FREEDOM AND EQUALITY

PARTY

PARTY PROGRAM

(ENDORSED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PARTY)

MARCH 2019
ADDIS ABABA
Freedom and Equality Party

Content

PREFACE ........................................................................................................................... 1
VISION, MISSION, OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES ................................................ 5
1 POLITICAL PROGRAM ........................................................................................... 8
1.1 Political Ideology ..................................................................................................................................... 8
1.2 Basic Rights ............................................................................................................................................. 9
1.3 State Structure ........................................................................................................................................ 9
1.4 Form of the Government ....................................................................................................................... 10
1.5 Constitution .......................................................................................................................................... 10
1.6 Parts of the Government ....................................................................................................................... 11
1.7 Defence, Police, and National Security ................................................................................................... 11
2 ECONOMIC PROGRAM......................................................................................... 13
2.1 Overall Economic Goals and principles................................................................................................... 13
2.2 Agriculture and Rural Development ....................................................................................................... 15
2.3 Pastoralist development ........................................................................................................................ 18
2.4 Land Tenure .......................................................................................................................................... 19
2.5 Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................................ 20
2.6 Trade and Investment ........................................................................................................................... 22
2.7 Tourism................................................................................................................................................. 23
2.8 Manufacturing ...................................................................................................................................... 24
2.9 Macro economy .................................................................................................................................... 25

3 SOCIAL PROGRAM ................................................................................................ 28

3.1 Education .............................................................................................................................................. 28
3.2 Health ................................................................................................................................................... 31
3.3 City and housing development .............................................................................................................. 33
3.4 The youth.............................................................................................................................................. 35
3.5 Women and children ............................................................................................................................. 36
3.6 Religion ................................................................................................................................................. 39
3.7 Sports ................................................................................................................................................... 40
3.8 Environmental Protection...................................................................................................................... 41

4 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ........................................................................... 43

4.1 Principles of foreign relations ................................................................................................................ 43
4.2 Relations with neighbouring countries ................................................................................................... 44
4.3 Relations with African Union (AU) and member countries ...................................................................... 45
4.4 Relations with other countries and international organizations .............................................................. 45

Party Program
Preface

The industrial revolution, that was stared in the 18th century has immensely contributed for the
betterment of the living standards of many people around the world, by spreading to many
countries and accelerating its pace and widening its scope. The industrial revolution, which
was ignited by advancement in science and technology, has impacted humans both positively
and negatively. The revolution in one hand minimized the physical distance between countries,
communities, organizations, and individuals, promoted world trade, improved world health
status, increased per capita income, increase access to basic education, discourage harmful
cultural practices, improve the status and overall participation of women.

On the other the industrial revolution has created many complications in world economic,
social, economic and peace and stability. These incudes, but not limited to, ever widening
wealth and income disparity between countries and citizens, environmental degradation,
distractive conflicts and wars, political instability, self-centric culture, population explosion
and increased migration including IDPs, fueled nationalism, loosened family and social bonds
and relations, maximized unemployment and promoted crime, ushered an era of worst financial
and economic crisis. Abject poverty has become a challenge to many African, Asian, Laten
American countries and also some of European and American countries. More than half of the
global wealth is controlled by people that constitute less than one present of the total world
population. In many developing countries including Ethiopia more than 90% of the national
wealth is owned by people that constitute less than one present of the population.

Some of the social, economic and political challenges that Ethiopia is facing today are partly
the result of the globalization process of the 21st century which is engulfing the world. And,
one the other hand, some of the challenges are the result of the local dynamics and emanate
from the countries social and political history, thinking and relations.

Freedom and Equality Party (FEP) strongly believes that the root causes of the challenges
that our people and our country facing are essentially political and the solutions are
fundamentally political as well. Lack of good governance, exclusivist political system, social
injustice, discrimination, partisanship, administrative cultures, and procedures based on ethnic
and religious judgement etc. remained the main features of the Ethiopian political system.
Ethnic and religious nationalism has divided our people and risked our national unity. Our
perspectives and understanding of our history are terribly different and the misunderstanding

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over historical issues is getting worse. Unconstructive disputes over historical issues diverted
our attention from fighting basic problems of majority of our people which includes poverty,
unemployment, huger, migration etc. Such disputes over historical issues divided our
community and critically consumed our energy.

Lack of free and independent justice system, unemployment and poverty, weak infrastructure,
social crisis, erosion of patriotism and suspicion among citizens are some of the core problems
of our country. Safe drinking water, housing, education and health services, adequate
transportation and communication, fast and efficient public administration still remained the
dreams and aspirations of our people. Coverage of education, health and other services is low
in different parts of the country and unfair distribution is on the rise. At a time when the world
is in the 4th generation of industrial development, our economy is at the level of low-income
agriculture dependent on rain and poor manufacturing industry.

Some parts of the country are endowed with better natural resources while others are less
endowed. Those areas that have better natural resources have higher chance for economic
development and could also help those regions of the nation that are less resources. However,
in Ethiopia all parts of the country are suffering from vicious circle of poverty and
backwardness. The central part of the country is characterized by high population density, low
per capita income, low agricultural land, low productivity. On the other hand, the lowlands and
heartlands of the country have low population density, large and fertile land suitable for
mechanized agriculture and rivers suitable for irrigation.

Due to our failure to establish a democratic system and democratically elected government, we
are not able to properly utilize our rich natural resources found in every corner of the country
for the benefit of all our people. And hence unable to feed our people and become the symbol
of poverty and destitute. Pastoralists and semi-pastoralists, who make up more than 60 percent
of the country's land area, live in drought, famine, and conflict without proper policy support.

Although the people of our country have achieved remarkable victories through their wide
spread and long political struggles, the basic social, economic and political problems of our
country have not been solved today. The problems are further exacerbated by the erroneous
political philosophies and policies of dictatorial regimes that hold sway over power.
Particularly in the last quarter of a century, the corrupt political system in our country has

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contributed to the spread of conflict and instability among the people, as well as the spread of
racial and ethnic discrimination. As a result, while very few members of the regime and their
allies have amassed greatest wealth and resources not seen in the history of our country, the
vast majority of our people are living in abject poverty, and many of our people have chosen
to emigrate. As a result, almost half of Ethiopians live below the poverty line. Citizens who
stand against the regime in a democratic and peaceful manner have been arrested and killed in
horrific and inhumane treatment.

Our country, which has immense opportunities and opportunities to ensure social and economic
development, has not been able to achieve fundamental changes and development from
generation to generation. Ethiopia is rich in natural resources, suitable for agriculture and fertile
lands, irrigated rivers and streams, and beautiful landscapes. Ethiopia is home to some of the
world's most endearing wildlife. It is endowed with mountains and forests as well as ancient
heritages with huge potential for tourism. More than half of Ethiopia's population is young that
can make a significant contribution to the overall development of the country, if they are
provided with quality education and training,

While the overall situation of the country, in a bird's eye view, looks like this, many African
countries and the world are undergoing rapid and comprehensive economic, social, political,
and strategic changes and transformation. The process of change, driven by the advancement
of information and communication technology, has dramatically changed the relationship
between nations, communities, and individuals. The ever-expanding globalization has fuelled
the growth of international trade and services. Under the auspices of the African Union, efforts
are underway to create a free trade area in Africa and complete economic, political and cultural
integration. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is just of the continental
projects in this respect.

The structure of government, the role of political parties, civic associations and the media, and
the understanding and application of human and democratic rights are some of the major
changes in the political landscape. Some countries in Africa have seen better political
environment and participation, while in other countries the political environment has been
shrinking, fundamental rights and freedoms are being eroded, and human and political rights
are being undermined. The situation in our country Ethiopia is no different.

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The Freedom and Equality Party (FEP) is a political organization established to contribute
in finding palatable solutions to solve Ethiopia's complex problems. We are motivated to serve
our country with a heart filled with love and compassion to our country and its people. FEP’s
engagement will be grounded on research-based programs and policies to realize Ethiopia's
sustainable growth and prosperity. FEP strives to uphold human and democratic rights, the
principles of good governance, the rule of law and establish a political culture in which political
power comes only from the people. FEP also exerts effort to ensure citizens’ right to freedom
of expression and media and civil society to have role in nation building.

Freedom and Equality Party also strives to ensure lasting peace and sustainable development,
and safeguard equitable distribution of wealth between different parts of the country. FEP
works towards the eradication of corruption which is a cancer stifling the economic and social
development of our country and our people. Respect the language and culture of nationalities,
guarantee freedom of religion and worship, and end sexual discrimination are among the top
priorities of the party. FEP works diligently for women to have equal access to education and
other social services and to be actively involved in the nation building process.

The Freedom and Equality Party has designed its programs and policies taking into account
the political realities and evaluating the geo-political and strategic opportunities and threats of
our country and deeply scrutinizing African and global political economy and security
dynamics.

In order to solve the complex and long-term political problems and challenges of our people
Freedom and Equality Party strives two balance and harmonize two contesting policy
dilemmas in the Ethiopian politics. On the one hand, it works to build a strong political and
economic community that respects the unity of the state. On the other hand, FEP endeavors
for the full recognition and respect of ethnic, linguistic, religious, cultural and other identities.
To achieve these goals, the Freedom and Equality Party will pursue a balanced policy and
strategy.

Freedom and Equality Party will struggle to ensure unity rather than disintegration,
togetherness instead of isolation, mutual love rather than hate, peace rather than conflict, trust
rather than doubt. FEP will work for sustainable economic development, lasting peace and
stability, and true brotherhood among diverse sections of the society. It strives for full and real
recognition of all Ethiopian culture, language, traditions, religions and customs in equal
footing.

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Freedom and Equality Party was established by its founding congress held on March 24,
2018, at Capital Hotel in Addis Ababa, by its founding members from all regions of the country
to realize the growth and prosperity of our country by implementing the political, economic,
social and foreign relations programs included in this program through peaceful political
struggle and free elections.

