Mohammad Al Arusi
BY STAFF REPORTER
Today’s guest Mohammed Al Arusi was born and raised in Mecca Medina of Saudi Arabia. He studied his first degree in language and literature. He had been listening to the wonderful history of the homeland of his parents since childhood. They especially told him about the fascinating history of Ethiopia, its rich cultural diversity, the beautiful scenery which yields crops year in year out and the amazing climate variability observed in the country. This enabled him to be devoted to and discern Ethiopia than those who were born in and decide to stand for the benefit of it.
He fell in love with Ethiopia and its people and has been fighting with greedy people and countries which imagine their benefit. Especially in connection with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), he has been debating neck to neck with his motive against politicians and activities to protect the country from the influence of Egypt and Sudan. Having better knowledge of the issue of GERD and appearing in the international media outlets, he worked as a goodwill ambassador for the motherland and zipped the mouth of many activists. This won him big recognition among many Ethiopians.
He also exposed the hidden agenda of Egypt and other countries about GERD. Following the reform, he came to Ethiopia to serve his country more than ever before. He now runs as a candidate of the prosperity party to serve his country on full terms. In the stay with activist and journalist Mohammed Al Arusi, the Ethiopia Press Agency reporters raised ranges of issues regarding GERD and other matters. Excerpts:
You were born and raised abroad. How could you adore and stand for a country you did not grow up in? What is the secret?
It is hard to respond to such a question and it is a question raised by many people. My belief is “all people need to live, debate, support others to make their goal a success. Though we were born and raised abroad, our relatives always used to tell us that “Ethiopia is our destination”. “Though you are not born in Ethiopia, Don’t bring the country out of your heart considering that it is a country of your fathers,” they alerted us every other day. This is the fact that initiates me to adore and stand forever for the benefit of Ethiopia. That is why; I and other children born abroad protect Ethiopia from any possible harm.
The point I want to raise in connection with this is that we were listening to interesting stories about Ethiopia which made us proud and delighted. One of which is that the country bestowed many things for the rest of the world. The history I am still proud of is “The country has never been colonized.” Apart from this, it is a country that received the first Muslim pilgrims from Saudi Arabia and allowed them to worship Islam freely. Prophet Mohammed also witnessed that Ethiopia is a country with no one badly treated. I am very proud because I belong to Ethiopia.
Since I lived with Saudi Arabians and other people who came from many countries, all of them need to make their country prominent. They presented their country as high as other countries. When returned home, our families always told us about the place they were raised, the capital Addis Ababa, and other places including the topography, people’s way of life and how the people residing intolerance etc. when we go out of home, citizens of other countries defame the reputation of the country. Since childhood, we have been making a debate among ourselves.
So how do you explain Ethiopia as a country?
To be Frank, there are no words to explain Ethiopia well. The country has a huge population with the chance of sustainable growth. By the way, Ethiopia is a country where anyone can be rich from the scratch. By and large, if you ask me to choose one country from the world, the lonely preference for me in Ethiopia. If we work hand and glove, we can elevate ourselves more than other countries. I need to see Ethiopia a country comfortable both for work and reside in. My objective is to make Ethiopia a country that all people talk about.
What is the value of being a united people? What is your belief in this regard?
What makes Ethiopia peculiar from other countries is, nations and nationalities and peoples are residing in harmony. Every ethnic group has its language and culture but they are living with tolerance. We have to take it as national pride. All Ethiopians are equal. If one ethnic group made a mistake, all of us need to condemn him. The person should only be condemned because he made a mistake. Let alone others, the ethnic group he belongs to should first appear to condemn him. As one who won in athletics creates pleasure for all Ethiopians, we did not say he is a hero because he belongs to this or that ethnic group. When I came to Ethiopia, no one asked me about my ethnic group. As a result, I feel proud of that. We have to raise awareness of the people not to abuse the right of anyone.
How do you find Ethiopia, was it equivalent as you imagine it before?
As explained before, my family played a paramount role to know the history of Ethiopia. For instance, in the country we resided in, there is nothing that showcases the culture and tradition of Ethiopian people. There is no Ethiopian restaurant. However, our families had prepared Ethiopian cultural foods to teach us about our identity. This by itself increases our love for our country. Second, citizens of other countries have big shops to introduce their culture. Sadly, you cannot find something that promotes Ethiopia. This was one thing that made me awful. Later on, we have seen Ethiopian cultural equipment in various shops following the effort of the government and some volunteers.
I heard about Ethiopia when I was abroad. What I saw is far beyond what I
was told. I see fast growth, development and be optimistic than ever before. This enabled me to think that Ethiopia will have a chance of joining world countries with top economic performance.
On the other hand, our families told us about Ethiopia’s history and culture. For instance, we were inspired and proud to listening how elders resolved disagreement between two or more people.
Do you think that you gained adequate support from the government for the effort you made in connection with GERD?
