Last Monday, December 9, 2019 Ethiopians celebrated the 14th Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Day (NNPD) colorfully at the Addis Ababa Stadium in the presence of President Sahle-Work Zewde, Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen and Speaker of the House of Federation Keria Ibrahim as well as senior government officials and thousands of Addis Ababa dwellers and representatives drawn from all corners of the country.
The annual celebration marks the day on which the rights and equality of the Ethiopian nations, nationalities and peoples were fully guaranteed under the constitution. The event was marked under the theme, “Our constitutional promises for sustainable peace.”
Addressing the crowd gathered at the Stadium, President Sahle-Work Zewde said that the day is vital for the people of the country to reflect their respective cultures, living styles and values and further strengthen the unity of the Ethiopian people.
“It is clear that we all are sailing on the same boat. Thus, we should work together for the wellbeing of all of us”.
To this effect, the need to inducing and strengthening the culture of resolving differences through dialogue and mutual discussions is imperative to resolve differences. “We have to cooperate, stand together and build our mutual home together,” the President noted.
Speaker of the House of Federation, Keriya Ibrahim, on her part said that celebration of this Day is vital to promote unity in diversity since it is a platform that symbolizes the equality, unity and mutual benefit of all nations, nationalities and peoples’ in the country irrespective of any differences, she noted.
Diversity, if treated in democratic ways and in a proper manner, could be a source of national strength and pride. And such kind of events is crucial to further strengthen mutual ties among nations and nationalities and peoples, she added.
Shemelis Abdissa, Deputy Chief Administrator of Oromia State, also said that it is important to strengthen mutual victories attained so far and address drawbacks without compromise. “We have to stand together instead of pushing each other,” he noted.
Underlining the need to build a genuine federal system and ensure the rights of nations, nationalities and peoples, Shemelis said that the federal system should also be participatory for all in all national issues in a sustained manner.
Of the participants taking part in the event Haile Eyesus Filate is the one. Haile Eyesus came from Amhara State. He said that this year celebration gives due emphasis to peace. In the previous years, practices that erode the values of peoples’ and endangered national unity had been reflected, and there were unrest and violence in some parts of the country.
Anti-peace elements that instigate conflict among the public should stop their evil acts and the youths should distance themselves from such activities. “We have to close any gaps that may divide us and stand together to realize the unified prosperous Ethiopia,” he said.
Workinesh Eyasu came from Benishangul-Gumuz State, Assosa Town representing the Shinasha ethnic group. She noted that when all Ethiopians celebrate the Day along together, they could strengthen multinationalism and national unity. The right of nations, nationalities and peoples’ of Ethiopia has been articulated well in country’s constitution. However, there are some issues which should be readdressed and corrected in bid to ensure the benefits and rights of nations, nationalities equally, she opined.
Opening a symposium organized to celebrate this year’s NNPD on Sunday, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed said that the 14th Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Day (NNPD) is being observed when all Ethiopians have just begun to practice their constitutional rights and multinational federalism for real .
The government capitalizes on the ceremony to create a country all of its citizens proud of being associated, stressed that Ethiopia would overcome challenges it has currently encountered. “I can assure you that we will build a new Ethiopia that its people live in love and peaceful coexistence.”
The struggle the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia have been waged over years aimed to create a country all of its citizens are equal and their quest for equality is clearly stipulated in the constitution. The Ethiopian people envisioned a nation where every citizen has the right to free movement, employment and take the leadership positions based on merit.
Noting that the engagement of some interest groups to create difference among the people of Ethiopia hinder the country’s development endeavors, the Premier said that due attention should be given to bring about development through concerted efforts of all Ethiopians.
The Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia should also attach equal consideration to learn one another’s assets, cultures and languages thereby enhancing mutual understanding and sustaining the age-old peace of the country, the Premier added.
“Ensuring democracy is not an easy task,” he said, adding that directing Ethiopia’s move towards democratization, despite challenges, led the country to success and prosperity. “Through effectively exercising mutual respect, tolerance and patience, we could obtain success in our quest to prosperity.”
PM Abiy called on the public to capitalize on the ceremony to promise to exercise peace, tolerance and inclusiveness and benefit from fruits of brotherhood in a bid to support government’s vision of eradicating illiteracy and backwardness and build a prosperous Ethiopia after 10 years.
The Army should maintain neutrality from politics and need to effectively fulfill its mission and meet obligations so as to protect Ethiopia’s prosperity path and democratization efforts from threats, he remarked.
Earlier, the PM extended a congratulatory message in connection with the Nations, Nations and Peoples’ Day. In his message, Abiy stated that the day signifies unity in diversity and cherish multiculturalism as well as show how the people of Ethiopia intertwined one another with blood, culture, values and norms.
The Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia have paid noble sacrifice for equality, freedom, justice and self-administration to develop their cultures and languages. The Constitution has guaranteed the long-awaited struggle for self-determination of the Ethiopian people.
According to the Premier, the current federal system ensures the inclusiveness of all regional states in the country’s political system.
The Dire Dawa City Administration will host the 15th Ethiopian Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Day next year, it was learnt.
The Ethiopian Herald December11, 2019
BY STAFF REPORTER
