A Call for Purpose Over Power
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission recently held its latest round of agenda-setting sessions, gathering an array of participants—federal officials, regional representatives, religious leaders, and heads of political and civil institutions. During the opening remarks, a prominent journalist made an intriguing statement: “This conference is truly unique in its nature, for it has brought together the elites at one table… This is because the problem in this country lies with the elites.”
The sentiment echoed a remark I once heard from another well-known writer, whose frustration seemed palpable: “What I truly don’t understand in my life is why such a great country as Ethiopia remains so poor. My desire is for the elites to reach a point of desperation, where their own conditions drive them to take proactive, transformative action.”
In many ways, these reflections capture the crux of Ethiopia’s challenges. The “elite” group—defined as a select few superior in ability or qualities, and possessing significant financial or social power—wields substantial influence over national decisions. In the Ethiopian context, this group has often been responsible for sparking conflict, particularly through social media, leading to civil unrest, widespread violence, and tragic loss of life. These disruptions are often stirred by “activists” within the elite, wielding influence without necessarily feeling the consequences of their actions.
John Higley, a noted political scientist, defines elites as persons who, by virtue of their strategic locations in large or otherwise pivotal organizations and movements, are able to affect political outcomes regularly and substantially. According to elite theory, such individuals often hail from the upper echelons of society and have access to resources unavailable to the majority. They control key decision-making areas—politics, economics, media, and education—and thus influence the trajectory of a nation.
In Ethiopia, where institutions remain underdeveloped, many decisions are still made based on personal connections. The “elite” group—whether in politics, business, or the legal system—often serves as the gateway to power. When the system falters, those with access to the elites use their connections to advance personal interests, often through political affiliations or kinship ties. Meanwhile, those without such access are left to navigate a system that is often indifferent to the merit or urgency of their causes. They are at the mercy of individuals’ whims, regardless of how just or urgent their situation may be.
For many Ethiopians, particularly those outside the capital, Addis Ababa, peace remains a rare and valuable commodity. While residents of the capital enjoy relative security and freedom, people in the peripheries endure insecurity, fear, and instability. In rural areas and even the outskirts of Addis, suspicion has become the norm, and many live in constant uncertainty.
A government’s fundamental duty is to ensure the rule of law and to protect its citizens from arbitrary harm, especially the vulnerable and defenseless. This is the essence of true sovereignty. Yet, it is the ordinary citizens—the ones least equipped to protect themselves—who bear the brunt of the unrest caused by the elites. It is they who suffer the consequences of decisions made by those who hold power, but who do not experience the daily struggles of the broader population.
In 2002, when the Organization of African Unity transformed into the African Union, there were lofty aspirations for economic and political integration across the continent. We even spoke of creating the United States of Africa. More than two decades later, Ethiopia remains preoccupied with its own internal struggles. On a global scale, humanity faces unprecedented challenges, and if we fail to reverse the trajectory we’re on, we risk entering an even more complex and perilous future.
History, however, offers a different narrative—a reminder of the potential power of elites to serve the common good. One notable example is a religious leader from the 4th century, who used his influence to stand up for the powerless. When a widow’s land was forcibly taken by the Empress, the religious leader intervened, demanding the land’s return. The Empress, in retaliation, used her political power to exile and ultimately cause the death of the religious leader. Yet his stand remains proof of how elites can use their power, not for personal gain, but to defend the vulnerable.
Amidst Ethiopia’s current difficulties, we should aspire to see a new generation of leaders emerge—an elite motivated not by the pursuit of power, but by a commitment to purpose; not by self-interest, but by a dedication to peace, justice, and the well-being of all citizens.
The question remains: will Ethiopia’s elites choose to lift up the voiceless and the vulnerable, or will they continue to prioritize their own agendas at the cost of national harmony? Only time will tell, but the hope for a better future depends on their willingness to answer this call.
Contributed by Selamawit Kidane
