Following the appointment Dr. Abiy Ahmed as Prime Minster of Ethiopia, Ethiopians have been filled with mounting expectation regarding the future prospects of the country. Particularly, some scholars are admiring the fact that the new Premier instilled spirit of solidarity, unity and hope among Ethiopian nationals.
Dr. Tsegaye Berhe, who has been working in international and local nongovernmental organizations, says “as I understand, Dr. Abiy aspires to ensure the country’s peace and unity. His election brings buoyancy as he is a person with vision.”
“For me the main issue he boldly underlined at Parliament is about Ethiopia and Ethiopianism,” he says talking about the main theme of the PM’s acceptance speech. “And the priority action must be restoring peace and security across the country, which is the basis for all the actions that would follow. Then, I hope that the Premier will materialize his pledges in a short period of time,” he remarks.
According to him, restoring peace and security across the nation and ensuring unity of the country must be the short term task. “Then, his government can improve and bring about great results in social, economical and political spheres in the remaining two years of his tenure and be ready for the next election,” Dr. Tsegaye adds.
“I am sure the new Premier will invite oppositions for discussion to create constructive understanding to pursue the country’s development and transformational agendas,” he says adding “In this regard, opponent political parties should come to the table and discuss issues of common national interest.”
The main challenge for the Premier, as to Tsegaye, will be the presence of bureaucracy. “I believe he will deal with it progressively,” he reflects his hope.
People must have patience and give him time to adjust things. “High expectations alone would not be fruitful. It also requires collaboration and support to realize the desired outcomes,” he notes.
The fact that the Premier ended his speech with “God Bless Ethiopia” is also a good gesture, he claims.
Eminence Social Entrepreneur’s Chief Executive Officer Asnake Amanuel, on his part says the peaceful transfer of power by itself heralds a new chapter.
“What I mostly appreciated (from the acceptance speech) is the place given to Ethiopian women,” he underlines. “I have seen bright future for Ethiopians in his speech, so I hope that the pledges would be applied on the ground. His forgiveness for prior mistakes and wrong doings broke the heart of Ethiopians. “
According to him, the priority task for him should be creating trust between nation, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia and settling peace and security issues.
The way the Prime Minister requested opposition parties to discuss and work with the government has a major significance to build the nation. Opposition parties need to use this open call for dialogue, he underscores.
Sultan Kassim, Lecturer at Haromaya University School of Law, recognizing the peaceful transition of power as a bold step forward, stresses on the fact that without changes in policy and principles, change in individuals could not bring about basic changes.
Other than that, the Premier made an impressive speech that united all Ethiopians. “What matter most is the implementation of the promise,” he adds.
“Taking political difference as a blessing to build country and work together with opponent political parties, are among the best components of the speech for me,” he adds.
Sultan also agrees that peace and stability should be the primary tasks of the new Prime Minister. According to him preparing national political parties forum to continue genuine discussion on national issues would be the best way forward to bring national consensus.