Ethiopia: Gov’t Will Discharge its Responsibility to Deter Illegal Activities

The Premier gave briefings today to the press on current issues and the drought which was occurred in some parts of the country due to the El-Nino global weather phenomenon.

In his briefing, the Premier urged the people to distance themselves from those forces who have been operating to propagate their own agenda by hijacking the legitimate questions of the public.

The Ethiopian Constitution allows demonstrations but the demonstrations that took place recently are illegal and have no owners (responsible body). They were called by social media, the Premier said.

Ideas raised during the demonstrations do not represent the public but only reflected the interest of anti-peace forces, he said.

“The government is aware that the ideas and slogans reflected in the demonstrations do not represent the people of Oromo or Gondar,” the Premier said.

These people scarified to defeat the atrocious regime and played a key role along with other people for the economic advancement of Ethiopia, he said.

“In this regime, the Oromo people have gained the rights to self-administration, utilize their languages and improve their culture. I’m sure all the Oromo people will safeguard the Constitution forever,” he said.

After accepting the good governance problems identified through the public consultations held earlier and by its own assessment, the government is working to tackle them, the Premier said.

The government understands that there are still unaddressed questions of the people for good governance and development, he said, adding efforts would be made along with the public to deal with these issues.

However, in order to avert illegal activities, the government will discharge its responsibilities and will be obliged to ensure rule of law, the Premier said.

He further said preparations have been finalized to hold in-depth discussions on issues hampering the reform program of the ruling party the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).

Regarding the El-Nino induced drought, the Premier said the efforts made to mitigate its impact have born encouraging results. The government has managed to cope with the drought.

Following the prevailing even rainfall distribution, the Premier predicted improved crop harvest this production season.

Areas hit by the drought were supplied with seeds and other supports so that they could compensate crops that were lost due to the drought, he said.