By:
Gebrehiwot Hagos
Dear
Ben; I read your comment about the Addis Ababa University. Thank you for your
timely, matured and responsible commentary.
I
would like to add my voice to this extremely disturbing revelation. Some time
ago I participated in a conference where the main theme was ‘Brain Drain'.
Ethiopia has become the leading country in Africa in the ‘field' of Brain
Drain. Lack of academic freedom, political repression and government interventions
were cited as some of the main reasons the educated elite is forced to migrate
to other countries. It was suggested that remedies be found for this disturbing
problem, that the government be advised to start the process of reversing, or
at least stopping the massive haemorrhaging of the educated mass. A government
official who was present at the conference vowed that his government will do
everything in his power to follow up on the issue.
But
that is not to be.
I
do not think that the academic world would, in the main, resist the idea of
students evaluating their professors. This is an almost universal practice
through which most of the current Addis Ababa University professors passed
through when they were students in the West. The government wants us to believe
that the issue is evaluation. However, we have since come to learn that the
main cause of the recent resignations and indirect firings is the lack of
academic freedom and unwarranted government intervention in the country's
highest institution.
This
government has consistently demonstrated its determination to bring havoc and
division whenever and wherever Ethiopians show a tendency to take a united
action. Those that have submitted resignation request were not necessarily
anti-government elements. In fact sources mention that some of them were
staunch supporters of the EPRDF regime. Some of them were elevated to their
current position when tens of university professors were expelled from the
University by the leader of the party several years ago. Now, these professors
have decided to be governed by their good conscience, and the heavy hands of
the Party have caught up with them.
Will
this government back down and allow the University to function independently?
Its track records speak otherwise. With its usual arrogance, it will nullify
all arguments by concerned individuals and continue to destroy the institution.
·
Many
professors will find a better alternative in the private universities and
colleges.
·
The more
adventurous ones will venture out of the country - the brain drain will
continue unabated.
·
The Party will
find other recruits, imprison or kill demonstrating students and will call it
business as usual.
·
The quality of
the national institution will deteriorate and ultimately change into a Cadre
school.
·
It will weaken
the gathering momentum of Ethiopians - a momentum that was gathering steam to
do something practical to help the country.
·
This may
result in the Party extending its grip over a weakened society.
Then
what can we Ethiopians do?
First,
we have to understand that the current government is not interested in having a
strong and united Ethiopia. This has been demonstrated by the current leader
several times, including his untiring resolve to divide Ethiopians when they
showed their usual patriotic unity in the Isayas-Ethiopia war. We should not
fall prey to the machinations of the regime and try to respond likewise.
We
have to know that the Party leader, Mr Meles, is dispassionate about Ethiopia.
He is ruling the country as a hired executive. A hired executive ultimately
works for his own success. In fact, there is a checking mechanism in private
companies, and it is to the best interest of executives that the well-being of
a company is at the forefront of the agenda. In case of Mr Meles, there is no a
checking mechanism. He has the power to destroy the country if he finds it
profitable. Our only prayer is that he understands the personal merit and
gratitude he can muster if he listens to Ethiopians, preserves Ethiopian unity,
does not sell out its interests to her enemies, and removes himself from power
voluntarily.
Will
he do that? Miracles could happen but it is doubtful. The apathy he showed, the
arrogance he demonstrated, the uncompromising stand he portrayed in the recent
debate with leaders of institutions, political parties and business people,
does not point to him being tamed.
The
only thing that will tame this Party and its head is a united resolve of
Ethiopians demonstrated by a real action. Ethiopians need to participate in
all, humanitarian, civic, and political activities that encourage unity of
purpose and action. Political parties, civic institutions and individuals that
are struggling in the country must be supported. Led by these parties,
institutions and individuals, a consistent, persistent, and concerted effort by
Ethiopians will ultimately empower the population and peacefully force the
current regime to relinquish power that it has so much abused. Let's believe in
ourselves.