The culture of impunity has become pervasive both in the public and private sectors of Ethiopia. However, its scope has long been deeply-rooted in the affairs of the former. And it is not a very difficult task to come up with a plethora of instances where this is true.
In the past two years, Ethiopia has experienced turmoil in various parts of the country. As a result, several people have lost their lives, and thousands were injured. Hundreds of thousands were internally displaced. These series of incidents, through time, have changed and are still changing the course of the country’s political dynamics in an unpredictable direction. What is amazing, however, is the fact that the real perpetrators behind these incidents have enjoyed impunity.
There have been spontaneous arrests here and there, but the primary culprits are still free. They might have been exposed to criticisms and self-criticism in their respective parties as has long been the tradition of the Revolutionary Democrats. But, no significant action to this date has been taken on those that have contributed to the unrest and instability through bad governance or failed initiatives that have cost the country much-needed cash.
An excellent example of this is the case of the failed sugar export controversy, which a few weeks back was the centre of media attention. Ethiopia decided to export 44,000tns of sugar to Kenya aiming to earn 2.2 million dollars in forex. However, the attempt was unsuccessful as the 110 vehicles carrying the sugar were forced to return home after reaching the border town of Moyale, and staying there for over a month. This was all before the embattled officials finally decided to distribute it in the local market.
What caught many off-guard was why the Ethiopian Sugar Corporation would begin transporting the merchandise without payment? And who will take responsibility for lost time and public funds?
In this sugar saga, I was able to witness the usual blame game go-on among the various stakeholders involved. As to my knowledge, no one has so far been indicted for this scandal. At least for now, those who are behind it are getting away, only thanks to the culture of impunity, where few even raise the issue.
The Metal & Engineering Corporation (MetEC) is not faring better. It may be successful at assembling vehicles or the military gadgets it has been producing for years. However, it has miserably failed when it comes to the sugar factories, and a fertiliser one, it was tasked to construct.
MetEC was on the hot seat, facing the Public Enterprises Standing Committee, which heard the Corporation’s current fiscal year plan and three-month report. Members of the sub-Committee stated they were unsatisfied with the progress of the sugar factories. The same held true with the construction of the fertiliser project- Yayu Fertiliser Complex. Officials of MetEc have cited various reasons as to why the plans are lagging behind.
But their justification devolved to, amongst other things, not being able to open a letter of credit, or accusing the media of inflating the issue out of proportion. As for me, I would love to see specifics especially regarding the accusation against the press, which I believe, have not done enough in unravelling wrongdoing in the Corporation apart from reporting the records of the parliament.
Let us face it. Such failures in other developed nations would not have passed without consequence. These issues are extremely complicated, and the officials in charge of these areas deserve more grilling, lest the problems continue. But, in various recorded circumstances mismanagement of funds is a prime example.
Thanks to the annual reports of the federal Main Auditor presented to the parliament, there are ample examples where taxpayers’ funds have been misappropriated, especially by higher educational institutions. Year after year, the standing committee in charge of overseeing the organisations criticises them, with no change discernable.
Those who are involved in the abuse of budgets, in any area or sector, are rarely held accountable. The worst that happens to them is fierce criticism by committees, which apparently is not serving as a deterrent.
From soccer to athletics, to the supply of electricity or water to telecom, there are few instances where waste is punished, and thus, non-existent. One can find the culture of impunity in construction or public health institutions as well.
Various government officials, from the Prime Minister up to those at the wereda level, usually claim that those found guilty of instigating violence would be held accountable and brought to justice. Such a narrative nowadays seems to have become the soundtrack of meetings and discussions. Nevertheless, we are not lucky enough to witness such warnings practised.
Even when the government takes actions on those involved in crimes or malpractices, I usually notice at least three limitations. Firstly, the actions are not consistent. It is only selectively holding a limited number of individuals (who could just be scapegoats) accountable whereas others enjoy a free ride.
Secondly, the actions lack principle. They are merely spontaneous and are usually a response to some public discontent. Thirdly, the government makes a move after the problem has reached fever pitch, at the point of no return. Such kind of fire brigade approach has been a norm in the EPRDFite camp for several years.
Such approach has allowed officials to exercise their powers, and rarely their duty. This has ultimately lead down the path of chaos and instability. It is breeding corruption and bad governance. It has allowed wrongdoers to flourish, and become an influence on others.
While advocating nipping the culture of impunity from its bud, it should not be taken as a bit of advice to attack opponents or those who are critical of the government. What needs work is dealing with those who abuse power and are, indirectly, contributing to the slowing down of the economy, loss of job opportunities, civil liberties and, finally, the instability of the country – points that should be checked sooner than later.
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