Vision, Mission, Objectives and strategies

Vision
FEP aspires to see a prosperous and democratic country where sustainable peace and
sustainable economic development are guaranteed, and citizens have equal opportunity to
participate in national affairs and enjoy from the fruits of the national wealth without any
discrimination based on race, language, culture, religion, political opinion, etc.

Mission
Build a democratic system where good governance and the rule of law are guaranteed, where
political power is derived from the people and the people only, and where citizens take
advantage of social and economic opportunities fairly.

Objectives
The following are the major objectives of Freedom and Equality Party
1. To reduce and eradicate poverty by building an inclusive and sustainable economy, and to
establish social, economic and political justice;
2. To promote good governance, transparency and accountability in the administration and
structures of the country.
3. Respect for human and democratic rights, uphold the rule of law and build an
independent justice system.
4. To build a true federal system to equalize the language and culture of nations and
nationalities equally, to ensure the development of all regions of our country in a fair
way.
5. Protect, nurture and enrich the environment, create a comfortable work and living
environment;
6. Expand science and technology, support research in natural and social sciences;
7. Encourage and expand rural industry, modernize the agricultural sector;
8. Ensure that citizens have access to basic services in a quality, comprehensive and
affordable manner.

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9. Utilize women and youth to be active participants in national development.
10. To protect the rights and interests of children, the elderly, people with disabilities and
special needs;
11. Encourage and support economic, political and cultural ties in the Horn of Africa, and
contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.
12. Enhancing Ethiopia's role in the African and international forums. Improving Ethiopia's
external image.

Political strategies
The following are major strategies of the party.
1. Engagement not confrontation: Freedom and Equality Party pursues a political
struggle based on mutual understanding and far from conflict, conspiracy and interference.
FEP has an open-door policy to work with any legally registered Ethiopian political force
or organization with utmost responsibility and respect for political diversity. FEP works in
cooperation with any political organizations on issues that benefit our country and our
people irrespective of their ideological orientation or political program

2. Moderation and rationality: The basic profile of the Freedom and Equality Party is
Moderation and rationality. Freedom and Equality Party's political ideology, policy and
programs, as well as political positions, are based on the principle of moderation and
rationality. FEP believes that polarization, political extremism, irrational partisanship is
the main reason for the political and socio-economic chaos that our country has reached
today. Far from this kind of distorted political position, FEP follows the "Golden Mean"
in thought and practice. Moderation, balance and rationality are the guiding principles of
FEP’s political positions, messages, policies and programs.

3. Inclusivity: Considering the ethnic, linguistic, religious and cultural diversity of our
people, we follow a balanced and inclusive approach in our policies, programs and political
positions, etc. We strive to make our party include all the people of our country in a fair
manner by avoiding actions that may harm the rights and feelings of individuals or groups.

4. Natural change-Evolution not Revolution: FEP understands that the political, social and
economic problems in our country have been accumulating and piling up for at least the
past several decades and will not be solved overnight. Therefore, in order to realize the

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 socio-economic and political changes that we aspire, we will pursue evolutionary and
gradual process which strictly considers the political consciousness of the society and other
socio-economic factors. FEP believes in evolutionary process than revolution.

5. Win-win strategy: Freedom and Equality Party understands that real success is the
success that we score as a nation and not as an organization. Therefore, in our political
activities, we prioritize the victory and success of our country and people rather than
organizational triumph and success. In the same way, the effectiveness and success of our
party will not be based on the failure of other political parties, but on growing together and
a true sense of partnership.

6. Serving the people: The biggest and ultimate goal of a political movement and political
power is to serve the country and its people. Party and government officials, administrators
and bureaucrats who are assigned to administer the affairs of the people are paid from taxes
collected from the poor people's "hand to mouth" income. Therefore, our party members
holding offices at any level of government have an obligation to work as public servants.

7. Honesty and integrity: Ethiopians value good manners and morality. Our people give
utmost respect to honesty, sincerity and honesty in social and administrative matters.
Therefore, both the rank-and-file members and leaders of our party serve our country and
people with sincerity, honesty and love.

8. Partnership and collaboration: Freedom and Equality Party strongly believes in

partnership and collaboration. Hence it is keen to work in collaboration with political
parties in Ethiopia. The aim of FEP’s partnership strategy is to create political synergy
needed to build a strong multi party and democratic system, realize healthy political
competition, to build the capacity of political parties and to better achieve the party's vision
and objectives. Building coalitions and partnerships with political parties and other
stakeholders will be based on the party's constitution and other relevant laws of the country.

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 1 Political Program

1.1 Political Ideology

It is believed that since the end of the Cold War, liberalism has become increasingly accepted
in many countries of the world. Liberal thinking is a system that mainly focuses on the
economic and political freedom of citizens, limiting the size and intervention of the government
and giving citizens the opportunity to work individually and collectively to their full potential.
This thinking is believed to help stop corrupt government practices, bureaucratic abuse,
unnecessary government intervention, eliminate corruption, increase productivity, and better
protect the human and democratic rights of citizens. The fact that liberal thinking is a broad
concept, flexibly applied based on the level of economic, social, cultural and technological
development of countries increased its acceptance in wide spectrum of countries. Its
adjustability according to the actual situation of the countries.

Accordingly, the Freedom and Equality Party follows a liberal mindset to successfully
realize its vision and achieve its goals. However, the liberal thinking followed by the Freedom
and Equality Party is called "moderate liberalism", which is in line with the overall
development of our country, and takes into account the actual political, social and economic
realities of our country. It is believed that the "moderate liberal" ideology creates a favorable
political environment for protecting national values by harmonizing liberal ideas with our
country's history, culture, psychology and social customs.

"Moderate liberal" thinking recognizes social values and morals and is expected to create a
favorable environment for advanced economic and social development by respecting the
human and democratic rights of citizens. In addition to its primarily moderate liberal ideology,
FEP may implement policies based on other ideologies, including social democrats, when
necessary.

Theideological framework that Freedom and Equality Party pursued is believed to give the
party wider broad policy options and free itself from the cluches of confinement in single
ideology. FEP belives that a pragmatic ideological framework offers the party pursue
alternative policy options, that are compatible with liberal thinking, in its endavor to insure the
country's overall development and prosperity. This approach is against the political and
ideological history and culture prevalent in our country, which is a blind and dogmatic
adherence to a single ideology.

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1.2 Basic Rights
1. Freedom and Equality Party believes that all people are equal before the law. Based on
this basic belief, citizens enjoy equal legal guarantees and protection without any
discrimination. The basic rights that citizens have simply because they are human beings
are respected and the human and democratic rights of citizens are guaranteed.
2. The right of Ethiopians to move, live, work and generate wealth in the area they want will
be fully respected, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, language, environment,
political views, etc.
3. Laws and procedures that make all Ethiopians feel that they have equal ownership of their
country will be implemented. Their human and democratic rights are respected and they
are not directly or indirectly discriminated against.
4. Citizens' right to organize themselves, to express their opinions, to write, and to protest
will be respected.
5. Citizens will have legal protection for their physical and psychological well-being. Their
life and property shall be protected except by a court decision due to participation in a
serious criminal act prescribed by law. Citizens will be protected from inhumane and
degrading treatment and punishment so that they will never be detained without being
charged and convicted.
6. There will be no system that forces citizens to do any work or fulfill their obligations by
force.
7. International human and democratic rights accepted by Ethiopia will be respected.

1.3 State Structure

Ethiopia is home to many nations/ethnicities, people with different languages, cultures,
traditions and customs, religions and social values. In addition, it is a country with social and
economic diversity which emanated from different biodiversity, landscapes, climates and
lifestyles. A government structure to be developed in Ethiopia should take into account the
natural differences and diversity of our country and people; It should be able to deal with
differences in unity and should help create unity based on consent, respect and tolerance.

Freedom and Equality Party believes that the best government structure to achieve this goal
is a federal system. A true federal government structure creates a convenient administrative
system for all the people of our country to live in harmony and respect. The Ethiopian federal
system will consider multiple factors which includes administrative convenience, public
demands, language and culture, landscape and other common values.

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1.4 Form of the Government
The system of government followed by our party will be presidential. The president (head of
state) is directly elected by the people and serves for five years. A president can run for two
terms.

1.5 Constitution
A constitution is a legal and political document that contains the basic laws and principles that
determine the rights and obligations of citizens as well as the structure and operation of the
government. A constitution is a memorandum of understanding among citizens that contains
basic principles of political, social, economic and foreign relations and guarantees the peace
and prosperity of a country as well as the democratic unity, freedom, equality and justice of its
citizens.

For the constitution to be the law of the country and the state, it should be accepted by most
member of the society, clear and unambiguous. From this perspective, looking at the Ethiopian
constitution, we realize that the constitution should be amended. FEP believes that the
amendment of the Ethiopian constitution should take the following facts and principles in to
consideration.

1. The constitution should be amended in a way that respects the sovereignty and territorial
integrity of our country, protects our national interests and allows our country to get rid of
poverty and economic stagnation in the shortest possible time.

2. Articles of the constitution that undermine the peace and security of our citizens, promote
secession and division, should be amended in a way that strengthens national unity,
solidarity and brotherhood.

3. One of the basic features of a constitution is its capacity to serve for a relatively longer
period. In this respect, the inclusion of articles in the constitution that necessities regular
change, with the level of development of the country, will negatively affect the power of
the constitution to cop up with fast changing socio-economic and political progress. This
will make the constitution obsolete. Hence, in order to avoid this challenge and make the
constitution a living document it is necessary to remove constitutional provisions that
necessitates frequent change and/or amendment.

4. Since constitution is a shared communal document of citizens of a country, it should reflect

the interest of much of the society and political thinking. However, the constitutions that

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 have been in force in our country until today incorporate the political ideology and political
program of the governments of the time. In the long constitutional history of Ethiopia,
constitutions and party program were two sides of the same coin and hence, constitutions
little reflect the will and interest of the citizens. The existing constitution is a manifestation
of this problem. Therefore, the existing constitution should be amended in a manner that
considers the both the wider political spectrum of citizens and also the ideology and
program of the political forces in the country.

