Ethiopia is one of the most diversified countries with
over 80 nations, nationalities and peoples living together
in harmony. The very diversified and uniquely decorated
cultural and traditional manifestations, however, have
never dragged them back from persistent tolerance and
mutual respect.
People have long developed the trend of
living harmoniously with others regardless of ethnic, race,
language and religion differences. The nations, nationalities
and peoples of the country are endowed with rich traditional
conflict resolution values which tie them up to live together
harmoniously.
There is no argument that the long rooted culture of
inclusiveness of Ethiopians is still there apart from sporadic
ethnic based violence which, most people believe, originated
from the hidden hands of few groups with own agendas.
Speaker of House of Federation, Keriya Ibrahim, recently
also confirmed that nation has witnessed few incidents
that claimed the lives of people, brought infrastructural
destruction and displacement of residents, and massive
sorrow among the community in some areas across the
nation.
Amid these sporadic violations, the nation is under
multifaceted preparation to celebrate the 13th Nations,
Nationalities and Peoples’ Day here in the capital colorfully.
The feast aims at facilitating cultural and traditional exchanges,
boosting common ground of understanding among each other
and maintaining the golden values of living in harmony by
tolerating differences.
This year’s Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Day is a
unique one for at least two reasons. Firstly, the Day will be
commemorated after the astonishing political reforms of the
nation following years of mass oppositions for change.
To the
contrary, it is going to be celebrated at a time when we all are
witnessing sporadic ethnic based violence in some parts of the
country. It is an exigent issue that demand consolidated effort
from every corner apart from the efforts exerted by residents of
the area.
The residents have been stating that what has been happening
does not represent them, and they strongly condemn it. The stage,
thus, would be an ideal platform in which all Ethiopians stand
together as one and renew their commitment: to halt hostility in
all its forms, bring lasting peace and build a peaceful, prosperous
and democratic Ethiopia.
On top of that, the concerned body in charge of this event is
expected to properly utilize the opportunity in a way that shows
how nations, nationalities and peoples still stand together to
curb possible threat against the prolonged culture of living in
harmony.
The Ethiopian Herald, December 5/2018
