I am completely for a fast economic and social development in ethiopia but somehow i don't think the so-called " 5 year growth and transformation" plan is realistic from every prospective .To say the country will produce double the total of agricaltural output it currently produces and that the economy will be growing on AVERAGE!! 14% is quite astonishing statement to make if not damn right foolish. Even china which has been growning in double digits in recent years have only set a target of around 9% for the coming few years. Am not saying the ethiopian goverment is totally ineffective but need to set a more releastic targets in terms of future prospect growth showh caution to the apparent " land grab" deals its making with international companies.

We need to be very careful on the types of investors the goverment is attracting because am pretty sure the goverment doesn't have the mechanism in place to monitor their activity effectively in terms of harm they might produce to the environment . I also don't think the goverment has consulted in a proper way with the local people whom are directly affected and may not get a fair compensation they legally entitled to.......

The Meles's government has never shown in the last twenty years to consult people who would be affected by any project in the country. The people have never been invited to vote for the current government. Most of the ballot boxes are filled and people are appointed by the ruling party. In such atmosphere it is quiet easy to understand why people are alienated from the political. system. The people of Ethiopia have gone through different types of dictotorial regimes in the last 50 years. They are aware of that when time comes, any government will dye its own death.

The ruling party and itsabsolute leader, Meles Zenawi, is in hurry to turn the fortune within the next 5 years in order to convince the people of Ethiopia and international world that he is the right man for the country. However, life has become much more difficult for ordinary people. Even during the military regime, people have access to basic necessities. In fact major famine and drought that have occurred during this regime had massive impact on the country in addition to the on going war in the north and south eastern Ethiopia.

Meles Zenawi has made sure that all government oppressive state machineries work towards silencing any form of dissent. Even people could not form civic societies unless they are members of the ruling and affiliate parties.

Election is fake in the country. In the area I live, the people have never given to elect their MP. Rather the ruling party appoints someone without consultation. The main criteria for the selection of individuals for such position is loyalty to Meles and his co.

There is a mass public demonstration planned in the coming month of May 2011. People of Ethiopia from rural, towns and cities are urged to participate in this non-violence demonstration across the country. People are fade up of the current system that just ignores what the people want. I do not think the top down approach would have negative side effect. The current government if it real represent the people why it is not making possible for the people at the grass root level to have a say on something that would affect them. Meles and his co has always maintained the position that they are they one who knows what is the best interest for them. In a world where people are given more say in shaping their future, Meles denial of this, clearly show that how he is not fit to lead this country.

Knowing that people are revolting against him, Meles has resorted to his usual scaremongering behaviour of accusing the oppositions and dissidents as terrorists. Two days ago Meles, issued a warning to the opposition and dissidents that they would pay heavy price if they engage in any form of mass rally against him. He is using the campaign of 'war against terror' as a means to silence the people of Ethiopia. The government held medias are disseminating these threat to the people. The media are currently gagged from writing or saying anything agaisnt government policy, plan and programme. This make very hard for the people to know what is going on. Even the regime tried to jam the voice of.america amharic service.