When the political landscape is far from level, no doubt, it could create a hotbed for all forms of crimes that give a green light to the spawning of violence fueled by guns.
Inequality irritates most to make recourse to the gun to reverse their fate via shaping the landscape anew. But as those who come to power, remiss to a paradigm shift, opt for the guns estranged from democracy, they, more often than not, aggravate the situation. This calls for another revolution making a vicious cycle of recourse to the guns common phenomena.
Studies show languishing under debilitating poverty could coerce many to contemplate picking arms to spell death on the corrupt and privileged that daily fatten at the expense of the former. Also, for want of modest residential houses, citizens pushed to the peripheries of human dignity could opt for guns as a last line of resort.
Underperforming schools and under resourced services of similar nature could trigger the gun-mongering bent when the doors of opportunities prove barred. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise to see people ensconced on the debris of hopelessness espousing arms as they have nothing to lose except the apron strings they are tied to poverty.
Due to the circulation of arms by the opportunists—terrorists, imposters, political gamblers and doomsayers— with political or financial motives, easy access to arms becomes common phenomena in certain conflict-ridden and war-torn areas. High-risk people do not bat the eyes to buy guns to fortify their security. As researches depict, exposure to gun violence-related phenomena could create health hazards and traumatic situations.
The absence of peace is the formidable friction that bogs down developmental thrusts. For want of development people could lapse into arm struggle, which in turn, could derail development.
What makes the situation tragic is that the African continent has been beset by food insecurity, which still clamors for a redressing action. Most of its people are subject to hazards related to health issues. The continent as well seems in no position to cushion the ills plagues bring on their wakes.
That is why silencing the guns topped Africa’s Agenda. It is in cognizance of the aforementioned ugly phenomena that characterize the continent , the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of heads of State and Government of the African Union is underway under the theme “Silencing the gun” It is a timely meeting to redress the continent’s formidable challenges.
It is heartening to reflect that the meeting is being held here in Addis the capital of Ethiopia always at the forefront in the peace maintenance task of Africa. Ethiopia is also among the pioneering African countries that played an elephantine role for the establishment of the African Union(AU).When it comes to Africa’s development it always on the forefront.
Ethiopia is playing its role in catalyzing interregional integration through trade and transport facilitation. On the global arena it has been spearheading Africa’s environment protection issues and leading negotiations on behalf of Africa.
Ethiopia’s being a votary of peace is not subject to doubt. It always believes neighbors’ tranquility and peace is the prerequisite for own serenity. Premier’s newly introduced outlook of accretion is in the same wavelength of this ideal. The extra mile he went to hammer down the hatred wall erected between Ethiopia and Eretria substantiates this fact. Ethiopia’s role in peace brokering when neighboring countries are at loggerheads could also be mentioned here. In silencing the guns, it is a forerunner. This fact is fine-tuned with its foreign policy.
Despite the heinous motive of those, who suffered political crisis, to mar this nation that tries to see to the peace of fellow countries of the continent, Ethiopia today is fast in displaying resilience to the chagrin of revolution exporters too.
Ethiopia, ever willing to ensure continental peace, has a burning dream to embrace prosperity for itself as well as Africa. As the PM put it, as Ethiopia is a beacon of freedom and the founding member of OAU participants must feel at home in their home away from home.
The Ethiopian Herald Sunday Edition, February 9/2020
