PM Meles Zenawi’s responses to Ethiopia’s economic malaise are getting funnier By Genet Mersha

At a time when neighboring countries are tottering down the path of popular revolt to overthrow entrenched dictators and possibly collapse of their regimes, Meles has tightened political repressions in Ethiopia
 to protect himself from their fate. In spite of those attempts, however, the deepening economic problems are poking citizens with tensions and tremors of their own. These are now being felt throughout the country, as public complaints even in the government-controlled media are showing.
Moreover, not that these would amount to anything in a highly militarized and ethnically divided society, rumors and some credible stories are circulating about open clashes between farmers and students with security forces in some parts of the country. As signs of the economic alienation of millions, petty crimes in towns and cities, burglaries and highway robberies are becoming common occurrences some distances from the capital city itself.
The making of the current frustrations in Ethiopian society have been brewing over a long time. Their origins lay in the political crises that remain unresolved, nor the regime would admit. Then there are the ubiquitous economic crises that have been afflicting over 90 percent of the population. The only solution the government favours now is complete shut off of public space, as a primary step, politics by force and economics by decree, which have now become the mode of Ethiopia’s governance. Therefore, such a situation has served better corrupt party officials, businesspersons, the security, the military and those wired with the leaders. In such an environment, ordinary citizens find it difficult to eke out normal existence.
Whether information from countries now affected by popular revolt is permitted, the situation in those countries may only encourage a sense of solidarity with others. The little information Meles’s security apparatus could not control has made it through to Ethiopians. Therefore, they have become true partners in sharing the pains of the Egyptians, Tunisians, the Sudanese and Yemenis… As they say in Ethiopia, a heart filled with its own pains has better feel for others. Read More