Seeing the commonalities rather than the differences

(One scene drama)

Scene: A Meeting Hall

The room is filled with the murmur of voices as participants settle into their seats. A large map of the Red Sea region hangs on the wall, marked with various trade routes and conflict zones. Daniel, a sturdy man in his mid-forties, stands at the front, his presence commanding attention. The atmosphere is tense, charged with the urgency of the topics to be discussed.

Daniel: (clearing his throat) Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re diving into the complex geopolitics of the Red Sea, particularly in the context of East Africa and Ethiopia. We’ll touch on resources, proxy wars, trade routes, and the ever-looming specter of terrorism.

He gestures toward the map, his finger tracing the coastline of the Red Sea.

Daniel: The Red Sea is not just a body of water; it’s a lifeline for trade and a battleground for influence. Gold and water—two critical resources—are at the heart of the conflicts we see today.

As he speaks, Aron, a spectacled man with an athletic build, leans forward, his brow furrowed in thought.

Aron: (interrupting) But Daniel, focusing solely on external factors ignores the internal weaknesses that plague us. The strife in East Africa and Ethiopia is largely a reflection of our own failures—poor governance and a democracy that’s still in its infancy.

The room quiets, eyes shifting between Daniel and Aron.

Daniel: (nodding) I hear you, Aron. But let’s not externalize our issues. Yes, we have administrative challenges, but the external pressures are significant.

Benyam, a man with a fierce gaze and a heart full of nationalism, rises, his voice rising above the murmurs.

Beneyam: (defiantly) Daniel, while I agree that governance is an issue, we must recognize that foreign powers have a vested interest in keeping us weak. Look at the historical context! The same Western nations that preach democracy often conspire to undermine us.

He paces, his passion contagious.

Beneyam: They’ve openly stated their desire to see a divided Ethiopia—one that can’t stand on its own. You think this is just about governance? No! It’s about a concerted effort to weaken us through divide and rule tactics, just as they did during colonization!

Daniel raises an eyebrow, intrigued but skeptical.

Daniel: What about Howard Nicholas’s perspective? He argues that while external influences exist, we must first take responsibility for our internal cohesion. How can we unify if we keep blaming others?

Benyam shakes his head, adamant.

Beneyam: Yes, but Nicholas also acknowledges the strategic manipulation of our resources. The dam on the Blue Nile is a prime example. Historic enemies want to subdue us, stoking divisions along ethnic and religious lines.

Aron, adjusting his glasses, interjects.

Aron: They might want to weaken us, but doesn’t that mean we have to strengthen our internal structures? We can’t just sit back and wait for the West to change its tactics.

The tension in the room thickens as participants shift in their seats, contemplating this clash of ideas.

Beneyam: (passionately) Strengthening our internal structures is vital, Aron, but we cannot ignore the fact that our enemies are actively working to exploit our divisions. Henry Kissinger once stated that to subjugate Ethiopia, they must use divide and rule. This is not just theory; it’s a reality we must confront!

Daniel watches the exchange, weighing the implications of their arguments.

Daniel: So, what’s the solution? How do we move forward while acknowledging these external pressures without falling into paralysis?

Benyam’s eyes blaze with determination.

Beneyam: We need a Pan-African approach! We must unite as East Africans, leveraging our shared history and resources. The betrayal of leaders who align with Western interests must end. We should be collaborating, not fighting amongst ourselves!

Aron leans back, contemplating Benyam’s words.

Aron: I agree that collaboration is essential, but how do we ensure that our leaders prioritize our unity over personal gain?

Daniel steps in, attempting to guide the conversation.

Daniel: It starts with accountability. Citizens need to demand transparency and engage in the political process. If we remain passive, we leave the door open for external manipulation.

The atmosphere shifts as participants nod in agreement, contemplating their role in this complex landscape.

Beneyam: And let’s not forget Thomas Sankara! The West feared his vision for a united Africa, one that stood against neocolonialism. His assassination was a clear message: a strong, united Africa threatens their interests. We must learn from his legacy!

The passion in Benyam’s voice resonates with the group, stirring hope amidst the tension.

Daniel: (nodding) Sankara’s vision is indeed a powerful reminder. We must be vigilant against those who would seek to divide us and recognize that our strength lies in unity, both internally and with our neighbors.

Aron, now more animated, leans forward.

Aron: So, how do we foster this unity? What concrete steps can we take?

Beneyam paces again, his mind racing with possibilities.

Beneyam: We must start grassroots movements that promote dialogue among different ethnic groups. Education is key—teaching our people about our shared history and the dangers of division.

Daniel interjects, trying to synthesize their ideas.

Daniel: Yes, and we could organize forums that bring together diverse voices. Create platforms for discussion, so people can see the commonalities rather than the differences.

Aron raises his hand, a spark of inspiration igniting.

Aron: What if we create a coalition of young leaders across East Africa? A movement that embodies Pan-Africanism and challenges the status quo?

Benyam stops, his eyes lighting up with the prospect.

Beneyam: Yes! A coalition that stands against external manipulation and promotes self-reliance. We can advocate for policies that prioritize our interests, cutting through the narratives imposed by foreign powers.

Daniel smiles, feeling the energy shift towards a more constructive direction.

Daniel: This is the kind of dialogue we need. Acknowledging our challenges while also seeking solutions. It’s time to harness the strength of our youth and their vision for a united future.

The participants nod in agreement, the tension in the room transforming into a shared commitment to action. As they discuss the next steps, the camaraderie grows stronger, their voices rising in unison, echoing the sentiment of hope and resilience.

The scene fades as they continue to brainstorm, the map behind them symbolizing both the challenges and the potential for unity in a region fraught with complexity.

The lights dim, leaving the audience with a sense of urgency and possibility, a reminder that the path forward lies in collective action and unwavering resolve.

BY ALEM HAILU G/KRISTOS

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 5 JUNE 2025

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