On Stability and Continuity VIII (Conclusions – I)

G. E. Gorfu

We have seen how some nations in Europe and Africa achieved stability and continuity. It has been said the wise build edifices, which last many centuries while those not so wise leave only stacks of cardboard that are blown with the wind. In this and the next articles we will summarize and examine how what we have learned may be applied in Ethiopia.

The ultimate question is one of legitimacy. Legitimacy is a precondition for stability and continuity. The people need to see and recognize a government as ‘their own’ before they give it legitimacy. It is like love in that it cannot be forced. Legitimacy that is forced is not genuine and does not result in stability or continuity, except perhaps for a short time.

The EPRDF calls itself a “Front” but is it still a Front? It is true, it took power with the barrel of the gun, but why is it keeping the name ‘Front’ after it became a government? Or is it still a front? If so, who against? Now, it is incumbent upon a government to build a worthy edifice, an edifice that can last into perpetuity. And we have seen the various models to follow to achieve legitimacy, from which come stability, and continuity.

Just like England and Spain, Ethiopia is an ancient land, deeply steeped in traditions. In this case legitimacy may best be achieved through a Monarchy. Restoring Constitutional Monarchy where the Crown performs ceremonial duties gives a nation a strong symbol of cohesive unity, and a sense of historical destiny. Our educated elites (who may not even make up 5% of the population) think monarchy is a defunct and backward system. But many European nations, Japan, Thailand, etc., have Monarchy. And the common peasant in Ethiopia may not share this view of the elites. This takes a lot of leadership courage and skill to bring about, but might probably give the government a lasting legitimacy.

There is also that elaborate system of “Independent Republics”, which sounded great in theory, but became disastrous for Yugoslavia. Ethiopia today is sectioned into several ethnic administrative ‘Killils’. Just like Yugoslavia, could the same fate be in store for us? God forbid! That would give Egypt, our ancient enemy, with a sworn and declared policy of keeping Ethiopia in turmoil, great pleasure. It has succeeded pretty well so far!

Some ideas sound great in theory but are worthless. The present ‘Killils’ are based on the flawed Marxist and Socialist ideology of ‘The Question of Nationalities’. Just look at the Super Power has been, the USSR. Thanks to these crazy questions it has been consumed by nationalism and regionalism, and the breakup is not yet over. An Islamic group in Chechnya continues to fight for its own corner of an independent nation. What a disaster!

It is high time Ethiopian elites wake up to abandon the crazy ‘Questions of Nationalities’, and embrace unity? Nothing worthwhile is ever gained by a breakup. Strength and all mutual benefits stem from unity. Who gained when Eritrea broke away? Ethiopia lost an outlet to the sea; Eritrea lost its breadbasket. Both became losers. Who benefited? An ancient enemy that planned, orchestrated, and supported a thirty-year war materially, keeping Ethiopia in a constant turmoil, gained. Do you know who?

To be continued…