If I were the president – Gabe Hamda

Ethiopian Review has asked scholars and prominent individuals what 10 things they would do immediately if they are elected president or prime minister of Ethiopia. The following is by Dr Gabe Hamda. (Click here to read what others wrote.)

Top 10 actions I would immediately take if I were to be elected president of Ethiopia.

1. If the presidency was not through election, decree a fair and free election to elect president.

2. Decree an executive order of amnesty to all former leaders including Meles Zenawi, Mengistu HM and all political prisoners.

3. Decree term limits of president to no more than two terms.

4. Engage Ethiopians in the Diaspora to return on full time or part-time to actively participate in national development.

5. Engage ethnic leaders toward cultivating an environment of inclusion for all people.

6. Initiate a national campaign of education for all.

7. Form and cultivate a transparent government.

8. Establish public servant and civic servant code of ethics.

9. Campaign to create a healthy environment.

10. Initiate a public health campaign.

(Dr Gabe Hamda is an IT consultant and CEO of ICATT Consulting, Inc., which has offices in Florida, Washington DC, and Minnesota. He can be reached at [email protected])