Nobel Prize reminds us that one person has the power to unravel a system of corruption

Nobel Prize reminds us that one person has the power to unravel a system of corruption

Opinion by Frida Ghitis at CNN

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2019/10/11/opinions/nobel-peace-prize-abiy-ahmed-ghitis/index.html?__twitter_impression=true

"SNIP.....

(CNN)Imagine a man negotiating a crushingly repressive governing machine, doing it from the inside, and sweeping to power. Then imagine him immediately throwing the prison doors open to free thousands of political prisoners and journalists, welcoming back exiles, allowing banned opposition figures to run for office, and quickly reaching a peace deal with a neighboring country after decades of war.

That man is Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

In a time when democracy is under assault around the world, the Nobel Committee wisely chose to shine its spotlight on Ahmed, a man who has made it his mission to reverse decades of oppression, push against the global tide, and give peace, freedom and equality a chance in a deeply troubled part of the world. Now imagine that the project to build peace and stability is at risk of collapse.

.......

The story of Abiy is a reminder that one courageous, charismatic person has the power to unravel a system of corruption and cruelty and set in motion a process of positive change. That should give hope to millions who are watching autocratic forces steadily undercut systems of democracy and rule of law in their own countries. It should inspire those losing hope, who fear that the powerful and corrupt cannot be stopped. The Nobel Committee's choice this year sounds a clarion of optimism at a time when despair is making gains.

....SNIP"