Medemer State’s Conscious Approach to Ethiopia’s Future: Prof. Berhanu Nega

Addis ababa: Ethiopia's Medemer State is more self-conscious and determined about the country's future than previous governments, with a clearer understanding of the direction it wants to take the nation, Education Minister Prof. Berhanu Nega said.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the minister stated that the changes Ethiopia has experienced over the past seven to eight years represent a significant departure from previous political periods. He described the current government as distinctly self-aware, with a clear vision for the country's direction, contrasting with past administrations.The minister highlighted that the government is increasingly recognizing that Ethiopia cannot continue to grapple with poverty, economic weakness, and persistent internal conflicts, including ethnic and religious tensions. In response, efforts are underway to curb corruption and promote hard work as key components of national development. Prof. Nega emphasized the need for Ethiopia, as an ancient civilization, to evolve its development approach.He further noted the government's growing awareness of the rapidly changing global environment, marked by emerging conflicts among major powers, technological transformations, and shifts in the international system. This heightened national consciousness is reflected in Ethiopians' realization that the country has fallen behind and must accelerate its development.Prof. Nega recalled Ethiopia's historical focus on internal differences and conflicts, which have detracted from its global progress. He pointed out that the current administration marks a turning point with its acute awareness of the country's prolonged stagnation.The recent National Dialogue has played a role in addressing some of Ethiopia's longstanding political questions, particularly concerning the type of political system needed to build a strong, resilient, capable, and prosperous nation. Despite these efforts, he acknowledged that Ethiopia remains in a transitional period, with political challenges and mistakes from the past still influencing the present.The minister argued that the prolonged emphasis on ethnicity in politics has contributed to conflicts over the past two to three decades. He urged a shift away from highly ethnicized politics towards viewing each other as citizens of the same country.He observed a growing sense of shared citizenship emerging, although remnants of past political outlooks persist. Prof. Nega described the current period as a transition where old and new political paradigms vie for supremacy.Ethiopia's future, according to the minister, requires greater emphasis on shared national interests, economic development, technical knowledge, and moral standing. He called on Ethiopians to increasingly identify as citizens with a common future and fate, asserting that such a shift would propel the country towards greater prosperity, resilience, and national development.