Addis Ababa, May 26, 2016 (WIC) – Ginbot 20 (May 28) is a historical day which paved the right path for the return of Ethiopia to its former pole position, besides liberating Ethiopians from cruel repression, said Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.
In a press conference he gave here yesterday in connection with the 25th anniversary of Ginbot 20, which marks the downfall of the Derg regime, the Premier said the day is also special in bringing basic regime change in Ethiopia.
This change, according to Hailemariam, who is also Chairman of the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) party, was achieved after a bitter struggle and huge sacrifice.
Ethiopians are benefiting in all sectors now, owing to the broad activities carried out to change the abject poverty which seriously tested Ethiopia’s survival in the past regime, he said.
Right after the downfall of the past regime in 1991, the country began to implement a free market policy and multi party system as well as established a government structure which accommodates diversity and entertains the rights of nations and nationalities, he said.
One of the areas where the change was reflected is in the education sector.
According to the Premier, a quarter of Ethiopian population or about 27 million Ethiopians are currently enrolled in school following the due attention given to produce trained manpower which could lift the country out of poverty.
The agricultural sector is growing at all levels and market oriented farmers were created and these are vital for the advancement of the free market policy of the country, he indicated.
However, extensive works are ahead to expedite and achieve Ethiopia’s target to move from agriculture to the manufacturing industry, he said.
Addressing malpractices and rent seeking need due focus in the future to build the transformation seen in all sectors on firm foundation, he said.