5. Articles in the constitution that are ambiguous and open the space for heated political
conflicts such as the issue of language, flag, formation and boundaries of regional states
etc. should be amended in a clear and reconciliatory manner.

1.6 Parts of the Government

The federal regional governments will have three branches of government namely, the
legislators, the executive organ and the judiciary. Each of the three branches of the government
will have clear responsibilities and powers determined by the constitution. The three branches
of government work independently and in coordination. There will be a system that prevents
overlap of powers and interference one organ over the others.

1.6.1 Working language of the Federal government

Amharic and Afaan Oromo will be the working languages of the federal government. Regional
governments may use one or more of the languages widely spoken in the region as the working
language of the regional government.

1.7 Defence, Police, and National Security

1.7.1 National defence Forces
1. Build a defense force that is loyal to the people and the government elected by the people,
stands guard to the country's constitution, and protects our country from any kind of internal
or external aggression.
2. The main mission of the National Defense Force will be to protect the country and the people, to
protect the borders and sovereignty of the country.
3. We will build national defense system equipped with modern weapons and commensurate
national economy of our country.
4. The composition of members and leadership of the Defense Forces will be made to include all
sections of the people of Ethiopia. The Ethiopian national defense force will be built in a way that
enables to have a strong public trust, support and acceptance of all sections of the society.

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5. The members of the National Defense Force are not members of any political party, and
their responsibility will be to constitution and a government elected by the people.
6. When necessary, Ethiopia's defense force can be deployed to enforce peace and stability of
neighboring countries, Africa and the world, within the framework of international
agreements and laws.
7. The members and leadership of the National Defense Forces will be offered a special
compensation package for their invaluable sacrifices and their great service to the country
and the people.
8. Members of the National Defense Forces and various institutions participate in and provide
support for the government's rescue operations during emergencies.

1.7.2 Police and Security forces

1. We will build a police force that is professional, adorned with ethical values, respects and
upholds the law, is free from any kind of bias and loyal to the constitution will be built at
the federal and state levels.
2. In order to maintain the neutrality of the police force members of the police force shall
not be members of political parties.
3. The institutions of the police force at every level will be made to represent all sections of
the society. Similarly, the main mission of the police forces will be to build a law enforcing
institution that properly fulfills the responsibilities given by the constitution.
4. The main purpose of the national security institution is to protect the rule of law and the
peace of the people by identifying threats and forces that may disrupt the peace.
5. The National Security Institute will be organized by members and leaders who are not
members of any political party, and will not reflect the dominance of any political party.

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 2 Economic Program

Economic facts
Our country, Ethiopia, is one of the poorest countries in Africa and the world, and nearly half
of our people live below the poverty line. According to United Nations statistical data, Ethiopia
ranks 7th in Africa and 71st in the world in terms of gross domestic product (GDP). On the other
hand, Ethiopia is a country with vast and untapped natural resources that allow it to rapidly
grow its economy, which is at a low level. Subsoil resources, minerals, favorable climate for
agriculture, numerous rivers and groundwater, young and productive workforce are just a few.
The agricultural sector has been the pillar of our country's economy until today, and it has the
largest share in creating employment opportunities and earning foreign currency.

In Ethiopia, the service sector is growing rapidly and its share in the total GDP has exceeded
that of the agricultural sector. The role of the service sector in creating jobs for citizens and
attracting foreign investors has been constantly increasing. On the other hand, the industrial
sector of our country is at a low level and is mostly focused on processing raw materials and
agricultural products, textiles and agro industry products. In order to increase the contribution
of the sector to the Ethiopian economy, it is very much imperative to link with the agricultural
and service sector, as well as to speed up the transfer of technology so that our economy can
be transformed into a modern and industrial-led economy.

2.1 Overall Economic Goals and principles

FFP’s main economic goal is to build a sustainable, green and resilient economy that is
competitive in Africa and the world by using the opportunities and comparative advantages
that Ethiopia is endowed with. The following are specific economic objectives,
1. Enabling citizens to have sufficient per capita income so that they can live a stable and
happy life with their basic needs met.
2. Reducing and eliminating extreme poverty;
3. Enabling a fair distribution of income among citizens and equitable development among
regions.
4. Avoiding economic fluctuations that may have a long-term negative impact on our
country's economy, controlling unemployment and inflation and creating favourable
conditions for a stable macro-economy.
5. Realizing structural economic transformation,

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6. Building a green economy by coordinating economic development with environmental
protection and care.

Strategies
Freedom and Equality Party uses the following strategies to realize the economic goals
mentioned above.

1. By making investment easy and efficient, local and foreign investors can use their

investment in an efficient way.

2. Substitute laws and old work procedures that are hampering economic development and

replace them with simple and easy-to-implement laws. Fighting corruption and rent-

seeking behaviours is also part of the economic development strategies.

3. Establish an efficient, fair and transparent tax system,

4. Providing incentives to citizens and organizations to engage in productive and investment

activities that are vital for the economic development of the country.

5. Introduce an efficient bureaucratic system aided by state-of-the-art technology and get rid

of the old fashioned, messy and incompetent governmental system.

6. Integrate national education and training policies and programs compatible with the

economic development programs of our country.

7. Reduce dependence on foreign loans and aid and generate sufficient resources needed for

the development of the country.

8. Improving the standard of living of citizens by making the economic development rate at

least higher than population growth rate, which is important to keep the standard of living

of citizens from falling.

9. Prevention of financial and economic crisis by strengthening the credit system management

of the financial sector.

10. Make economic performance date and information, which is crucial input for economic

planning, easily available and accessible.

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11. Creating strong economic and trade integration with neighbouring countries and other

African countries.

12. Increase production and productivity by integrating agriculture, industry and service

sectors.

13. Ensure property rights,

14. Develop the culture of thrift and generate enough wealth needed for national economic

development

The role of government in the Economy

FEP essentially apply a market-oriented economic and trade policy in order to realize its
economic objectives. In order to speed up economic development and ensure equitable
distribution, the government will have a role in the economy. However, the role of government
intervention to the economy will be kept to the minimum. Government intervention in the
economy will be based on the following principles,

1. Mega projects: The government builds huge/mega national projects alone or in partnership
with the private sector that require high construction investment and have low profit rates,
which are not viable or attractive for private investors. Roads and railways, dams, power
generation and distribution networks, transport and communication networks are examples.

2. Public monopoly: the government can work as a monopoly (Public Monopoly) or jointly
with the private sector in providing services that requires higher economies of scale for
efficient production and distribution.

2.2 Agriculture and Rural Development

The contribution of the agricultural sector to our country's economy is very high. Agriculture
contributes more than 35 percent of Ethiopia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and more than
70 percent of employment opportunities. Agricultural products are the largest export of our
country and serve as the main source of foreign exchange. However, compared to its economic
and social contribution, the agricultural sector is given very little attention.

More than half of the Ethiopian population live in rural areas which has low socio-economic
infrastructure and services. Considering the economic importance of the agricultural sector and
the rural part of our country, Freedom and Equality Party has given maximum policy

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attention and has set the following policy directions in relation to the agricultural sector and
rural development.

Agriculture
1. Transform the Ethiopian agricultural from the tradition and backward system to a modern
and mechanised agriculture.
2. Reduce dependence on rain-feed agriculture and encourage irrigation farming.
3. Integrate agriculture with industry and service sector. Develop a backward and forward
linkage between the agriculture, manufacturing and service sector. Develop the agricultural
sector to provide sufficient raw materials and absorb the industrial products.
4. Introduce a gradual transformation of the current agricultural-lead economy into industry-
leady economy.
5. Ensure food security; enable the agricultural sector to produce enough food for domestic
consumption and export to international market.
6. In various parts of our country, fertile lands that have not been used for farming and other
agricultural activities until now will be put to use.
7. Maximize the production and productivity of agricultural products that constitute the larger
portion of foreign currency including, but not limited to, coffee, flowers, grains, and leather.
8. Rise the economic gains of the agricultural sector using modern production equipment and
agricultural technology.
9. Increase farmers’ adaptation of agricultural technology by building a modern input supply
and marketing system.
10. Reduce post-harvest product losses and implement procedures to increase agricultural
production.
11. Maximize the foreign currency earnings of the agricultural sector by adding value to the
agricultural products and raw materials. This is done by improving quality of products and
ensure fair price to Ethiopia’s agricultural products at international markets.
12. Introduce early warning systems and improved agricultural resources to mitigate man-made
and natural disasters that reduce agricultural production.
13. Create enabling environment to Ethiopian farmers supply their agricultural products both
for domestic and foreign markets through promotion and provision of support to Agro-
Industrial activities.
14. Establish a modern Agricultural Information Management System (AIMS) that allows
accurate collection of wide-ranging and specific information of the agricultural sector. The

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 system will be used to clearly understand the status of the agricultural sector and develop
evidence-based policy.
15. Introduce a loan system that permit farmers easily get agricultural loans and other
agricultural inputs.
16. Cut down and gradually stop import of basic agricultural food items by producing those
items locally.
17. Create awareness to diversify citizens dietary culture of which is highly dependent on a
very narrow menu of grains and pulses, for example Teff. Promote the consumption of
variety of grains and crops that are easily and abundantly produced in Ethiopia.
18. Substitute inorganic fertilizers by organic fertilizer and minimize the damage to the
environment and humans by develop an integrated agricultural, research and marketing
system.
19. Maximize the quantity and quality of animal stock and production of animal by-products
through the introduction of modern animal health system. Similarly, schemes will be
designed that help farmers rise the benefits and income they get from animals.
20. Support and promote large Scale Commercial farms via different incentive mechanisms.
21. Enable and coordinate the agricultural sector to contribute to the macroeconomy through
job creation and poverty reduction.

