Dauntless Ethiopians will keep on surmounting challenges

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By

Alem Hailu G/Kristos

Ethiopians standout when it comes to closing ranks in chasing out invaders, as showcased in the Battle of Adwa. The selfless sacrifices of Ethiopians who marched to the battlefield drawn from all corners of the country, from all faiths and both genders had contributed to this glorious chapter of the country written in golden ink.

The victory registered on Adwa mountains carried across the globe the message that unity is strength. It rammed home the sentiment that the suppressed could reclaim their independence if they waged a fight indomitably.

That is why many historians referred to Ethiopia as a fortress society and beacon of independence. The sentiment, which resonated far and wide, did find an echo in Caribbean islands. As Professor Ali Mazuri put it, Ethiopia became a “sparkle and beacon of hope to nations and people living under the yoke of colonialism in Africa and the globe.”

It was carrying high the tricolor forefathers created the bright spot in the country’s history. As Ethiopia became a beacon of independence, the flag too became an emblem of invincibility. That is why countries that were fighting for independence adopted their respective flag replicating the tricolor in different forms.

It was also defying the divisive wedge fascist Italy employed to render Ethiopia weak, Ethiopians once more, joining hands and hearts, defended the sovereignty of the country.

Here it suffices to see an extract taken from the publication of The Association of Ethiopian Patriots Ene Le Hagere, “Me for my country”:

Dejazemache Geresu Duki, who hailed from Oromia, was one of the outstanding patriots of Ethiopia that fought tooth and nail with fascist troops. He is famed for annihilating fascist troops with an artillery. In an article that relates his heroism he is quoted as saying “Fascists were disseminating a divide and rule propaganda. They were sowing a seed of discord that your enemy is ‘The Amhara ethnic group. Rallying behind the Italian troops attack the Amharas.’” Approaching Ethiopians in his vicinity—Maru and its environs—Geresu was persuading them about the reality on the ground. He told them that “The invading fascist troops are people’s enemy that aspire to colonize our country and enslave citizens. Their sole ambition is stripping Ethiopians of their freedom. Not only against our freedom, if they get a chance, they will surely militate against our religions. It is to make us fragile they use the divide and rule ploy. Stay united.”

Also, in an analogous fashion hovering high the tricolor Ethiopians mobilized from every corner of the country repeating the same history by reversing the invasion of Siad Barre.

It must be mindful of such facts Ethiopians should discuss with a cool head on issues of whether inserting a logo on the flag, using it without a logo and the like. This way they must reach a consensus.

Those who had a desire to fish in troubled water have not yet abstained from harping on x ethnic group is your enemy. The unrest witnessed here and there in the country is ascribable to the challenge. Yet, as history amply demonstrated, Ethiopians tighten their bonds when the dust settles.

It is not only during rainy days Ethiopians close ranks but also in good times. As witnessed when the foundation stone of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was laid, Ethiopians from every nook and cranny, every age group, every income bracket and each gender had shown enthusiasm to stamp their seal on the dam. Though GERD, built in keeping with international standards, has experienced a setback due to improprieties, Ethiopians will see to its completion as nothing daunts Ethiopians from realizing their vision in consonance with the ‘change’ drive in the country.

Locking horns with poverty and fast tracking development, they once more want to emerge triumphant circumventing challenges. It must be peace, unity, development, justice and democracy that preoccupies their minds.

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’.