Strengthening unity in diversity

Gemechu Tussa

Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia have colorfully celebrated their mutual day in Harar on the 8^th of December 2016 (Hidar 29/2009). Although they have been celebrating this Day for the past decade, this event differs from the previous celebrations for some reasons.

The celebration took place at a time when the country is at a crossroad; at a time where there is a serious fight between rent collectors and developmental groups, when the ruling party and the government have been carrying out a deep reform that could meaningfully respond public questions and maintain the already emerging fast, sustainable economic progress of the country. 

It also took place at a time where the government and people of Ethiopia have been struggling to restore and maintain the peace and stability of the country; to end the destabilizing efforts exerted by terrorist groups like Ginbot 7, Oromo Liberation Front and other foreign enemies of the country.

Ethiopia, colorfully celebrated its 11^th Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Day in Harar, in a city commonly referred as a city of love and tolerance. Ethiopia is, of course, a home to diversity with around 80 nations, nationalities and peoples, each having their own distinct culture, history, language and way of life.

The Ethiopian Nations, Nationalities and Peoples have come together under the umbrella of the constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for mutual understanding and cooperation. Despite the retarding social problems different ideologies of various regimes, the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia have further strengthening their numerous shared values and norms.

Every year they renew their vows to screw their loyalty to their motherland and defend Ethiopia's sovereignty against foreign aggression.

There has been time some of the peoples have been treated as second class citizens and deprived of equal opportunities within their own country. This led to struggle to create a political system that lead to the respect of human and democratic rights that resulted in deposing the dictatorship military regime on in 1991, which emanated the country's first democratic constitution on December 8,  1995,  incorporating all democratic and fundamental rights. That Day is celebrating every year marking the ratification of the Ethiopian Constitution.

The day has created a platform for the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia to promote their cultures, histories, lifestyles and other values. That could also help them in creating a common political and socio-economic community. This year’s Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Day, held under the theme of “Our Constitution for Our Democratic Unity and Renaissance!”, was  celebrated in  the Harari Regional State.

Thousands of people representing all the nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia were present at the celebration in Awabadir Stadium, in Harar, which was honored by the presence of the President of Sudan, Omar Hassen al-Bashir and of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh.

Addressing the participants, His Excellency Prime Minister Hailemariam spoke of the diversity to which all the nations, nationalities and peoples have contributed their share.

Although deprived of their basic rights and neglected by previous regimes, Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' of Ethiopia have been enjoying their constitutional rights in the past two decades.

The Prime Minister said that the country had now reached the point at which it needed resolve numerous challenges related to a lack of good governance which had led to legitimate popular grievances. He underlined all the questions raised related to lack of good governance, abuse of power, corruption or questions of identity and self-administration, could be solved by ensuring the proper implementation of constitutional issues. 

He stressed that the Ethiopian government was committed to solve problems posed by the people and called up on the nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia to stand alongside the government.  He also emphasized the need to strengthen national unity and stand together against anti-peace elements that were trying to threaten the sovereignty of the nation.

The Speaker of the House of Federation, Yalew Abate, said the celebration should not only confine itself to praising past success and achievement but also it should express the commitment to solve the current problems causing dangers for the federal system. The celebration of this historic day would help Harari to build up its positive image, help to make it a center for medical tourism and strengthen its efforts for infrastructural development.

The celebration of the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia Day has created a platform to acknowledge the diverse cultures and identities of the country and demonstrate the strength that maintains the unity of the country.  It is a great opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen the commitment to the common destiny of ensuring the democratization, and the renaissance, of the nation.