Rural development
Majority of the Ethiopian population live in rural areas. Compared to the urban area, the rural
part of our country is very poor in terms of infrastructure development and service provision,
which paved the way for massive migration from rural to urban areas. As a result of the rural-
urban migration, severe socio-economic problems have arisen in urban areas. To solve the
problem permanently,
1. Research-based and integrated rural development policies and programs will be
implemented.
2. Introduction and expansion of rural industrialization programs that consider climatic,
geographic and ecological factors of the rural areas in different parts of the country.
3. Provide basic social and economic services such as education, health, electricity, clean
drinking water, telecom service in rural areas.
4. Enable farmers to utilize irrigation by constructing small, medium and high dams.
5. Establish rural agricultural training centres to stimulate and enhance the productivity of the
rural economy.

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6. Improve the living standard of the rural community by building small and cost-effective
houses in rural areas.
7. Create job opportunities for the rural community by executing pro-poor projects by
government and non-government organizations.
8. Construct road and other rural infrastructure projects and programs that increase
productivity; rural roads will be built to connect rural kebeles to each other and to cities.

2.3 Pastoralist development

More than half of the land mass of Ethiopia is estimated to be inhabited by pastoral
communities. Throughout history the Ethiopian pastoralists, who mostly live in the coastal and
lowland parts of our country, are left to live in the harshest social, economic and administrative
conditions without getting enough attention from the government. At least for the past half a
century, the country's regimes have denied policy attention to the pastoralist communities and
to the development of the pastoral areas, leaving the communities trapped in the cycle of
poverty. The successive political systems in Ethiopia have given more attention to the resources
of the pastoralist communities including their animals, the vast and fertile agricultural land and
other underground resources at and completely forgotten to take care of the people. This policy
approach towards the pastoralist community seriously damaged the socio-economic conditions
of the pastoral community, viz a viz citizens in the other parts of the country.

Although the pastoralist community needs special government support and policy options to
save it from the harsh conditions, it was denied the list attention by the county’s political elite,
which are mainly dominated by highlanders. In order to protect and safeguard the pastoralists
communities from the overlapping problems they are facing, enable them to adequately
participate in the overall development of the country and fairly benefit from its development,
FEP will utilize the following policy directions.

1. Development programs and projects that will gradually transform the pastoralist
communities from a mobile to a sedentary life style will be implemented.
2. To realize the transition of the pastoralists to a sedentary life, small villages will be built.
The villages will have complete socio-economic services;
3. Integrated pastoral development programs that can make pastoral communities more
productive will be implemented. Provision of water will be given higher priority in the
pastoralist development programs.

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4. Intensive and comprehensive capacity building programs will be implemented to enable
the pastoralist communities properly manage their social, economic and political affairs
5. Legal frameworks will be prepared to ensure that the pastoralist system is adequately
recognized by the laws of the country. FEP will exert effort to ensure that proper attention
and governmental support is given to the pastoralists, commensurate to the policy attention
and support given to farmers and other modes of production.
6. Since the life of the pastoral community is closely related to the life and welfare of their
animals, FEP will exert effort to develop quality animal care and health services
specifically designed the pastoral community. The aim is to maximize the pastoral
community in particular and the nation at large, to benefit from the huge live stock.
7. Taking into account the landscape, ecology and climate of the pastoralist areas, studies and
research will be conducted to help design and implement development projects and
programs. In this regard attention will be paid to acquire and use successful international
experiences in the field.
8. Programs will be designed and implemented to strengthen the cultural and economic ties
of the pastoralist communities, who mostly live in the lowlands and hinterland, with
citizens in other parts of the country.
9. The mobility of the pastoralist communities is a source of conflict with other pastoralist
communities and also other communities in their neighbourhood, which put the life of the
pastoralist community at risk. Hence programs will be designed to minimize and avoid such
risks in a sustainable way.
10. System to provide special budgetary support to the pastoralist areas will be implemented to
ensure equitable benefit of the pastoralist community and to accelerate the overall
development and prosperity of the community.

2.4 Land Tenure

The issue of land possession and ownership has been a key and fundamental question in
Ethiopian politics for a long time. Nevertheless, till today, the land issue never resolved in a
way that considers the needs of the people and accelerates the country's economic, social, and
political development. The issue of land tenure and ownership is an intricate and multifaceted
policy agenda that deals with economic, cultural, political, demographic, environment and
other related issues.

Considering the sensitivity and delicacy of the land issue, Freedom and Equality Party firmly
believes that the designing of the Ethiopian land policy and related programs should take into

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account theoretical as well as practical international experiences. Taking into consideration the
important role of land for the overall prosperity and development of our country, and taking
into account the very controversial nature of land tenure system in the Ethiopian political
history, FEP will follows the following programs regarding land:

1. Land, whether in rural or urban areas, belongs to the Ethiopian people and the government
is responsible for managing land.
2. A certificate of ownership of land used for agricultural purposes in rural areas will be given
to farmers. Accordingly, the rights and benefits of farmers on the land under their
ownership will be fully respected.
3. Farmers will have the right to lease land under their private possession;
4. Considering the overall development level of the country, FEP can consider an alternative
land policy where land could be fully transacted. However, such a policy shift on land
would be considered, taking in to account the overall national economic, political, and
social development.
5. Regarding urban lands, residents will be provided with a legal certificate of ownership for
the land they use to build houses. Legal guarantees will be given to ensure that the rights
and benefits they have on the land under their possession are respected.
6. In pastoral areas land, used for grazing animals, can remain in communal ownership.
7. Regional or federal government shall pay appropriate compensation in cash or in kind to
citizens, in rural or urban areas, who will be asked to move from their land for development
works.
8. The government leases land to local and foreign investors who want to engage in extensive
and modern farming and animal husbandry.
9. Continuous and participatory research will be conducted on the Ethiopian land tenure
system, in order to make our land policy compatible with the country's economic, social,
and political development,

2.5 Infrastructure
Infrastructure is the backbone of a country's overall development. The existence of extensive
infrastructure network massively contributes to the national economy by facilitating production
and productivity, increasing domestic and foreign trade, facilitating easy movement of
economic and social services easily, stabilizing commodity prices, expanding investment, etc.

Infrastructure includes, among others, land and railroads, power generation and distribution
facilities, dams, transportation, telecommunications, natural gas, water and sewage services. In

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order to improve the infrastructure base and increase the sector's contribution to the national
development, FEP will introduce the following programs,

1. To deliver fast and efficient transport services to the public sufficient road, rail and air
transport infrastructures will be built extensively.
2. Modern and alternative infrastructure will be developed commensurate to the rapidly
growing and changing demographics of the country. State of the art transport services will
be built, specifically to urban areas to solve the serious transport problem in the cities.
3. Special support and incentives will be given to the private sector to encourage participation
in infrastructure development.
4. Special attention will be paid to make fair distribution of infrastructures at the national
level. Policy and budgetary support will be given to develop infrastructure in the
hinterlands which have very poor infrastructure.
5. In order to provide sufficient and reliable energy at reasonable prices, the supply of natural
gas will be increased.
6. In order to strengthen economic and social integration with neighbouring and other African
countries, cross-country transport, energy, telecom etc. networks will be built in
collaboration with neighbouring countries and other international stakeholders.
7. In coordination with neighbouring countries, system will be developed to get fast and
reliable port services at an affordable price. FEP will make efforts to ensure Ethiopia to
have its own port by negotiating with other countries.
8. Fast and quality internet, and other telecom, services will be made available in all parts of
the country at affordable prices.
9. Appropriate policies will be implemented to modernize the logistics system and make it
globally competitive.
10. Alternative energy sources (off grid) will be used to increase energy supply and enhance
access to energy. Renewable energy will be given attention.
11. In order to ensure sufficient energy supply, proportionate with the country’s economic
development, oil exploration and development work will be done. Intensive oil exploration
will be carried out specially in the regions identified as potential areas.
12. Proper maintenance and overhaul service will be provided to all infrastructure facilities, to
ensure high-quality services from the infrastructure, which are built with huge investment
cost. To this end modern and efficient infrastructure management system will be put in
place.

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2.6 Trade and Investment
It is known that the importance of domestic and foreign trade for the development of a country
is very high. An efficient, simple and integrated trade and investment system plays a significant
role in the development of our country's economy and the improvement of citizens' lives. In
order to realize economic growth by integrating agriculture and manufacturing industry, it is
essential to modernize domestic and foreign trade. Ensuring rapid and sustainable
development, stable macroeconomic and fiscal policy, adequate capital flow, efficient
utilization of resources etc requires efficient business and investment environment. In order to
promote trade and investment, simply work process and enhance the contribution of trade and
investment to the overall economic development, the following policy tools will be taken,

1. Trade and investment laws will be linked to and harmonized with other development laws,
regulations and guidelines.
2. The Ethiopian commercial law will be updated in accordance with the international trade
system and rules of procedure, in a way that ensures global competitiveness and maximize
Ethiopia’s economic advantage.
3. Systems will be developed to enable foreign investors start and operate investment
smoothly and efficiently.
4. In a bid to increase Ethiopia’s trade in goods and services with neighbouring countries and
other African countries, radical policy reforms will be introduced.
5. Through diversification and incorporating more industrial products to our exports, which
currently includes mostly agricultural products, attempt will made to mitigate the impact
of international commodity price fluctuation on our economy.
6. Introduce effective foreign trade policy to realize better trade balance, mitigate the shortage
of foreign currency and maintain stable exchange rate. Reducing import and increasing
exports, via import substitution and export promotion, is one of the strategies to realize
these foreign trade objectives.
7. Install appropriate and modern trade and investment policies that will ensure a balanced
foreign trade system.
8. to enable Ethiopia’s products be competitive on international markets, appropriate trade,
investment, tax and capital flow schemes will be established.
9. Make Ethiopia be member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), by complying with
the necessary legal and technical standards and prerequisites in the shortest possible time.

