-incriminate as has been witnessed so often. We are at a crossroads; we keep talking about the millennium as a new chapter in the nation’s history- a new chapter unfolds only if we are done with the last chapter. We should all look into the future whereby a new era of politics unfolds.

As often, the case is we continue to resist change; some of the problems we experienced in the post- election period that resulted in the political turmoil is our resistance to change. Adapting to change as can be seen from the experience of the post- election period is necessary if we are all going to move forward. Change is inevitable; we have no choice in the matter- what we can do is to manage the change with little disruption. Democracy is achieved, not granted!!! •

July 27, 2007