One of the most exciting things about Ethiopia is that it is a country of many nations, nationalities and peoples. This makes the country a mosaic of diverse culture which fascinates every one.
The people also have a tradition of living together peacefully and with tolerance. The people’s tradition of living together was put on a solid foundation following the promulgation of the 1995 Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Constitution.
Before the enactment of the constitution, the people fought for decades in order to ensure their rights to be owners of a democratic system where they would be entitled to make decision on their over all destiny.
As this constitution enshrines on its preamble, the diverse nations, nationalities and peoples of the country are the founders and building blocks of the whole nation and sources of political power to the government.
“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 democratic order, and advancing our economic and social development, … have 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 fulfill the objectives and the principles set forth…”
By doing this they have defied the old and long held notion that the people, regardless of their linguistic, cultural and religious differences, are subordinate to the arbitrary rule of a central political power.
Apart from cementing a covenant on constitution the people have embarked up on renewing their commitment by commemorating the day every year. Accordingly they have opened a chance to come closer together, exchange mutual respect and share experiences.
The day also serves as a platform to enhance unity and cooperation between and among each other. The events commemorated so far have contributed a lot for the unity of the people. The celebration that takes place this year also comes at a special occasion when the nations, nationalities have got a chance to have direct participation on the overall political activities of the nation.
As mentioned above, the people fought to become sources of political power and active participants in their own political and economic affairs. Still there is a growing consensus among peoples and politicians that the issue of protecting the rights of nations and nationalities is an issue of survival and/or existence to the country.
The Ethiopian Herald December 7/2019