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10. Facilitate for local as well as foreign investors to adequately participate in the design of
trade and investment laws, regulations, and guidelines.
11. Enact favourable trade and investment systems to attract more foreign direct investment
(FDI);
12. Necessary legal and policy instruments will be installed to facilitate effective technology
and knowhow transfer through strengthening partnership between domestic and foreign
investors.

2.7 Tourism
Tourism is an economic sector whose share in gross domestic product of many countries is
growing and expanding from time to time. In addition to generating significant foreign
exchange for a country tourism contributes greatly to the overall development of a country in
terms of creating job opportunities, reducing poverty and accelerating sustainable
development. Ethiopia is a country with lots of natural, historical and cultural heritages.
However, due to various obstacles, the country was unable to avail from the sector. Considering
the huge and untapped potential and economic gains of tourism and bring in mind the obstacles
facing the sector, FEP will pay close attention to the tourism sector and work to implement the
following programs.

1. Protect and take proper care of the natural, historical, and cultural tourist attractions of
Ethiopia;
2. In addition to the existing natural, historical, and cultural tourist destinations, programs will
design to promote other types of tourism including conference tourism, educational
tourism, medical tourism.
3. Expand the provision of hotels and entertainment facilities, multi-purpose halls, medical
service facilities, transportation and communication networks and other infrastructures and
increase their international competitiveness.
4. Create comfortable environment for tourists by ensure peace and stability throughout the
country and safeguard the security of local and foreign tourists.
5. Change the negative image and reputation of Ethiopia in the international community
(drought, famine, conflict, etc.) and build the positive image. To this end well-crafted
advertising and public relations, with international standards, will be carried out to promote
the unique and wonderful tourist destinations of the country.
6. Provide various incentives and support to increase the participation of the private sector in
the tourism sector.

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7. To enhance the efficiency of the tourism sector, strong systems and work procedures which
includes skilled manpower and technology will be established.
8. Help citizens to get actively involved in the development of the tourism sector and become
major stakeholders, by enacting laws and procedures to allow citizens, living in the area
close to tourist destinations, benefit from the sector.

2.8 Manufacturing
The role of the Ethiopian manufacturing industry in terms of job creation and foreign currency
generation is low, which made the sector's contribution to the overall economy very much
limited. The manufacturing sector uses backward technology and hence its productivity is
disturbingly very low. Ethiopia’s industrial products that can compete internationally are very
small. FEP will introduce the following programs to boost the capacity of the manufacturing
industries and increase its contribution to the economy,

1. In order to develop the manufacturing sector from its current low level, FEP will create a
conducive policy environment to attract more private investors in to the manufacturing
sector.
2. Small and medium industries will be expanded in a fair manner in all parts of the country.
3. Socio-economic infrastructures that help the growth of manufacturing industries will
expand and government institutions at all levels will support the development of the sector.
4. Reliable power supply, transportation and communication networks etc will be integrated
with industrial development.
5. In order to overcome the ever-increasing unemployment problem in our country,
manufacturing industries will be made to create job opportunities for young people who
graduate from various institutions.
6. Manufacturing industries will be integrated to and linked with the agricultural sector, both
backward and forward. Policies and procedures will be developed to increase domestic
products in quality and quantity to reduce import bills and increase foreign earnings via
higher exports.
7. In a bid to maximize industrial products FEP will promote the manufacture of light
machineries locally and simplify the importation of heavy machineries, that could not be
produced locally.
8. Higher learning institutions and technical and vocational schools will be restructured in a
way to produce necessary manpower and facilitate know-how transfer that supports the
industry sector.

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9. Boost the productivity of manufacturing firms by removing bureaucratic bottlenecks and
providing support.
10. Promote the production of traditional/indigenous handicrafts and maximize their
contribution to local economy, through provision of special policy support
11. Ensure sustainable and environment-friendly manufacturing growth by establishing
modern industrial management and control system that can help to identify the socio-
economic and environmental impact of manufacturing industries.
12. To boost up the manufacturing sector, evidence-based tax policy will be introduced.
13. Industrial villages will be established in different regions of the country taking into account
the natural resource endowment and demand of the specific regions.

2.9 Macro economy

2.9.1 Monetary and Fiscal Policy
Monetary policy is a policy instrument used to administer the macroeconomy of a state and
control the money supply and volume of money circulating in the economy. The main goal of
a monetary policy is to ensure optimal growth of GDP, control inflation, create employment
opportunities and maximize foreign exchange reserve. In order to stabilize the highly volatile
macroeconomy of Ethiopia, monetary policy based on financial and economic data is needed.
With this framework, FEP will introduce the following monetary policy tools,

1. Research shows that reckless money supply is the main culprit for inflation in Ethiopia.
Accordingly, by strictly controlling money supply, and hence preserving the purchasing
value of the Birr, scientific and evidence-based measures will be taken to control inflation.
2. FEP will introduce primarily a free-floating/market driven exchange rate regime, with little
government intervention, to ensure stable exchange rate and balance of payment.
3. In order to ensure price and exchange rate stability, attempt will be made to ensure
sufficient and smooth capital follow commensurate with GDP growth.
4. Generate sufficient resource/capital needed for economic growth by enhancing and
promoting domestic saving.
5. Introduce various monetary policy tools to counter economic recession and/or depression,
6. Ensure healthy monetary policy by, among other measure, building the capacity of the
national bank of Ethiopia

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2.9.2 Government budget and debt
Together with monetary policy, fiscal policy is the other policy tool used to influence the
macroeconomy of a country. Fiscal policy uses government budget (income and expenditure)
and tax to affect economic growth. Balanced government revenue and expenditure play vital
role to ensure economic stability. One of the factors that creates higher inflation is government
expenditure over and above its income. Politically motivated and short-sighted government
projects, with no or little economic value, launched using borrowed resources both from
domestic banks and international financial institutions creates big disturbance on the economy.

Successive Ethiopian governments are infamous for using capital raised through credit on
projects with no economic value, without prior socio-economic feasibility study. Such projects
hit the macroeconomy with shocks. Unbalanced government budget and debt are found to be
the major causes of economic instability in Ethiopia. In order to resolve economic challenges
related with government budget and debt and create stabile macroeconomy, the following
measure will be taken.

1. Mandatory legal provision will be set to force the government balance its expenditure with
income.
2. In order to limit the capacity of the government to make expenditures above and beyond its
income limit will be set on the annual deficit/GDP ratio.
3. Similarly, to limit the capacity of the government to acquire reckless debts form domestic
and international sources, limit will set on the debit/GDP ratio.
4. Strict fiscal policy tools will be installed to mitigate debts and mounting interest payments
that would hamper the smooth performance of the macroeconomy.
5. In a bid to maximize government tax and non-tax incomes, continuous and scientific tax
reform programs will be carried based on data, information, knowledge and wisdom
(DIKW)
6. Integrate monetary and fiscal policy instruments to control the two economic evils, namely
inflation and unemployment and build shock resilient and stable macroeconomy.

2.9.3 Financial Institutions

Considering the indispensable role and contribution of finance and financial institutions to
ensure sustainable development in Ethiopia, modern, efficient and globally competent financial
system will be instituted. Efficient and up-to-date financial system has significant contribution
for promoting trade and investment, creating employment opportunities, stable economic

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development, poverty reduction and sustainable development. Studies have proved that the
quantity and quality of the Ethiopian financial institutions are very low, with very little
contribution for economic development. Considering the complex and multifaceted challenges
of the Ethiopian financial institutions and with the objective of boosting the role of the financial
sector for development, the following policy tools will be introduced;

1. Appropriate rules and regulations that can help to direct financial institutions channel the
bulk of their credits on economic activities that can contribute towards sustainable
development, balanced regional government and employment creation,
2. Incentives will be provided to financial institutions to encourage the them engage in
projects and programs that ameliorate the socio-economic conditions of citizens and reduce
investing on socially harmful projects.
3. Promote interest free and inclusive banking and financial system.
4. Establish modern banking and financial training institutions to produce skilled manpower
that can effectively lead the Ethiopian financial institutions.
5. Appropriate legal frameworks will be instituted to enable microfinance and microinsurance
institutions successfully engage in poverty alleviation projects and programs.
6. Provide support to promote rural financial institutions
7. By promoting mobile, internet banking and other innovative and modern financial services,
effort will be made financial institutions more effective and efficient.
8. Necessary legal provisions will be designed to ensure the equitable distribution of financial
institutions throughout the country. Policy and program support will be made to create
maximize the accessibility of financial institutions to all.

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 3 Social Program

3.1 Education
Skilled manpower is the most crucial factor for the development and prosperity of nations.
Skilled manpower, by effectively and efficiently utilizing scarce resources, helps to ensure
rapid and sustainable development, stable political system based on justice and democratic
values and principles. The need for skilled manpower is more pressing for countries like
Ethiopia that have manifold and complex socio-economic and political challenges. Education
and training are the key policy instruments to pull developing countries like Ethiopia form the
abject poverty that they are in. The performance of all economic activities in the agriculture,
industry and service sectors are highly dependent on skilled manpower.

Political activities and issues like good governance, free and fair election, peaceful and stable
political transition, political tolerance requires, among others, skilled and civilized citizens.
Building a generation that respect human rights, stand for the freedom, equality and security
of humans, struggle for peace and justice, trained both physically and psychologically,
endowed with love for the nation and its citizens etc depends on skilled and well-trained human
resource.

Producing well trained and highly skilled manpower is a result of education and training policy
which has both theoretical and practical relevance, considers the history of the Ethiopian
education system, takes into account the socio-economic development level, respects the
cultural values and diversity of the Ethiopian people, and compete with the international good
practice educational standards.

