Ethiopia: Caucus of Opposition Events Say Govt Funded Paper On Constitutional Reform ‘Extremely Disturbing’

Addis Abeba — A gaggle of ten opposition political components referred to as “Caucus of Opposition Events” (CoP) issued a nameless assertion denouncing a latest examine by a government-funded coverage assume tank, Coverage Research Institute (PSI), floating the concept on the necessity for constitutional reform.

Titled ‘FDRE Structure after three many years: Inquiring into whether or not and what to amend’, the examine paper was presented for a discussion within the capital Addis Abeba amongst a choose group of individuals.

Calling the precedent “extremely disturbing”, CoP mentioned “the mentioned analysis is a methodologically flawed want checklist of sure quarters, and above all an premature initiative.”

It additionally labeled as “unlucky that such a lopsided paper is offered to the general public at this vital juncture of our nation’s historical past the place the bloodiest battle simply ended and we’re nonetheless within the midst of battle in a lot of Oromia.”

The examine, which majorly centered on chosen provisions of the structure associated to group rights, got here underneath criticism from varied constitutional students and has since been a subject of on-line debates each amongst actions and media personalities.

Off the subject of constitutional provisions, the examine additionally included a subject associated to ethnic-based political events and mentioned overwhelming responders of the examine rejected the formation of “ethnic-based” political events.

In its assertion despatched to Addis Commonplace the CoP, which, amongst different events, has as its member major opposition parties in Oromia and Somali areas, together with Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), Oromo Liberation Entrance (OLF) and the Ogaden Nationwide Liberation Entrance (ONLF) respectively, additional mentioned that “such papers will not be solely deceptive, however can even lead our nation into extra chaos” as there’s “little or no consensus” concerning constitutional reform each among the many nation’s political forces and the varied Ethiopian communities.

“It shouldn’t be forgotten that it’s the ” I can do it alone” that has led the nation into the limitless disaster… for many years through which tens of millions misplaced their lives and tens of millions extra have been displaced,” the Caucus mentioned.

The Caucus additionally questioned the methodology used within the examine, which asserted that 75 % of 1,123 survey respondents believed that the present structure of Ethiopia needs to be modified.

“It’s extremely disturbing that the so-called analysis has been performed with little regard for scientific objectivity, and as might be learn from the methodology used in addition to our personal commentary, it’s tailor-made to serve a hidden political curiosity of sure circles and at that accommodates extremely misleading findings. Right here, you will need to notice that politicizing scientific analysis for slender political curiosity and private good points can simply jeopardize the inspiration of our already precarious stability and the hopes for democratic transition,” the CoP mentioned.

Versus pushing the agenda of a constitutional reform, the CoP urged all of the involved events that, underneath the prevailing Ethiopian state of affairs, “real nationwide dialogue and a broad-based settlement” to be reached among the many nation’s political forces on the best way “the longer term Ethiopian authorities is structured, as properly the political system is organized.”

The Caucus additionally requested the ruling social gathering and its authorities buildings to make sure ‘the fitting to self-determination of the nations, nationalities and the peoples of Ethiopia’ as per the provisions within the present structure when treating the calls for of the assorted peoples of the nation such because the Wolaita’s quest for referendum to save lots of the individuals from “pointless battle and bloodshed.” AS