“We, the Nations, Nationalities and
Peoples of Ethiopia: Strongly
committed, in full and free exercise of our right to
self-determination, to building a political community founded on
the rule of law and capable of ensuring a lasting peace,
guaranteeing a democratic order, and advancing our economic and
social development; Firmly convinced that the fulfilment of this
objective requires full respect of individual and people’s
fundamental freedoms and rights, to live together on the basis of
equality and without any sexual, religious or cultural
discrimination; Further convinced that by continuing to live with
our rich and proud cultural legacies in territories we have long
inhabited, have, through continuous interaction on various levels
and forms of life, built up common interest and have also
contributed to the emergence of a common outlook; Fully
cognizant that our common destiny can best be served by rectifying
historically unjust relationships and by further promoting our
shared interests; Convinced that to live
as one economic community is necessary in order to create
sustainable and mutually supportive conditions for ensuring
respect for our rights and freedoms and for the collective
promotion of our interests; Determined to consolidate, as a
lasting legacy, the peace and the prospect of a democratic order
which our struggles and sacrifices have brought about; Have
therefore adopted, on 8 December 1994 this constitution
through representatives we have duly elected for this purpose as
an instrument that binds us in a mutual commitment to fulfil the
objectives and the principles set forth above”.
The above quotation is from the Ethiopian Constitutions, adopted by the
various nations and nationalities of
Ethiopia
. It is a genuine declaration of those peoples, who despite years
of oppression of their cultures, customs, languages and were
relegated to second class citizens endorsed a document, which
guarantees them basic human and democratic right. This is also a
document, which every Ethiopian has to now and again repeat as a
mantra and defend as sacred for the very existence of
Ethiopia
. A country with so many nations/nationalities cannot simply
afford alienating its own majority population and living in
inequality and permanent quagmire of war and misery. This
declaration has also become an inspiration for countries, which
have similar heterogeneous composition of ethnic groups.
The mosaic composition combined with
various religious beliefs, such as Christianity, Islam, Judaism,
Animism, etc. makes Ethiopia unique by joining hands together to
avert any disintegration and build up a federal system based on
mutual respect and understanding. This formula of self-rule with
local administration and devolution of power is a strength, which
we have to be proud of both as a tool for the conservation of our
entity and identity and for the distinctiveness of our common
heritage as a State and people. Equally important as it is to
celebrate this national holiday, this day also reminds us of the
blow it might imply to those retrogressive forces, who get hold of
the wrong end of the stick. There are still those haughty old
guards living in their age old mentality trying to maintain a
unitary state through forced integration under one language and
culture in the name of fighting “ethnicization of
Ethiopia
”. Similarly, despite the fact that radical and far-reaching
autonomous rule has been on place for the last decade; there are
those who try to dismantle the peace and stability of the country
by trying to agitate among the people secession and independence.
The common language for both groups is likewise undemocratic and
unpopular decision based on violence and hostility. The main
roadmap for the peaceful coexistence and development among the
peoples of
Ethiopia
should therefore be recognition of our diversity in unity as well
as acceptance of the democratic provisions and rules.
Ethiopia
by adopting the federal system has made a stupendous achievement
in improving the livelihood and empowering the marginalized
peoples. Infrastructures have been laid in remote regions of the
country, where being an Ethiopian is considered as an asset,
giving rise to a positive prospects and opportunities.
Inclusiveness of its agrarian majority in the overall
developmental endeavor thus has given
Ethiopia
a bright future to be able to fight poverty, illiteracy, diseases,
backwardness, etc. The role of all Ethiopians in preserving the
territorial integrity and sovereignty has also been enlightening
for those enemies of
Ethiopia
. The crushing defeat of Shaibya by the valiant sons and daughters
of
Ethiopia
could not have been possible had there not been unity among the
nations and nationalities. The same destiny will be true if any
aspiring enemy tries to dismantle the peace and stability of
Ethiopia
. Shaibya may have learned a lesson for life, but the jihadist UIC
along with the mercenary elements of the separatist movements may
not have any exit to recuperate.
Happy anniversary to the Day of the Nations
and Nationalities
Unity to the Ethiopian peoples
