Ethiopia doesn’t need donor nations’ pressure

Re “A losing bet in Ethiopia,” Current, Dec. 18

Mike Clough resonates the age-old but unjust theme that the case of Africa is always an expression of a lost cause. Ethiopia’s national election in May has been the most open and well-contested election the country has ever seen. However challenging the election process was, it has given us an opportunity to learn that democracy must start from the root of our people’s aspirations, cultures and traditions, not through pressures of donor countries, as implied by Clough.

The call for donor countries to intervene in each step toward building democracy not only undermines the social and political variables for the future of democracy, it also helps create a pseudo-democracy with a pervasive clientele relationship.

With all its challenges and difficulties, building a democracy is a path we will continue to nurture in order to fight crippling poverty and underdevelopment. Democracy in Ethiopia is a young but wonderfully brave and inspiring venture, if seen aright.

TAYE ATSKE SELASSIE

Consul General of Ethopia

Los Angeles