Desta Hailu
As
it is known, a state of emergency was issued following the unrest that erupted
in some Oromia and Amhara region in our country. Considering that the state of
emergency declaration aimed to protect the peace and stability of our country,
the bans and limits that are set in the proclamation have been lifted as the
situation is getting better. The disturbance that were rampant at the time when
the proclamation was issued are now stopping. Peace and stability are coming.
I
think the the fact that the recent Timket and Ketera holidays were held without
any incident is a show for this. As it can be recalled, there were talks by the
African Union (AU) that it would be difficult to host its heads of states
summit in Addis Ababa, seeing the previous problem in our country.
But,
this stance of the Union didn’t go for long. By understanding the lasting peace
that is been found as a result to the state of emergency proclamation, the
organization has changed its stance. Heads of states of more than 26 countries,
and more than 300 journalists have gathered in Addis Ababa to participate in
the summit.
In
my belief, this stance of the African Unions is a pass mark given to our peace
loving stance. I think this comes by seeing the comprehensive support our
country gave to African Unity Organization formerly, and to the African Union.
Therefore, when we talk about the 28th African Union summit, I think
it is appropriate to look into the contribution our country gave to the
continent – as AU gives unique position to Ethiopia.
After
the demise of the Derg regime, the FDRE government which took over the country
has undertaken its contribution and its responsibility to Africa more than
ever, and it still doing so. As a result, Ethiopia was one of the countries that
were asked to keep the peace in Rwanda after the genocide that shook the world
took place in the country in the 1990s. Ethiopia is one and the forefront
country that was asked to send in it peacekeeping forces to stop this heinous
act. The country has put in a historical contribution with this. In addition to
this when Liberia was in a devastating civil war, the role Ethiopia’s
peacekeeping force contribution was immense. The role Ethiopia played in
bringing peace and democracy in that country is huge.
As
it is also known, the country is helping in stopping the civil conflict in
Sudan’s Darfur through the peacekeeping force it dispatched along with other
countries. Ethiopia has contributed solely a peacekeeping force in the hotly
contested region Abeyei (by both Sudan and South Sudan).
The
country is also doing things that helped it increasing the country’s
international acceptance. And through the huge role our country is playing in
the peace, security and stability of east Africa countries, Ethiopia has been
able to be successful in fighting off anarchism and fundamentalism that existed
in Somalia.
Although
it is obvious that neighboring countries that are in peaceful state, with
prosperous economy and a flourishing democracy are basis to strike up relation
based on mutual interest, our country is nevertheless working tirelessly for
the peace of its neighboring people. Ethiopia is exerting its own effort
neutrally to stop the civil conflict that erupted in the newest nation South
Sudan and bring an air of peace to the people.
In
addition to this, our country has huge role in facilitating strong integration
within COMESA, a free trade area with twenty member states stretching from
Libya to Swaziland. The country is also trying to attract trade and investment
through the infrastructure construction sector. Ethiopia is also working to
bring economic growth that is inclusive and beneficiary for all.
Our
country is also working on projects that would bring mutual benefit by creating
an economic ties with Djibouti, Sudan, Kenya, South Sudan and Tanzania. The
construction of train line that connects the country with Djibouti is
completed. The line that connects with Kenya is being worked upon to make it
operational.
In
addition to benefiting Djibouti by providing electric power, Ethiopia is trying
to link Kenya and Tanzania in similar fashion through electric power. And I
think the African Union will understand this will play its own role and
contribution in its effort to unite the Union as one. Our country is also known
for its effort to enable people of Africa grow by utilizing their natural
resource. In this regard, the country is working committedly on the need of
utilizing the water of the Nile River in equitable and fair manner. We can
mention Ethiopia's effort in the the Nile basin initiative cooperative
framework agreement (CFA).
Especially,
its effort to benefit neighboring countries by creating surplus over the
country’s consumption through such projects as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance
Dam; which will have the capability to generate 6 thousand megawatts of
electric power, is well known by the Union. The country has also carried out
the necessary works to implement a self evaluation mechanism through NEPAD in
the effort to bring good governance and democracy to the continent.
In
addition to giving 2000 M2 land where the headquarters of the
African Union headquarter is built freely, Ethiopia has also played huge
contribution in realizing the building by talking with the Chinese government
along with the leaders of the AU – and this fact is written in the history book
of the Union.
By
making Addis Ababa a hub of international diplomacy, Ethiopia is helping build
the image of Africa. In addition to the economic benefit the summit,
assemblies, workshops etc… that take place in the capital of the continent
brings, the fact it also made an African city the go-to platform for such
events has brought pride to the member states of AU. I also think this plays
huge role in elevating African values. And it can be said that these hard facts
show how the African union takes into account our country's and peoples'
contribution to the continent. The African Union thoroughly understands the
firm stance the FDRE government and the people have on peace.
In addition to
achieving its own peace within its borders, our country have for the past 25 years
been protecting the peace of Africans – and I don't think this fact will elude
the leaders of the African Union. The Union assists the works the FDRE
government undertakes to ensure peace. As it is known, the summit of the
African Union has been held without any problem or incident. And the
organization understands that this mostly comes down to the community based
security the government and the people do together. In my belief, these facts
have enabled the organization to correct its prior stance and change its
position regarding the safety of holding the event in Addis Ababa. The peace
and stability that is ensured in our country through the state of emergency is
capable to hold any kind summits here peacefully. Considering that the owners
of the peace process are the people, it has ensured our peace.
As the people
are directly engaged in the peace process that is going on in this country,
there can be no problem – as there is nothing outside of the knowledge of the
people. Therefore, by changing its prior stance on the issue after
understanding this fact and that Addis Ababa is a city of peace, the
organization not only took the right decision but it also gave a recognition to
our peoples' peace-loving stance.
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