The ruling Prosperity Party in Ethiopia, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, said it has identified five major challenges facing the country during a two-day Executive Committee meeting. These include what the committee calls “the burden of history”, the inability to manage freedom, the challenge against multinational unity, the soaring cost of living, and “theft”. The committee has developed a strategy to fight these issues, which it believes are impeding Ethiopia’s attempt to move towards prosperity.
The Executive Committee explained that Ethiopians have a rich history and opportunities that should be used as a source of wealth for the country. However, they are burdened by unresolved historical issues that have led to additional problems that have not yet been dealt with. The party called on all members, supporters, and the general public to fight against the forces that want to use Ethiopia’s past as a weapon of conflict.
The inability to manage freedom is the second issue, according to the committee. The freedom to organize, express ideas, oppose the government, establish and use media, and worship faith without government intervention are freedoms the people have gained in their struggle. However, the party has warned that a liberal system without responsibility can lead to anarchy, while a system of responsibility without freedom leads to oppression. The committee has called for the problem of managing freedom to be reversed as soon as possible, and for people to live in freedom by respecting the law without causing conflict.
The third challenge the committee has identified is the challenge against multinational unity. The party has called on government officials and party leaders to refrain from speeches and actions that undermine the multinational unity of Ethiopians and exacerbate hatred and conflict.
The soaring cost of living is the fourth problem that the party identified during its meeting. It blames this on macroeconomic distortions caused by international and domestic problems that have led to an increase in unemployment. The party is taking steps to solve the problem both temporarily and permanently, but it hinted that hard decisions would need to be made to pass the challenge efficiently.
The fifth factor that has brought the country to a crucial stage is “theft”, the party said, explaining that there are thieves within government, investors, nationalities, and the media. The government will step up its campaign to eliminate all types of thieves, and the party has called on leaders, members, and supporters to clean their hands and lead the struggle.
The committee has emphasized the need to focus on Ethiopia’s development, peace, and security and has called on everyone to be a part of the struggle. While the country is getting rid of the pressure of two years of war, it is crucial to strengthen the gains made and work towards building a prosperous Ethiopia with united multinational unity.
