(Dire Dawa, November the 28th 2003)
LNA. – Dire Dawa, the second largest city of Ethiopia, has an important French-related background and history. To which extent does this “francophonie” remain today ?
Fissah Zeryhun. – The foundation of the town at the beginning of the twentieth century is directly related to the railway station (line between Djibouti and Addis Ababa). Telephone, first wagons came in, such as the oldest one that we saw today (exhibition of DDAC). Diverse civilisations are coming thanks to them. The people of Dire Dawa remember it, they have a special memory. There was also the French school during Mengistu time. Still today, some middle age people speak French, which is a beautiful language! In fact, Dire Dawa would need to have permanent relations with a French city, so that we could continue the exchanges and make use of foreign knowledge in diverse fields. That is a request to you ! (Since the interview, JH passed in December the letter and message from FZ to the French Embassy in Addis Abeba).
LNA. – The relationship between Djibouti and Ethiopia have somehow changed since Djibouti Republic recently decided to send back to Ethiopia all Ethiopian residents there. For Dire Dawa, where the Chemins de Fer Company still represents the most active economical activity, what is the impact of such a decision ?
FZ. – There were many Ethiopians in Djibouti. Following the action taken by its government, 3000 people came back to Dire Dawa (they were in Djibouti because of recurrent droughts). DDAC has been supporting the costs for transportation and food of these repatriates. We also helped in building the capacity of some of them. The sole impact this Djiboutian policy had, was to deteriorate the global regional situation with acceleration of the social crisis and the unemployment, already high in Dire Dawa.
LNA. – The Region of Dire Dawa is one of the most dynamic ones in Ethiopia. However, challenges exist nowadays, such as the rapid growth of HIV/AIDS. What are, according to you, the main issues DDAC will have to face in the next years, and how ?
FZ. – I see mainly four main issues, that I will sort out as follows :
The first one is the unemployment. Sixty percent of the activity of DDAC is based on trade, and almost all of it is from contraband activities (imported goods). The regional government is trying to control this because of the negative side effects. We are promoting the creation of MSE (Micro and small enterprises), for constructions, we also place youth in vocational training centres. A business plan is being prepared. This new MSE promotion policy is very much focusing on the new active labour force in strengthening the capacity building activities.
The second main issue is the housing problem. Our regional budget of ten million Birr is already spent. We are building low cost houses, asking the owners to give a down payment.
In third position, the local development issues: Dire Dawa is divided in two major parts, Kezira and Megale, the latest being the poorest without any sanitation system. The Administration of Dire Dawa allocated a budget for each Kebele, according to level of poverty. Some local development committees have been formed, and the participation of the community is always 30 % (in labour most of the time).
Finally comes the issue of HIV/AIDS. The HIV/AIDS Secretariat has been formed (app. 5 years ago) at Federal and regional levels, and is operational here. But the results are not yet visible. There is no behavioural change.
LNA. – Why are the people unaware despite the huge programmes for information, education and communication?
FZ. – First of all, there is little coordination among the actors (NGOs, GOs, and other private). Then, the undertaken actions were all “programme-based” (instead of mainstreaming the HIV component in each and every project, activity, company, and programme). We also have to say that the awareness of the administrative staff in every structure was very low for a long time, even for the most important persons, with decision making power. I believe that the mainstreaming of the issue is the solution. Everything should also come from the communities. Every office should have an HIV/AIDS action. HIV/AIDS control is strictly related to the poverty reduction. In DDAC, we have set up some local committees, women associations, including members of GOs, NGOs, Community-Based Organisations (CBOs, like “iders”), and religious leaders. These committees are preparing the yearly programme and budget. The basis of all is the community participation and commitment.
LNA. – What is according to you the real figure for HIV/IDS prevalence in DD ?
FZ. – It is difficult but I would say 15 %. The data are difficult to get… in fact, there are no data.
LNA. – Americans have recently set up a military base nearby Dire Dawa, in Hurso. Don’t you believe that it may deteriorate the social climate in the region, with possible risks of terrorism? What are the Americans doing exactly at the moment ?
FZ. – The government of Ethiopia is fighting against terrorism. The American presence does not mean anything (in terms of threat). In any case, the terrorist groups make anything they want. They are not pre-selecting Americans or others. Ethiopia is in the coalition with US together with other African nations. I am not afraid. The US soldiers here cannot be a cause for terrorism. Moreover, there were already terrorist actions in Ethiopia before the 11 of September (Addis Ababa bombs, terrorists). In Ethiopia, Muslims and Christians have the chance to live together peacefully; there is no base for fighting in Ethiopia.
LNA. – The show of today was organised by DDAC. Each GO and NGO had a stand there, many people came. What was the objective of creating such an event ?
FZ. – It was basically to teach the youth, with the experience of the old generation (historical facts, peoples of DD, etc). Then, we wanted to show the public opinion the ain problems of the town and its surroundings. Of course, this show was also an important potential for current and future investors, especially in the sectors of agriculture, business and transport. If people understand the global issues of the town/region, they invest and participate. We also encouraged NGOs to participate.
