I'm afraid that too many of our political elites think that bringing about political peace and justice in Ethiopia is just a matter of following the 'democracy manual', that is, implementing the standard formula (that comes with funding) given by organizations such as the NDI and NED and many others eager to neocolonise. Just look how well this formula has done in Eastern Europe, where most countries are rapidly depopulating and are wallowing in depression, psychological and economic. Or in Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, or many of the other countries that well funded 'democracy promotion' NGO's have had the opportunity to work their magic! I, for one, wouldn't want Ethiopia to become another Latvia.
Our elites need to think beyond copy and paste. Beyond Huntington and Fukuyama and whoever else is the mode. They need to learn to look to their own rich heritage to find robust solutions for our political and social problems, solutions built on stone rather than sand. Ethiopians value peace, love, and forgiveness. These are fundamental characteristics of our tradition. We may not always practice what we value - in fact, we often don't - but these are the things we value. The overwhelming support that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received for his (simple) message of peace, love, and forgiveness is a testament to this. I cannot imagine another country where such a simple message would have worked the wonders it did in Ethiopia.
Elites: We need confidence in our tradition and we need imagination. Please move beyond your academic indoctrination. Look towards your elders. Look towards your rich tradition with neither rose nor dark coloured glasses, but with the right mix of empathy and understanding. Develop self-confidence as Ethiopians, as well as a prudent humility. Aim for the goal of Ethiopia not becoming another Germany, but becoming truly Ethiopian.
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