Yekatit 12, which falls on either the 19th or the 20th of February, is Remembrance Day in Ethiopia. It was the day when, in 1937, many gave their lives in the fight against fascist Italy. This day is commemorated every year.
The valor, courage and patriotism of these brave soldiers is not questioned by Ethiopians. They are held in the highest regard, and considered true patriots and heroes by all.
Ethiopia has, without a doubt, a great and noble military tradition. With remarkably few exceptions, the history of Ethiopia’s military is a long and proud history of maintaining independence, liberty and freedom.
In light of this, it might seem rather surprising that, nowadays, the security forces, particularly the military, tend not to be well respected at all.
In other words, while Ethiopians hold the soldiers who fought the fascists – and their military tradition – in high regard, they often have little to know respect for the modern military.
As we reflect on the magnitude of the sacrifice of those who defended society against fascism and colonialism, we would do well to consider our attitude towards the modern military and its veterans.
First, let us make some general observations: In comparison to other countries, the security forces have generally got little recognition nowadays. However, in light of the largely positive role of Ethiopia’s military, the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) – within the country, and in the region – it seems illogical that the troops are not duly respected by society.
Now, some will argue that, actually, this is not correct, that soldiers do get respect, and the contribution of the security forces – particularly in the context of peacekeeping – has been well known, by politicians, the general public, and the international community.
This is true to some extent, but it is rather beside the point here. For example, let us consider the way US-American society perceives the military.
Regardless of political persuasion, religious or ethnic background, or other distinguishing factors, one thing that people agree on – even more so during election time – is always, without exception: “Support our troops.”
Conversely, people with what might be described as an ‘anti-military attitude’ tend to be considered ‘radical’ or ‘unpatriotic’ by the broader mainstream society in the US.
However, nothing better illustrates the degree of respect, positive perception, and high regard the troops are accorded in the United States than this simple fact: Anyone who wants to be a viable presidential candidate must be seen not only to ‘support the troops’, in general, but show respect, admiration and gratitude, to the veterans. If a candidate – or president – is perceived as not duly respecting the veterans, this will, with absolute certainty, make them extremely unpopular with large sections of US society, and thus unelectable.
Looking at other countries, it can often be observed, for instance, that, while the military may not play a significant role within the society, its members are, unlike politicians, generally trusted and respected, and public opinion tends to be supportive of the security forces.
Austria is a case in point. Except perhaps in the context of natural disasters and relief efforts, the military’s role has been so negligible that many have demanded its abolition. This, it is argued, would save taxpayers a huge amount of money, with no actual disadvantages.
And yet, unlike politicians or government officials, the troops enjoy the trust and fervent support of the general public, and people have voted not to abolish the armed forces. So high ran emotions at one point, those politicians even had to backtrack on plans to merely reduce the size of military bands as a cost-saving measure.
Given the respect and positive attitude towards the military in general, veterans in particular, in societies where the role of the military is, to say the least, questionable, it is striking to observe how, in Ethiopia, members of the ENDF – whose positive societal contribution cannot legitimately be denied – tend to get virtually no respect, and are generally not very highly regarded.
After all, these days, it can easily be observed that, often citing ‘bad pay’, some go to great length to persuade their relatives to leave the military, and advise them to go to Europe or America, and find a better paid job there.
Apparently, the idea that this is nothing less than ‘deeply unpatriotic’, ‘not in keeping with Ethiopia’s military tradition’, or that it might be in the interest of society to actually encourage friends or relatives in the military to continue their career, or others to join up, does not even seem to cross people’s minds.
Similarly, many do not acknowledge the actual role of the modern military, and its contribution to peace and stability, including at the present moment. All too often, Ethiopians now consider soldiers the ‘political facilitators of the old regime’, ‘brutal killers’, or ‘too stupid for another job’.
By the same token, the veterans – whether retired or still on active duty – are, unlike those of the World War Two generation, anything but respected and honored by society. Instead, veterans now tend to be seen as ‘political actors’, motivated by ethnic-based grievances, or similarly misguidedly.
The idea that we should be ‘saluting our brave soldiers, and give due respect and honor to our veterans’, apparently, does not even cross people’s minds.
As we commemorate soldiers of a passed generation, and at this time of rapid change, of societal instability, of unrest and insecurity, and with the election campaign under way, we would do well to take a moment to reflect on the role of Ethiopia’s modern military in general, long-serving veterans in particular.
The men and women of the ENDF provide, maintain, and guarantee the peace, stability and security so we desperately need at this crucial and decisive time in Ethiopia’s history.
The veterans of what later became the ENDF, surely, deserve our recognition and respect. Over a lifetime of service, they have fought and sacrificed, for the betterment of all – not unlike those we commemorate every year. To consider them true patriots, too, and show them due regard, seems only right.
Having thus considered, the question arises: Does contemporary Ethiopian society treat its soldiers justly?
In light of their sacrifice, and in view of their positive role, surely, we must concede that soldiers – from young privates to veteran generals – do deserve to be highly regarded, respected, and duly honored, just like they were in the 1930s and ‘40s – which, logically, includes adequate remuneration, as this has always been an indication of the value society attaches to a service.
As we commemorate and salute the soldiers of a previous generation, while the election campaign continues to take shape and unfold, let us loyally salute those who now provide the security without which this election campaign could not take place.
Let us endeavor to show due respect and regard to those who have chosen to be part of Ethiopia’s military tradition. Let us be proud and grateful, cognizant of the sacrifice of all veterans.
Certainly, Ethiopians owe them, at the very least, respect and recognition, for their service to the society.
The Ethiopian Herald Friday 28 February 2020
BY KALYPSO SCHULMEISTER
