Selam means peace in many Semitic languages including Amharic. It is the most commonly used type of greeting among many people. It is also a very common name in Ethiopia. Many businesses also use it as their trade name. Even in most common preaching of religious institutions, there is always a kernel of best wishes for peace and stability. This means peace has the best place even in the spiritual life of people. Peace is everything and everywhere in Ethiopia.
People from all walks of life, public and private institutions are all talking about peace. As a responsible organ Ministry of peace has been undertaking various activities geared towards ensuring peace in places affected by unrest in recent years.
Religious institutions have been doing some activities in preaching peace. Many Ethiopian people are believed to be religious. Now they are working towards gathering people and holding prayer so that every citizen would be committed to peace and stability.
Higher education institutions were hotspots of conflict and unrest in the past couple of years. By now the institutions are undertaking activities to ensure that they would no more be places of conflict. They would rather be the sources of peace, stability and tolerance.
Musicians and artists are also publishing artworks that uphold the culture of peace and tolerance. These are some of the major activities underway across the nation.
Indeed Ethiopians have many reasons to uphold the issue of peace to this extent. The trauma of war is still fresh in the minds of many people. They have lost friends, families and relatives, suffered from poverty and lost national pride due to civil war and unrest. No one would afford to wage war anymore.
After the end of the protracted war in Ethiopia, people have witnessed a magnificent change in the country’s political and economic sphere. During the past two decades, the country was able to score magnificent changes in its economic development and political activities both at home and abroad. Economically it was able to lift many of its people from abject poverty and possess an economy that is one of the fastest-growing in the world.
It was also able to have an influential position in the regional and global political affairs. It has also been the hub of regional peace and stability, tolerance. As a result, it played a vital role in providing support to the countries of the region in ensuring peace and stability.
The past three years have practically tested the feelings of the people. Conflicts and unrest that flared up in various corners have left many people dead, others displaced and properties damaged. The economy has also faced some drawbacks. This has cast some fear among people that the country would plunge into severe conflict and dangerous situation.
Many people and institutions have turned their face towards safeguarding peace and stability in the country. They have a deep understanding of the benefits of peace and the damages of war. Hence, it is possible to claim with confidence that peace and stability have stepped on a firm and solid foundation in the country. Based on the experiences so far, all incidents and attempts to stir violence in the country are likely to be crushed in buds.
By gradually settling problems that prevail at home currently, Ethiopia will continue to boost its local peace and stability. Furthermore, it will hopefully contribute its best to the peace and stability of the region.
The Ethiopian Herald 7 Sept 2019