The Ethiopian education system should be reviewed in such a way that it can produce young
people who are skilled in knowledge, able to think deeply and create, have modern and
scientific leadership skills, are full of good morals and sense of humanity, have love for the
country and its people, and contribute to the development of themselves, their families and
their country. Investment in human resource development is more productive than investment
on any other activity. Education can also make an incomparable contribution to the
development of the individual, the community and the nation at large.

The Ethiopian education and training sector is besieged by complex problems and challenges
related with access, quality, relevance and fairness of the education system. To solve these and

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other problems related to education and training and manpower development, the following
programs will be implemented.

1. An education system that can enhance the capacity of students to avail the opportunities of
modem technology and resolve challenges will be put in place. The education system will
be redesigned to enhance the problem-solving capacity of students.
2. The Ethiopian education system will be redesigned in such a way which is as to increase
our continental and international competitiveness.
3. Pre-formal, primary, general secondary, technical and vocational curriculum and teaching
methods will be improved.
4. In line with the Ethiopian socio-economic development trajectory, the quality and
relevance of the Ethiopian higher education system will be reviewed.
5. In a bid to promote and show reverence to teachers at all levels, special attention will be
given to teachers, which are the main factors of the education system. To this end special
support and incentives will be provided to teachers at all levels.
6. Starting from pre-formal education moral, ethical and civic education subjects will be part
of the curriculum and will be thought to students in an integrated way.
7. Science, Technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) will be rendered special
attention in the curriculum. The national curriculum will be designed in which the four
subjects are taught in an integrated, considering global experience in this regard.
8. Citizens will have a minimum of ten years general education. Government will be
responsible to provide this service.
9. Special attention and support will be given to students with special needs.
10. Schools will be equipped with internet and audio-visual teaching facilities, to enable them
provide technology-assisted teaching capabilities and modern teaching methodology.
11. Incentives will be provided to the private sector to attract them to the education sector.
Their will standardized monitoring and evaluation system that would be applicable to both
private and government schools. System will be introduced to stop mal practices that
discriminate and unnecessarily over burden private schools.
12. The education system will be made free from political activities so that teachers and
students will solely focus on their education. In collaboration with the community and
relevant government institutions, schools at all levels will be encouraged to manage their
financial and administrative affairs,

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13. Special budgetary and policy support will be provided to pastoralists and agro-pastoralist
areas that have very low access to and poor-quality education. The special support to these
areas is part of the effort to ensure equity and fair distribution of services throughout the
country.
14. Maximum effort will be exerted to make the Ethiopian education system better than the
sub-Saharan education standards. Accordingly, access, quality and relevance of the
Ethiopian education system, at the pre-formal, primary, general secondary, technical and
vocational education, and higher education will be upgraded to meet international
standards.
15. Secondary schools are bridges between primary and higher education, which are very
limited in supply. Accordingly, more resources will be invested to build, equip, and staff
secondary schools throughout the country.
16. Considering the lifestyle of the society in different regions of the country, need based skills
training that can increase the productivity of adults and directly related to the lives of adults
will be provided.

"Education-driven National Development Strategy-ENDS"

Freedom and Equality Party pays the highest attention to education and human resource
development. FEP will consider Education and training as a key sector that serves as the
foundation of the overall national development, and not as a single and isolated sector.
Considering the indispensable potential that education has for the development of Ethiopia,
taking in to account the role of education to human civilization throughout history and after a
methodical examination of the secret behind the development of many nations, FEP developed
the policy framework known as "Education-Driven National Development Strategy" or
simply ENDS.

Based on this strong belief and commitment, education and training and other human resource
development programs will be the cornerstone of FEP’s national development philosophy and
policies for many years to come. ENDS will serve as the main policy framework of the party
in its endeavour to lift Ethiopia from its dire poverty and make it one of the middle-income
countries in the shortest possible period of time and gradually to one of the rich countries.
Based on this firm belief on the indispensable role of education and human resource, all
government development policies and strategies will pay the highest possible attention to

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human resource development and consider the education sector the cornerstone for Ethiopia’s
overall development and prosperity.

3.2 Health
One of the widespread social crises in our country is health problem. Ethiopia’s health
institutions are very backward in quantity, quality, and organization. Compared to the fast-
growing population of the country, the number of public and private health facilities are very
much limited which resulted in citizens not able to get adequate medical services. Added to the
short supply of medical services, the distribution of health facilities is inequitable and limited
to only a few large cities and regional capitals.

Shortage of health professionals, medical equipment and medicines have made the problems
of the health sector more difficult and complicated. Considering these facts, FEP implements
the following health programs to eliminate the multifaceted problems in our country's health
sector and to ensure that citizens get quality health services at affordable prices.

1. The national health policy will be formulated based on a universal and comprehensive
concept of health.
2. To build a healthier society, the health sector will be coordinated with other sectors that
directly and indirectly contribute to the development of the health sector. These sectors
include, but not limited to education, water, agriculture, poverty alleviation, finance and
economy, trade and industry, road and transport, mass communication etc.
3. A preventive health care policy will be designed and put in place. The system will enable
the health sector to provide appropriate and timely treatment and allow patients to quickly
recover and return to their normal life in the shortest possible time.
4. Infectious diseases are a major sources of health crisis and cause of death in most parts of
the country. Hence to prevent and control infectious diseases and epidemics a health
strategy that allows active community participation and ensure ownership will be designed
and implemented.
5. Non-communicable diseases are rampant in our country; high blood pressure, heart disease,
diabetes, cancer, and other diseases are putting a lot of pressure on the health sector. For
example, studies show that more than 50% of people who die in Addis Ababa are from
non-communicable diseases. Taking the severity of non-communicable diseases into
account, alternative strategies for the prevention and treatment of non-communicable
diseases will be designed and implemented.

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6. The government will provide support and encouragement to make a healthy lifestyle a
community habit.
7. A community that is not mentally healthy cannot be healthy, nor can it lead a successful
life. In this regard, although mental health complications are widely seen in all parts of
Ethiopia, the health services provided in the field are highly inaccessible and poor in
quality. Hence, mental health services will be provided to the public by integrating the
service with other health services.
8. Although the maternal and child mortality rates in our country have been improving over
time, Ethiopia is still one of the countries with the highest infant and maternal mortality
rates. Therefore, a strategy will be developed to fully protect the health and safety of
children, the youth and mothers.
9. Malnutrition is one of the main causes for various communicable and non-communicable
diseases. Malnutrition accounts for half of the causes of death for children under 5 years of
age in Ethiopia. Therefore, in order to improve the food and nutrition system in Ethiopia, a
strategy, that integrates and links the health sector with other sectors, will be designed and
implemented.
10. Harmful drugs are increasing become one of the major health risks in Ethiopia. Hence,
attempt will be made to protect the health and safety of the society by introducing effective
health policy to halt the consumption of harmful drugs alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and
drugs.
11. The competence and ethics of health professionals play key role in providing quality health
care services. Therefore, a national health curriculum based on research and considering
the prevalence of diseases in the country will be formulated. In addition, regular on-job-
trainings will be provided to build the capacity health professionals in a continuous manner.
12. The poor living conditions of health professionals will have a negative impact on the
services they provide to the community. Therefore, various incentive packages will be
designed and implemented to support the health professional.
13. The existence of vibrant health professional associations will play a crucial role in building
the capacity of health professionals. It also contributes to provide better health services to
the community. Accordingly, necessary support will be provided for health professionals
to have strong health/medical association that would play active role in the Ethiopian health
sector.
14. Government will provide support to make basic health services accessible to all sections of
society.

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15. Access to basic health services should be the right of every citizen. Therefore, to ensure
that citizens get quality health services at an affordable price, a health insurance scheme,
that considers the ability of average citizens, will be introduced. Government budget
subsidy for the health sector will also be increased.
16. In order to mitigate the chronic shortage of medical and health inputs resources, support
and incentives will be provided to promote the production of medicines and other health
resources locally. In addition, better management systems will be put in place to modernize
the management and distribution of health facilities and medical services
17. E-health and other technologies that help improve health services will be used to improve
information management system and communication of health institutions, streamline, and
modernize health services.
18. Study and research on health sector has a significant contribution for citizens to get better
health and medical services. Therefore, system will be developed to promote research and
development on health in collaboration with higher education institutions and research
centers. Research outputs will be used as inputs in designing health policies.
19. Forums will be created and procedures developed to create a policy environment where
government, civil society, and the private sector work together and collaborate to create a
healthier society.

3.3 City and housing development

Beautiful, modern, comfortable and clean cities and environments are very important to the
overall quality of life of citizens. In order for citizens to be able to carry out their social and
economic activities successfully and to create a society with physical and mental health, it is
necessary to build modern and liveable cities as well as construct adequate and affordable
housing. The design and construction of cities and houses are a manifestation of a society's
civilization and culture. Therefore, Freedom and Equality Party will pay maximum attention
for building and managing cities convenient for living, working, education and recreation.
Similarly, FEP will be paying very special attention to environmental protection.

3.3.1 City development

Ethiopia’s urbanization rate does not exceed 20%, which is very low even compared to many
sub-Saharan African countries. On the other hand, some cities, including Addis Ababa, are
growing at a high rate. According to research, in 2018, there were 971 cities in Ethiopia, of
which 17 cities have a population of more than 100,000 (one hundred thousand) and 803 cities

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have a population of more than 2000 (two thousand). This shows that there is uneven growth
of cities which leads to uneven provision of urban infrastructure and services.

Therefore, it is necessary to design an urban development program commensurate with rate of

population growth and provide adequate and quality social and economic services to residents.
Migration from rural areas to urban areas is one of the main factors that distort the growth of
cities and prevent proportional growth. To tackle this challenge, an integrated urban and rural
development policies and programs will be implemented to reduce migration from rural to
urban areas.

3.3.2 Housing development

Chronic shortage of housing is one of the key social problems in Ethiopia, and due to the rapid
population growth in the country, the problem is getting worse. There is wide gap between the
demand for and supply of houses specially in urban areas, which has exacerbated the housing
crisis in urban areas. Due to the disturbing housing problem in all areas of the country, the
number of people and families living in slums, poverty and homelessness is very high. It is also
a bitter fact that large number of people live on the streets in different towns and cities.

