9.2 Is Asking for Forgiveness Sufficient to Move Ethiopia Forward?
Abstract
In this paper, I attempt to clarify some ideas that are crucial for what is happening in Ethiopia these days, especially since the coming to power of a new prime minister Dr. Aby Ahmed. In his various speeches to Ethiopians, the prime minister has repeatedly asked for forgiveness from the people of Ethiopia for the wrongs his government has committed against civilians. He has also emphasized the importance of moving forward as a society leaving behind the bad things that are collective scars for society and between the government and the people. The role of the government related to forgiveness and national reconciliation need to be handled carefully so that we can avoid confusing political forgiveness with forgiveness as it takes place in the context of churches or in any other contexts. How should we think about forgiveness, the rule of law, and justice at a basic level? In this article, I offer a basic sketch about the relations among these ideas. The main purpose of this paper is not academic; rather, it is to address practical issues Ethiopians face and need to handle with extreme care.
9.2 Is Asking for Forgiveness Sufficient to Move Ethiopia Forward?
1920 Sangren Hall
In this paper, I attempt to clarify some ideas that are crucial for what is happening in Ethiopia these days, especially since the coming to power of a new prime minister Dr. Aby Ahmed. In his various speeches to Ethiopians, the prime minister has repeatedly asked for forgiveness from the people of Ethiopia for the wrongs his government has committed against civilians. He has also emphasized the importance of moving forward as a society leaving behind the bad things that are collective scars for society and between the government and the people. The role of the government related to forgiveness and national reconciliation need to be handled carefully so that we can avoid confusing political forgiveness with forgiveness as it takes place in the context of churches or in any other contexts. How should we think about forgiveness, the rule of law, and justice at a basic level? In this article, I offer a basic sketch about the relations among these ideas. The main purpose of this paper is not academic; rather, it is to address practical issues Ethiopians face and need to handle with extreme care.