Chief Whip Pens Book on Ethiopian Democracy

Addis Ababa July 4, 2025 (ENA) -- book titled "ኢትዮጵያዊ ዴሞክራሲ ፍለጋ" (In Search of Ethiopian Democracy) and authored by Chief Whip Tesfaye Beljige was launched at the Addis Ababa University today.

The book launch ceremony was graced by eminent personalities, including House of People's Representatives Speaker Tagesse Chaffo, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh, Prosperity Party Deputy President Adem Farah, along with high-ranking federal and regional government officials.

The 454-page book, organized in four parts and 20 chapters, offers a deep dive into Ethiopia's evolving democratic landscape, examining the historical, cultural, and political factors that have shaped the nation's journey towards democracy.

 

The book traces the country's democratic evolution from the early 20th century through the Derg and EPRDF eras up to the transformative political shifts of 2018.

It further advocates for an inclusive governance model that bridges the nation's diverse communities.

The Chief Whip presents a vision for consensus-democracy, a model designed to honor Ethiopia’s multi-ethnic identity while respecting its rich cultural heritage.

During the launching ceremony, the author reiterated the book's core message: The pursuit of a balanced democratic framework that fosters unity and promotes inclusive governance among Ethiopia’s varied communities.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen said composing a book is an endeavor that demands significant responsibility and commitment. This is especially true for those in high government positions.

 

In this regard, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed serves as an exemplary leader, Temesgen noted.

The book, which is authored by Tesfaye Beljige, also inspires the creativity of the next generation and boldly reveals our hidden resources, the Deputy PM said.

He also underscored the significance of the new book, asserting that it encourages us to question, investigate, and foster further discussions and debates.

African Leadership Excellence Academy President Zadig Abreha said the book compellingly demonstrates how Ethiopia, from its ancient history, possessed a rich tradition of ancestral democratic practices, cultural values, and philosophical underpinnings.

He commended Tesfaye Beljige for crafting a work that will serve as an invaluable educational resource for future generations.

 

On his part, Professor Jeilan Welyie, academic from Haramaya University, affirmed Ethiopia's rich philosophical and cultural heritage, expressing regret, as elucidated in the book that Ethiopia's magnificent traditional democratic values have not been fully leveraged.

Professor Jeilan underscored that Ethiopian wisdom forms the very bedrock of democracy, stressing the imperative to build a democratic system that embraces diversity as a strength.

He also pointed out the book's skillful integration of culture and traditional values throughout its narrative.

The veteran philosophy scholar from Addis Ababa University, Dagnachew Assefa, praised the author for clearly articulating the principles of equality and acceptance — fundamentals to democracy.

He described "In Search of Ethiopian Democracy" a remarkable work that masterfully integrates history, philosophy, traditional values, and other foundational concepts.