The following reasons are considered the major causes of the housing problem in Ethiopia.
• Improper land administration and the resulting low supply of land for housing;
• Lack of sufficient finance for housing;
• Illegal land acquisition by irresponsible land traders and government officials;
• Land peculation which allows large amount of urban land remain idle and unproductive in
the hands of greedy land speculators.
• Widespread corruption and lawlessness related to land management;
• Lack of affordable housing standards and clear housing development policy.

To address these and other multifaceted housing problems in Ethiopia, the following programs
will be implemented.
1. Access to housing will be considered as a basic human right, and, hence, policies and
programs will be designed to this end.
2. Government allocates huge resources for housing development.
3. Provide incentives to encourages private investors to participate in housing construction;
4. Government will facilitate long term and affordable loans for citizens who want to
build/buy a house.

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5. Residential areas will be provided with adequate and convenient social and economic
services.
6. Appropriate policies and programs will be designed and put in place to promote low cost
and technologically viable houses,
7. In partnership with stakeholders of the housing industry, forums will be prepared to
promote research and get international experiences on effective and efficient housing
development programs.

3.4 The youth

More than half of Ethiopia’s population are young. The youth are the basis and assurance for
the country's overall development and determine the fate and future of our country. The unity,
peace and prosperity of our country is determined by the attention the nation gives to its youth
today, the work we do to develop the youth and the wealth we invest on the young generation.
Young people have the potential to critically think and work, strong passion and zeal, courage,
and risk-taking behaviour. A wise youth policy could unleash the huge potential of the
Ethiopian youth for development.

In the Ethiopian political history, the youth have paid huge price and done a great service to
the country by fighting dictatorial and corrupt regimes. The role of the Ethiopian youth in socio-
economic development, both in the rural and urban areas, agricultural, industrial and service
sectors is immense. On the other hand, a large number of the youth in Ethiopia are unemployed
and hence exposed to multiple social and economic problems. In order to deal with the
multifaceted and intertwined socio-economic predicaments of the youth, and create a
conductive environment and fertile ground for the youth to play an active role in the
development and prosperity of our country, Freedom and Equality Party will introduce the
following policy directions.

1. Various policies and programs will be designed and implemented to create job
opportunities for the youth.
2. Enabling environment will be created for the youth to have real and meaningful
participation and impact in the sustainable development, building peace and democratic
political system in Ethiopia.
3. In a bid to build physically and psychologically fit generation of youth and protect them
from harmful habits, government will allot sufficient resources to construct sports and
recreational facilities.

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4. Administrative and political support will be provided to the youth to help them get
organized and collectively struggle for the realization of their social, economic and political
rights.
5. Government will allocate sufficient resources to help the youth have access to quality
education and skills training, and develop their research and creative potential. The federal
and regional governments will provide library and other services to help the youth acquire
reading culture.
6. The youth of today are teachers, scientists, doctors, policemen, soldiers, entrepreneurs and
investors, researchers, politicians and public administrators, artists etc of tomorrow.
Therefore, considering the strong bond and linkage between youth development and
national development, high policy attention will be given and sufficient resources will be
invested on the youth.
7. In order to mitigate the risk and vulnerability of the youth to diseases and raise their
awareness, youth health care and support programs will be developed. Similarly, adequate
counselling services will be provided to the youth to increase their gender and reproductive
awareness.
8. Different platforms will be organized to support the youth in different regions and with
diverse cultural background, to get to know and better understand each other, share their
experiences and breed multiculturalism.
9. Young people will be given support to inculcate love for the country and its people, and
equip them to protect themselves and the nation from harmful foreign cultures.

3.5 Women and children

In Ethiopia and other countries as well, women and children are deprived of their social,
economic, and political rights due to various harmful practices and ideas. The right of women
and children are part and parcel of the general human rights and, as such, considered as two
sides of the same coin. In a country where the rights of women and children are not respected,
the understanding and implementation of human rights cannot be complete. Even the so-called
developed countries, with advanced science and technology, and are said to have better human
rights records have a poor performance in protecting the rights of women and children. In
countries like Ethiopia women are vulnerable to different forms of social and economic
oppressions including, but not limited to, sexual violence and harassment. Similarly young
children are vulnerable to the worst forms of child labor and abuse.

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Women play the biggest role in building generations equipped with knowledge and good
manners. As such women should be given very special attention and care as mothers, sisters
and children, and should be given appropriate legal protection to guard them from customs,
harmful practices that is against their human, social and economic rights.

In the same way children, which are the country’s future and hope, need special policy
attention. The country needs to invest more on children to make them physically, intellectually,
morally, and psychologically. Only such children can play a positive role in the society and
shoulder the responsibility to build a strong nation in the future.

Freedom and Equality Party plays special attention to ensure that the social, economic and
political interests of women and children, who are more than half of our country's population,
are respected and protected. FEP will put in place legal and administrative procedures to
protect women and children from any kind of discrimination, sexual violence, and child labor.

FEP will work tirelessly to develop and implement integrated policy and operational systems
to reduce and eliminate the multifaceted pressures and challenges that have been rooted in laws,
policies, customs, traditions and ideas on women and children for centuries. FEP believes that
change in societal attitude and thinking with respect to women and children is the most
important element in order to protect the rights and interests of women and children. With this
in mind, FEP and with the goal of creating a better environment for women and children in
Ethiopia, FEP will put in place the following policy directions viz a viz women and children.

Issues that concern both women and children

1. National as well as continental and international laws and conventions on women and
children will be implemented in a way that fully guaranties the rights of women and
children
2. Laws, regulations, and directives issued by both the central and regional government bodies
will be revised to respect and uphold the rights and interests of women and children.
3. FEP will exert effort to change harmful habits, practices and attitudes towards women
and children and promote attitudinal change with respect to women and children.
4. Policies and Programs will be implemented to ensure equitable social and economic
benefits for women and children.
5. Legal and administrative frameworks will be put in place to stop sexual violence and
harassment against women and children, which are illegal and immoral.
Policies specifically related to women

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1. Appropriate policies and procedures will be implemented to promote women's participation
in education and reduce women's drop out. Special incentives will be provided to this end.
2. Legal framework and procedures will be designed to help women have access to equal
employment opportunities in government, private, non-governmental and international
organizations. Similarly, necessary legal frameworks will be prepared to ensure women's
right to produce, manage, use and transfer property.
3. Women are provided with adequate maternity leave with full pay, as well as additional
leave without pay;
4. Support will be provided to government, the private sector, and charitable organizations to
promote single-sex-schools to help girls at different levels of education attend their
education diligently and protect them from potential sexual harassment.
5. Sexual interactions, customs and traditions that defile the human dignity of women and
defy generally accepted gender discipline of the Ethiopian culture will be strictly
scrutinized.
6. Sufficient attention will be given to gender in the Ethiopia school curricula from pre-school
to higher education. Educational materials and contents that may cause sexual
discrimination will be reviewed or eliminated.
7. Special support will be provided to women to help them organize various women's
associations, research institutes, etc. which can serve as an instrument for the protection of
women’s rights and interests.
8. Women's day, Mother’s Day and Sister’s Day will be officially celebrated nationally.
Appropriate laws and procedures will be put in place to fight stereotype by citizens and
stakeholders against women.
9. Special attention will be given to rural women to introduce policies and programs that aim
to ease the heavy load, mitigate social and economic pressure of the rural woman, and
ensure her rights as a huma being are respected.
10. Conducive policy environment will be created for women to use their natural skills and
inclinations in promoting peace, tolerance, sisterhood/brotherhood. In this regard women
will be promoted to participate in conflict resolution and reconciliation activities and
favorable conditions will be created for them to play a key role in peace building.
Policies specifically related to children

1. To help children grow in an environment that ensures their psychological and physical
safety and live happy, coordinated child support and care programs will be put in place.

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2. The future of our children is dependent, more than anything else, on the education and
knowledge we provide them today. Hence system will be put in place to enable children,
living in urban or rural areas, to have access to quality educational.
3. Child health program will be given maximum attention to help children live a health life.
Affective and efficient programs and strategies will be implemented to help children
receive adequate and timely vaccinations against various diseases.
4. The Ethiopian state will give the highest level of attention to avoid the vulnerability of
children to any kind of disaster, man-made or natural. In the unfortunate incidence of
calamity very special care and support will be provided to children.
5. To help a healthy physical and psychological development of children, quality and
sufficient play grounds and recreational areas will be developed in every residential quarter,
throughout the country.
6. Strict legal system will be developed to mitigate vulnerability of children to child labor.
Similarly firm legal system will be put in place to control illicit entities engaged in such
illegal activities.
7. To promote and facilitate strong relation and interaction among children from different
regions and cultural backgrounds, system will be developed for the establishment of
children coalitions and child parliament. Such platforms are expected to help children be
acquainted with basic national issues and better understand each other
8. Special support and care will be provided to children with special need. Appropriate
educational programs will be prepared for children with intellectual disability (ID).
9. Legal framework and efficient procedures will be put in place to ensure children get birth
certificate and other vital services. Effort will also be exerted to create awareness in this
regard.
10. A procedure will be developed for preschool children to receive early preschool education
services in their neighborhood.

3.6 Religion
Religion plays an indispensable role in building ethically and morally upright society.
Religions play an irreplaceable role in creating a physically and mentally strong society.
Various studies on community development and well-being indicate that balanced material and
spiritual development, based on correct knowledge, play a significant role in building a healthy
society. Considering the high value that Ethiopians attach to religion and religious values, as

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well as bearing in mind the scientifically proven facts that religion contributes for the
development of health society, FEP follows the following policy directions regarding religion.