In connection with GERD, I have got due support from the government. Above all what makes me delightful is the love and respect that I gained from Ethiopian people. I am very happy because I stand for GERD. I believed that GERD is the identity of Ethiopia and the footstep of this generation. I am very happy because it is a giant project which does not significantly harm the benefit of downstream countries. I would like to thank all Ethiopians for the respect they gave me. When I talk about many people, they are bothering very much about their country even though they have many life challenges. This encourages me more than ever before.
What is more, we (Ethiopian) should further strengthen development activities and leave our finger prints. Here I want to thank all Ethiopians for the support provided to me. I am very proud of you all. We have to show the love between us. We will have, to stand together, walk together, correct errors and promote and magnify the fabulous tasks.
How do you evaluate the effort of downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan to influence Ethiopia?
Right you are. They are trying to influence Ethiopia up to their level best. Using all the possible coincidences, they have been continuously toiling to obstruct the construction of the dam. This is clear and understandable. However, Ethiopia is a country that has defeated colonial powers and safeguarded its sovereignty. I have a belief that even though there would be influence from these countries; Ethiopia will hit the target set via overcoming the challenges. Even though the governments of the two countries are trying to influence Ethiopia, the people-to-people relations between the three countries are well and good. What we need to do is, strengthen these relations and come to a consensus. However, some are wishing evil and working to create havoc. We have to be alert in providing relevant responses for these anti-peace elements.
How do you see the deal between the three countries that is mediated by the Africa Union? Do you think it makes Ethiopians profitable?
More is expected from Ethiopia in terms of diplomacy concerning GERD and others’ state of affairs. Ethiopia gives ample space for such a big deal. As it has great respect and recognition for the AU, the commitment of Ethiopia, in this regard, should be acknowledged. It is a showcase for all Africans how African solutions address African problems. Exposing our weakness to outsiders is an embarrassment. Some want to eliminate this.
Apart from diplomacy, we have strengthened the tasks that have been made in the media. We will be effective if we have to look at some points carefully and conduct studies about them. The diplomatic activities carried out which has been taken by the Ethiopian government is awesome and all Ethiopians proud of it. However, it does not mean that it isenough; it would rather remain much to be done.
As it has wide acceptance by the Arab world, do you think Egypt can influence Ethiopia?
As you said earlier, Egypt has wide space in the heart of Arab countries and the rest of the world. Ethiopia understands the aforesaid reality and never denied it. Similarly, Ethiopia has also an equivalent diplomatic level with that of Egypt. In terms of topography, Ethiopia has been getting high respect from Arab countries. Through the interview with various media outlets, I am promoting Ethiopia as the land of origins. There was a big communication gap between the Arab world and Ethiopia. They do not know about Ethiopia but Egypt has been promoting her agenda using numerous media of her own. However, there has not been a response from Ethiopia’s side. That was the gap that creates the problem. Arab countries are our brothers. Using the good relations built so far, we should inform them to see the issue of GERD from the perspective of both parties. Now, Ethiopia has been narrowing the gaps observed in this regard through Promoting itself. The country has been disseminating information about its rights and obligations.
When you are making a debate with activists, politicians and hydrologists on GERD issues, you are explaining every point as an engineer. How was this possible?
The task I have been doing in this regard makes you amazed. First, I hold blunder information they released, collect information and try to find the truth. Previously, gaining information was a very arduous task. However, at times when I fail to get reliable information, I have been making a debate with them holding different stances. Unfortunately, it becomes true. When I discussed with experts in the area, they told me that my stance is true. Now it is simple to get information. I read a lot to be competing with others.
You are now running as a candidate of the prosperity party. Do you have any reason to participate in the upcoming election? If you win the election, how would you address language barriers?
I can serve my country Ethiopia because of the Ethiopians. Especially I stand in front of the international media representing all the Ethiopian people. I will use all the opportunity to do this. If I am elected, the position will assist me to do a better job. Some people asked me, “are leaving the Ethiopian people?” “How could you belong to a single political party?” I never put down the Ethiopian people. Instead, I engaged in the election to serve Ethiopians more than ever before by being a voice for the voiceless. I will discriminate against myself if it will affect my previous career.
Involving in a given party cannot make me good or bad. I should be evaluated by my performance. Engaging in the party, I couldn’t add or deduct something. A person should be judged by the duties it performed or contributions. Any political party can make mistakes, but, the mistake can rectify imperfections through toiling together.
About language barriers, from the beginning, I cannot face a language quandary to communicate with the Ethiopian people. From the beginning, it is the people who accepted me. Arabic is the preeminent and simple language to enlighten me. However, if you ask me how I can explain myself to the people, I can use technology. What is more, I am trying to learn the Amharic language. You will see awesome results in this regard.
I would like to thank you on behalf of our esteemed readers
Thank you for having me
The Ethiopian Herald April 17/2021
