Addis Ababa, June 13, 2024 (FBC) – The successful development works carried out in the recent years of reform demonstrate the ability of Ethiopians to overcome dependency, according to senior government officials.
The officials stated that development successes registered since the reform show that Ethiopia, with the concerted efforts of its hard working people and the government’s determination, will shortly ensure its prosperity by breaking free from dependency.
They said that the nationwide public discussion forums held recently have created a sense of aspiration to enhance productivity and achieve a dignified and sovereign nation.
Speaking to ENA, House of People’s Representatives Government Chief Whip Tesfaye Beljige, Agriculture Minister Girma Amente, and Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime elaborated on the ideas raised, outcomes achieved, development activities, peace and security matters discussed at national dialogue forums on dependency.
Government Chief Whip Tesfaye Beljige said that natural and human-made disasters that occur at various times have made dependency and aid a culture in Ethiopia.
The lack of national capacity that enables self-efficacy has contributed to the mentality and practice of dependency, he added.
Therefore, efforts are underway to build a strong stance that enables the country to handle crises on its own by breaking free from aid dependency mindset during the years of reform, Tesfaye said.
Agriculture Minister Girma Amente pointed out that climate change, natural disasters, and vicious cycles of conflict have been the major reasons for relying on aid.
In this respect the belief that provision of aid is a better alternative has played a role in perpetuating the dependency mindset, he added.
Transport and Logistics Minister Alemu Sime said that the failure to utilize Ethiopia’s potential for development has led to aid dependency and culture.\
According to him, this has been undermining the creative and productive culture of many.
Therefore, the Prosperity Party is undertaking development activities that will enable the building of an Ethiopia that belongs to all and is for all, he noted.
The ministers further stated that development successes that taught the importance of building a strong nation which exercises its policies freely to ensure the dignity of citizens have been registered during the reform years.
They stressed that the government, beyond demonstrating its political determination to eradicate dependency, is working to involve the public and accelerate rapid development.
For this, the nationwide public discussion forums have created understanding aimed to reach agreement, make decisions, and implement plans that would enable the eradication of dependency.
According to the officials, the forums have also initiated resolve and consensus to overcome the dependency that has been eroding the dignity and sovereignty of Ethiopia, the epitome of freedom.
Moreover, they said a spirit of resolve has been created to further strengthen the ongoing development successes by the leadership and the public.
The officials added that the guidance provided by the leadership during the forums has created momentum for better development by drawing lessons and sharing experiences.
The community has also developed an understanding and enthusiasm for full economic freedom, they remarked.
The development successes registered in the Nile Basin, Addis corridor development, and summer irrigation by mobilizing the public demonstrate that Ethiopia will achieve full economic freedom by breaking free from the dependency mindset, they underscored.
The ministers revealed that the government has adopted a policy of disaster risk management with the determination to provide humanitarian assistance through its own capacity.
Partner organizations should always extend their support not for relief aid but for sustainable development assistance, the officials noted.
Emphasizing that peace and development are inseparable for citizens’ endeavors, they underscored the need to maintain peace, preserve national unity and dignity, and continue building Ethiopia.
Recall that nationwide public discussion forums under the theme “From Dependency to Productivity for Full National Dignity and Sovereignty” were held in various cities last week.