ADDIS
ABABA: The launching of a new foundation in Ethiopia in honor of late
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has left many activists in the country questioning the future of the country, arguing that dictators should not be given foundations in their name.
“This
is horrible,” said Yussif Mohammad, a Muslim activist who was detained
during Meles crackdown last year before he passed away. “I think this
would be kind of like if Egypt would have a foundation for Hosni
Mubarak. It would be unthinkable.”
In his opening address last
month in launching the foundation, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn
remembered the late PM as “exemplary leader in his unique leadership
skills and flawless performance as chief of the executive” and added
that “the establishment of the Foundation is deemed necessary as a
thorough study of his life and his works and their implementation thus
far is important to ensure the continuity of the renaissance of
Ethiopia.”
Former First Lady,
Azeb Mesfin, on the occasion noted that the Foundation will assist
researchers interested to study Meles’s academic works through
scholarships to ensure the continuity of the implementation of his
vision.
The Meles Foundation aims to serve as a memorial of the
prime minister’s great contribution in socio -economic issues, climate
change negotiations and for his efforts aimed at ensuring peace and
security of the continent among other things.
But activists like
Mohammad told Bikyanews.com that this foundation continues the status
quo and authoritarian nature of the Ethiopian government.
“We have
fought for our rights over and over again, but now the foundation as a
remembrance to a man who killed his own people and stifled freedom of
speech is existing. It says a lot about where we are as a country.”
Source: Bikya News
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