Breaking the segregation between officials and the public

Breaking the segregation between officials and the public
By Hizkel Hailu
For each country, political leaders are vitally important – through the authority of government, they assess
the distribution of power and resources, build relationships with other stakeholders and make decisions
that can have great impact on the well-being of a nation and its people.
Leadership in the political framework requires a focus on the long-term good of a country, above and
ahead of any personal short-term gains. Good political leadership requires a combination of charisma and
integrity, as well as the ability to assess a situation and make a decision based on what would be best for
the greatest number of people. Most of all, leadership in a political framework requires ‘statesmanship’ –
as opposed to just being a ‘politician’ – this means having the integrity and willingness to stand up for
what is right, even if it means resigning a position in government or losing an election.
To become a good leader, one must have all these qualities but if he/she lack some of these qualities, then
you might struggle to make the mark in the world of leadership. You will have to set a good example for
others to follow. That is where your commitment, passion, empathy, honesty and integrity come into play.
Good communication skills and decision-making capabilities also play a vital role in success and failure
of a leader. Lastly, innovation and creative thinking, as well as the futuristic vision, are a couple of key
traits which make a leader stand out.
We have witnessed the aforementioned qualities with some individuals from the incumbent government.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Takele Uma/Engineer/, Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa City
Administration have shown us a slight introduction for strong government and citizens’ relationship apart
from their regular duty. We have seen Abiy Ahmed when he visited patients who were at hospital, shared
a dish with Emahoy Adugna after taking part in her small hut and rebuilt her house, gave a school
material gift for children at his office, met with more than 1000 university graduate students and visited
displaced society from Burayyu city at Medihanealem Preparatory School. In addition, he visited his
holiness pop Abune Merkorios Patriarch of Ethiopian Orthodox Church and presented motor wheelchair
gift for the holyday.
Takele Uma, Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa City Administration on his way has made contact and public
appearances with the entire citizens in Addis Ababa. Among them the most unforgettable was his
unexpected travel with Ambessa city bus along with travelers. It was also to be remembered his 600 free
bus tickets gift for all travels right that moment.
Not only them but also some regional presidents and higher government officials have started making
strong relationship with the society. Most of them participated visiting injured patients on the bomb blast
on June, 2018, displaced societies from Burayou City and making delivery speech for their community
and employees.
We as humans, feel the affection of senior politicians as far as we witness their togetherness in both joys

and sorrows. Such belongingness tightens positive relationship among the official and the public. The
public get the courage to stand alongside or against the government which in turn, paves the way for
mutual trust and accountability.
Such habits need to be extend to all other government officials. Member of Parliament should have strong
relationship with the public they represent. All Member of Parliament are selected by the citizen to be the
mouth piece of the society they represent. So they must come to the ground and make strong relation with
their people. Otherwise it is so difficult to solve the society’s problem effectively and efficiently.
The accumulation of anger and compliant, which led to mass opposition and finally to transformation,
was partially cased by the isolation of politicians from the public. The government officials were not
close to the community, and couldn’t react immediately to the complaints towards mal administration.
Such segregation between the public and officials leads to lack of trust towards state promises and
programs. The officials were not close to the community so as to give updates up on the successes and
failures national programs.
Some leaders are great orators, but speaking well isn’t all that’s required of a leader. As we all know,
there are lots of people who talk a great game but deliver nothing. Leaders who communicate well are
those who not only share their thoughts with employees, but also let their strength and personal character
show through in their communication, and empower those who work for them by defining the goal and
showing how to get there.
Generally speaking, officials working in the community not only build mutual understanding and trust but
also shared visions and aspirations. They will find it easy to mobilize the community for set goals and
visions. They will enjoy belongingness in time of success and failure. Besides, our community by now
needs leaders who are close to the community, and listen to their voices.