Gov’t takes governance, rent-seeking issues seriously : Premier

BAHIR DAR — Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn said that Ethiopia has made remarkable progress in the overall development spectrum over the last 25 years due to the viable policies and strategies accommodating public demand.
Responding to questions raised by the diaspora, the Premier said that the government takes issues of governance, diversity and rent-seeking seriously as they are a threat to the political economy of the nation.
He said “This will only be reversed through time as the government and the ruling EPRDF party have identified the problems and the way forward to address them.”
Creating conducive environment for ethical development agents and shutting down all doors for corruption, rent-seeking and governance problems are the directions that the government is heading through, he added.
Regarding constitutional and federalism issues, the Premier said that the government and its constitution envision creating one political and economic entity.
He added : “Some people misuse diversity issues to cover their rent-seeking sentiment.”
Hailemariam further noted that the government, EPRDF, the public including the diaspora should push towards ensuring better governance in all development endeavors.
Ethiopian diaspora need to work towards human capital development using their expertise, skill and research experiences more than just simply sending money as remittance, the Premier noted.
The Premier said : “Ethiopia has a better diaspora policy is inviting to invest, work and collaborate with the government keen to work closely with fellow citizens in all sectors.”
The Premier has also responded to questions regarding corruption, service delivery customs, machinery import and investment, land, peace and security, development and governance issues, among others.
Foreign Minister Affairs Dr. Tedros Adhanom reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to address good governance problems identified as one of the major threats in all governmental structures.
The Minister said : “We need to create a continuous forum among the public including the diaspora community to tackle this menace. All our successes and failures are our common agendas that need the joint effort of all.”
Federal Affairs and Pastoral Development Minister Kassa Tekleberhan said that the diaspora are expected to bring about positive changes through dedication and hard work in all areas in collaboration with stakeholders.
Kassa further said bringing attitudinal change among the public , identifying major areas of governance and rent-seeking problems, undertaking reforms, establishing a strong legal system to hold people accountable for the violation of the constitution and addressing existing challenges on time are focus areas.
BY YARED GEBREMEDEN