It is a fact that Ethiopians have been faced with multiple challenges caused by internal and external factors. Even from the ancient times, many had tried to dismantle the strong tie and unity that its people have developed for centuries though any of such attempts were never a reality as the nation is the land of brave, heroic and heroines who never for a second compromise on the sovereignty of their country.
Its people had never let their enemy leave with victory, even the ones who were more civilized and powerful had no choice but to bow down for the Ethiopians who fought with bare feet. No matter how the people hold differences among them; their difference has never come before the nation.
However, the nation embraced countless valiant and selfless Ethiopians who never hesitated to sacrifice their lives to uphold the sovereignty of their nation, on the contrary, the land has also brought individuals who are willing to take the nation down with them if their wish is never granted by any means even at the cost of the nation.
Even between these different realities, Ethiopians are still on the go to serve and protect their country from enemies: who never want to see the existence of a prosperous country. Since the law enforcement operation that the government of Ethiopia was forced to apply following the brutal attack the TPLF terrorists committed against the Ethiopian National Defense Forces located in Tigray State on Nov 4, 2020, the people of Ethiopia have never left the National Defense Force alone.
They have shown their support and dedication through providing the army with financial, material and above all psychological support. Standing along with the government and the army, people across the country including Ethiopians who reside in different parts of the world have shown their continuous support at the same time kept condemning the evil acts that the terrorist group committed.
Recently, the residents of Addis Ababa and people from the surrounding area of Oromia Special Zone flocked to the streets of Meskel Square on Sunday to endorse their support and commitment – to stand along with the national army as well as denounce the devilish acts of the terrorist group.
During the demonstration, the people have reiterated their protest against the international partners who turn deaf ears to the heinous act that the remnants of the terrorist group are committing against civilians as well as destabilizing the country.
By holding slogans that condemn the terrorist group, the participants also expressed their commitment and solidarity to the Ethiopia Defense Forces.
Habtamu Waqjira, who joined the demonstration with his friends from Sululta, Oromia State told the local media (ENA) that his solidarity and readiness to stand by the defense force who has been sacrificing their lives to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation from internal and external enemies.
He reiterated that ‘Ethiopians will never allow external interference in their internal affairs’ highlighting the need to fortify unity to beat the current challenges that the nation is going through.
He further emphasized his deep concern for the safety and stability of the country and condemned the provocative acts and the wrongdoings that the remnants of the terrorist group are committing to dismantle the unity of Ethiopians.
Reminding the atrocious attack committed on the Northern Command National Defense Forces, he indicated that the incident has never happened in Ethiopian history and called on everyone to denounce the brutal acts.
For her take on the issue, another participant Tewabech Andarge, mentioned to the same media that Ethiopians have shown their solidarity and support for the National Defense Forces and expressed the need to continue the all-around support so as to end the challenges the nation has been facing.
As to her, the army has been making great achievements through sacrificing its lives to protecting the sovereignty of the nation. Thus, she reaffirmed that she felt proud to take part in the rally and expressed her readiness to support the defense force in every possible way.
Another demonstrator from the capital, Masresha Tefera also stressed that Ethiopians have no room for bandits who have conspiring with external enemies to destabilizing Ethiopia.
The participants have also called on all Ethiopians to strengthen their unity in order to curb the existing challenges including the unfair external pressure being exerted on the government of Ethiopia.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
The Ethiopian Herald 12 August 2021