1. All religions are equal, there will not be government laws, practices, and traditions that,
directly or indirectly, differentiate one religion from another or segregate the adherents of
one religion from that of another religion.
2. Government and religion will be different. Government does not interfere in the internal
affairs of religious institutions, and similarly religious institutions do not interfere in the
internal affairs of state institutions. Notwithstanding this provision, government and
religious institutions can work in cooperation and coordination for the realization of
common agendas.
3. Citizens enjoy full freedom to follow and spread whatever religious faith they want, there
is no compulsion in religion.
4. The followers of the same religion have the freedom to build their religious institutions in
their neighborhood. Government may provide land for building places of worship and
religious situations.
5. The rights of religious minorities in a certain locality, in the midst of religious majority of
another will be respected to promote their faith, build their religious institutions and places
of worship, educate members of their religion, etc.
6. Conducive environment will be created to promote the culture of tolerance among
adherents of different religions, foster the culture of mutual respect among members of
different religions and strengthen the relationship between different faiths.
7. There will be no bureaucratic, legal, media or political activities that will make followers
of a particular religion feel ashamed or afraid because of their religious background. Their
will neither be ill-treat or persecution of citizens on the ground of religious background.
8. We believe that the fundamental messages of all religions are peace, love, humanity, and
brotherhood. Based on this belief, there will be no attitude or practice that directly or
indirectly link any religion to terrorism and consider as a threat to security.
9. A system will be put in place to enable religious scholars and religious institutions to play
their part for the peace and stability of the country as well as for the ensure sustainable
development in the country.

3.7 Sports
1. Appropriate policy attention and support will be given to make sports play important role
in the community in creating physically and psychologically trained citizens.

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2. Projects will be designed and implemented to make citizens have a passion for sports.
3. Curriculum will be revise to make schools the breeding ground of sportsmen. Likewise,
support will be given to schools and will be equipped with necessary sports materials and
will be conducive environment for sportive activities.
4. In a bid to develop and promote Ethiopian traditional sports regional and national sport
tournaments will be organized. Similarly, effort will be exerted to make Ethiopia traditional
sports are recognized in the African and international sport arena. Relevant regional and
federal government authorities will be charged to get these programs executed.
5. policy framework will be put in place to integrate sport with community health and with
health sector.
6. Sports venues will be expanded and given proper attention in urban planning. The private
sector and non-governmental organizations will be supported and encouraged to participate
in the establishment of sports venues.
7. Workable strategy will be designed to make sport tournaments contribute to peace,
solidarity, social interaction, building bridges of love and unity among communities
8. Programs will be implemented to promote and ensure that the culture of sport is spread in
all regions of the country. And, accordingly, support will be provided to areas with low
performance in sports.
9. Special support will be given to sport activities which Ethiopia has better record and
international recognition.
10. Sports federations will be given the freedom and organization to operate independently.

3.8 Environmental Protection

The importance of environmental protection for sustainable development is gaining
international recognition and support and has now become an important policy agenda. The
spread of desertification, environmental pollution, soil erosion, depletion of forests, reduction
of the water level of rivers and lakes, etc., has posed serious threat to human well-being by
reducing agricultural production and productivity. Polluted smoke and chemicals released into
the atmosphere by the industrialized countries account the largest share for the global
environmental degradation. Likewise poor public awareness and weak policy framework
regarding environmental protection has significantly contributed to the expansion of the
problem in the developing world.

In Ethiopia, environmental pollution and depletion of forests has become a national threat.
Lack of government attention and low public awareness, combined with the dire poverty, has

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aggravated the problem. FEP understands the vital importance of environmental protection
and its contribution for economic development and national security. Hence, FEP pays great
attention to environmental protection and related agendas. In order to build a green economy
in Ethiopia that provides adequate policy support for natural resources and climate protection,
FEP implements the following environmental protection and conservation programs.

1. An environmental protection policy based on wider public participation will be

formulated. A strong institution framework to ensure the successful implementation of the
policy will be established both the federal and regional governments.
2. Government will be responsible and accountable to help citizens live in a pollution-free
and healthy environment. Large scale awareness creation programs will be implemented
in cooperation with various stakeholders to raise public awareness on environmental, l.
3. The country's economic policy and economic growth will be designed in such a way as to
prevent environmental pollution. Strict environment management system will be installed
to monitor manufacturing industries not pollute the atmosphere.
4. Support will be provided for the creation of large scale and green areas.
5. To curb deforestation an integrated system will be developed to promote the use of
alternative energy sources.
6. Support will be given to promote recycling technology.
7. Strict legal framework will be enforced to ensure that construction projects are
environmental and social friendly.

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 4 International relations

4.1 Principles of foreign relations

The main goal of FEP’s foreign policy and strategy is to compliment domestic effort to achieve
the economic, political, and social development plans of the country. FEP will implement
foreign policy and programs to better protect our national interests by considering the geo-
political and geo-strategic realities of our country and by considering the ever-changing events
of diplomacy and foreign relations in the Horn of Africa, other African countries, the Middle
East, Europe, and the Americas.

Considering the long-term relations of Ethiopia with neighboring countries, concerted efforts
will be made to build strong economic, political and cultural relations with our neighbors based
on the principle of mutual respect, non-interference and peaceful coexistence. Along with our
strong commitment as a country to mitigate and eradicate the abject poverty and backwardness
far-flung in the Horn of Africa region, FEP will also pursue a policy to work together on cross-
border problems, threats, and challenges. This collaborative foreign policy instruments
emanate from our strong commitment and belief in the importance of working with neighboring
countries for common good. FEP’s foreign policy includes the following instruments.
1. The raison d'être of our foreign policy is to protect the needs and interests of our country
and its citizens. Hence any of our foreign policy tools and actions will informed by this
fundamental fact.
2. We believe that a successful foreign policy must first serve the peace and security of our
country, which is determined by the peace and security dynamics of the region, which is
no less significant than domestic affairs. Therefore, ensuring peace and security in the
neighborhood will the as important as peace and security in Ethiopia.
3. Just as we do not allow other countries to interfere in our internal affairs, we will not
interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. Noninterference is one of the basic
principles of our foreign relation policy.
4. Non state actors will be part and parcel of our foreign policy infrastructure. Hence, relevant
stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations and civic associations, media
institutions, representatives of the business community, policy research institutes,
community representatives, members of the diaspora will be involved in the formulation
and execution of our foreign affairs policy.

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5. In order to run a successful foreign policy, rigorous research and analysis will be done on
issues related to international relations that bears in mind regional, continental, and global
changes. Sufficient manpower and resources will be allocated for this task.
6. As Ethiopia is the seat of the African Union and other international and continental
institutions, efforts will be made to build strong partnership and collaboration with these
institutions for the realization of mutual interest and objectives.
7. The ability and motivation of our diplomats plays a major role in making our country's
foreign policy successful. Therefore, the recruitment and placement of diplomats,
delegations and diplomatic staff will be based on merit, capacity, and motivation.
8. Policies and procedures will be developed
9. To enable the Ethiopian diaspora actively participate in national affairs and facilitate the
significant contribution they can make to Ethiopia’s overall development, FEP will enforce
appropriate legal framework to this end.

4.2 Relations with neighbouring countries

We have long-term and close social, economic, political, and diplomatic relations with our
neighboring countries. Although contradictions and conflicts have occurred with some of the
neighboring countries at various times and for different reasons, we believe that it is possible
to establish good relations with our neighbors and further enrich the existing bilateral and
multilateral relations. In order to achieve our national short and long-term interests and needs,
our relationship with neighboring countries is of paramount importance, and hence we will
give special attention to it. Our relations with neighboring countries will be based on the
principle of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and non-interference in the internal affairs of
other countries.

We are committed to work with our neighbors with a sense of responsibility to make bilateral
and multilateral agreements and cooperation platforms on various pertinent issues in order to
jointly use good opportunities and prevent threats. Compared to countries in the Horn of Africa,
Ethiopia is the largest country in terms of economy, size, and population. By making use of
our potentials and natural endowments and working hand in hand with our neighbors we will
design programs and do our best to improve the living standards of our people and the people
of neighboring countries. Policy frameworks to work with the Intergovernmental Authority on
Development (IGAD), the East African Community and other similar sub-continental
institutions will be formulated and implemented.

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4.3 Relations with African Union (AU) and member countries
1. We will strongly support and promote the establishment of the African continental Free
Trade Area (AfCFTA) by using Ethiopia's influence on the African Union. Similarly
proactive policies and strategies will be put in place to ensure that Ethiopia benefit from
the continental free trade arrangement.
2. In order to ensure our fair share from the Nile River and accelerate Ethiopia’s development
using the waters of the Nile, we will introduce a hydro-politics in collaboration with our
partners in the Nile basin.
3. In cooperation with the IGAD and other sub-continental organizations, we will work to
ensure peace and security in our region.
4. By providing strong support for the realization of the economic, political and cultural
integration of Africa, under the auspicious of the African Union, we will put more effort to
see Ethiopia get its fair share from the continental integration scheme.
5. The contribution of a sea gate to the sustainable development of a country is significant.
Keeping this fact in mind, efforts will be made to build strategic partnerships with all
neighboring countries to ensure alternative port services without interruption.

4.4 Relations with other countries and international organizations

Based on the current situation in the world and the geo-political situation of our country, very
special attention will be attached to our relations with powerful countries that have significant
economic, diplomatic, military, technological and political influence on the global arena. We
will pursue a balanced approach in our relation with superpowers with different ideological
orientation. Safeguarding and promoting our national interests will be the bases for our relation
with these countries.

Hence, our diplomatic relations with the US, European Union, China, the Middle East and the
Far East countries will be shaped and implemented in a way that takes into account our
historical relationship with the individual country and also considering our economic, political
and cultural cooperation. Similarly, our relationship with the United Nations and other
international organizations will be founded on the principle of mutual respect and safeguarding
national sovereignty. Relations with these institutions will also be designed in such a way that
facilitates to our country to contribute to the global peace and development.

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