Policy Briefs
Ethiopia’s Oromo political protest and unfolding food crisis presents a paradox – Obaze
UNIZIK FM On air Personality Chiagozie Udeh interviewing Mr Oseloka H Obaze, MD/CEO Selonnes Consult
14/10/16: Speaking to the UNIZIK FM Radio today, Mr Oseloka H. Obaze, a policy and governance expert and immediate past SSG of Anambra said “the crisis in Ethiopia presents paradox since the complex emergency is occurring at a time the country is doing very well economically and politically. Ethiopia it is challenged by a growing food insecurity just as the political protests in the Oromia and Ahmara region intensifies. And there is a nexus between the political agitation and nationwide protest which is widening. The scope is such that Ethiopia risks a full blown social explosion. The Oromos may have legitimate fears about possible annexation of their arable farming and ancestral lands. Essentially, political pluralism, land rights, electoral reform, and recognition of the special status and of the Oromia in the capital district of Addis Ababa remain contentious. The Ethiopian government has declared a state of emergency, but this raises justifiable concerns since it restricts freedom of expression and association. President Mulatu Teshome has promised that he would address some of the prevailing grievances, but that promise might be a bit late in coming.”
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