AP photo
By
Alem Hailu G/Kristos
What do you feel if you hear the leader of a political party is chased out of the country and dubbed a terrorist by phony politicians assuring you that “A rule of law must be observed and the country needs to pursue a genuine democracy utilizing the measures the reformed government has taken to widen the political terrain?”
What also if you see in person this political figure wrongly painted to you as a chimera and hear his political outlooks firsthand while giving a press conference at Bole Airport?
Have you ever dreamt of seeing Dawud Ibsa, President of Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)?
Most probably you reflect on Dr. Abiy Ahmed‘s speech “Who is the terrorist?” No doubt you will be amused “As a scare tactic terrorists themselves were terrorizing citizens painting vying political party leaders as terrorists.”
Needless to say you will be amused when he assures you that “Fighting for one’s right in an undemocratic system could result in the dubbing of a votary of democracy a terrorist, while in a democratic system fighting for freedom is the topmost task.”
What will also be your take if facts on the ground exhibit to you that supporters portrayed as mythical monsters are far from that and rather they are peace lovers drawn from across the country who welcome their leader, some on horseback, on lorries while others trekking all the way to Bole Airport and Meskel square. You will be touched to witness they did stage a mammoth and peaceful demonstration, carrying political flags for the sake of which they suffered harassment and chanting slogans that uphold peace, democracy and development.
For sure, you go outdoors to check things for yourself that demonstrators are dispersing home peacefully contrary to your expectation.
How much would you be delighted if Dawud unequivocally tells you he is willing to hop on the political bandwagon of change that won the hearts of citizens and almost all political parties?
Long after he made a speech, the following sentences could linger in your mind “We had been fighting for the freedom of our people. We have come here to wage a peaceful struggle. Taking the responsibility of our people we shall strive towards the fulfillment of the sought-after goal. This is the beginning but not the end.”
“Gratefully, in unison with other political parties, utilizing the political terrain no more lopsided we shall contribute our due share towards the deepening of Ethiopia’s democracy.”
“We have short, medium and long term plans. But first we have to discuss with our people the basic ideals of exercising democratic rights.”
Especially if you are an Oromo, the following speech, regarding parties that waged political struggle upholding the cause of the Oromo people, will certainly find a cherished corner in your heart “As our people are one we could reach a consensus on basic democratic ideals. I hereby call upon them to contribute their due share. The turn of events we see now is the victory of all Ethiopians. The credit is ascribable to all Ethiopians. For amicable resolve of things we shall discuss with our members, youth, elders and army. Together with the government, we shall discuss ways how the change peacefully hits set targets. In concert with the government we shall see ways how citizens elect their representatives all along the ladder.”
“All things pass, but the truth and God the Almighty will surf the tide of time. Ethiopia shall no longer be a country where citizens get locked in fracases licking wounds. Ethiopia shall not be a land where democratic rights are violated. Every citizen could defend his/her right peacefully.”
Naturally a curtain of mist could appear in your eyes when you see a mother and her son Dawud kiss with a tear of joy after three decades. You will also be touched to witness how residents of Addis expressed good gestures by handing over bread and water to thirsty demonstrators after being impressed by Dawud’s speech.
Alem Hailu G/Kristos
A published poet, novelist, editor, translator of masterpieces, literary critic, playwright and journalist from Ethiopia. M.A holder in literature, Addis Ababa University.
Looking for a traditional publisher of a collection of poems. My novel: ‘Hope from the debris of hopelessness’.
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