BY ZERYHUN KASSA, 27 JULY 2013
Establishing a democratic system in Ethiopia is not an option; it is a matter of death and life in Ethiopian context; these are words of Abay Tsehaye Director General of the national Sugar Corporation.
This came as training to Presidents, Deans and department heads of Universities began at Civil Service University to equip them with government policy directions and leadership tactics.
Shiferaw Shigute, Minister of Education, says the training enables the leadership of universities in the country to be clear with leadership issues of the country so that they can best help meet the targets and objectives on the GTP.
The first document that has been on plate for discussion was “Democratic system in Ethiopia- what kind of democracy and why”. The presenter was Abay Tsehaye. The document details why democracy was important to resolve the grievances of old systems that disrespect racial identity, commit injustice, violations of human rights and cultural oppression.
Democracy is a must in Ethiopian context to effectively resolve such long standing problems that other systems had failed to end, he noted. And if the same mistake is repeated now, the country would simply be prone to destabilization.
Abay stressed accommodating diversity, multiculturalism, individual and group rights and lead the nation to democratic development with radical fashion is fundamental if this nation is to continue with sustainable economic progress and unity. According to our staff reporter Solomon Tsegaye, the training that stays for over 20 days attracts 800 discussants from around the country’s universities.
They will digest issues like Ethiopia’s renaissance journey, performance of the growth and transformation plan, higher education leadership skills, setting plan for education and issues of higher education overhaul, among others.