Patriotism or national pride is the feeling of love, devotion, and sense of attachment to a homeland or the country and alliance with other citizens who share the same sentiment to create a feeling of oneness among the people.
Some people have no words to express the emotion they have to their country except through shedding tears. Such patriotism is a common feeling especially among Ethiopians living abroad. The love and affection of the Ethiopian Diaspora to their country is a showcase to this reality.
They have repeatedly shown how much they worry about their motherland even if they are living distant to it. In short, the Diaspora community is full of longing for the country.
Even if they are living in the distance, the Diaspora stands guard over their country without taking their eyes off. They will not allow the country to be affected under any circumstances.
The Diaspora community, despite their divergent views and interests, has always been committed to national unity. Of course, in the past, the conspiracy to classify Ethiopians along ethnic and religious lines was not easy. Moreover, there was no stone unturned to divide Ethiopians who are living at home and abroad. The effort that was carried out to prevent them from working together for the nation’s development. By and large, the plot to dismantle Ethiopia and her people failed.
Even if the perpetrator, (the terrorist TPLF) has been working to dismantle the unity of the people, the Ethiopians did not allow this to happen. The enemy of the country has disappeared like a mist. The unity of the people, which seems to be fragmented, became so strong, and embarrassed the perpetrators. In fact, it is patriotic and hopeful to build on a solid foundation of unity. The people’s unity and solidarity are stronger than ever.
The Diaspora community, despite their divergent views and interests, has always been committed to national unity. Of course, in the past, the conspiracy to classify Ethiopians along ethnic and religious lines was not easy. Moreover, there was no stone unturned to divide Ethiopians who are living at home and abroad. Every effort that was carried out to prevent them from working together for nation’s development was demolished. By and large, the plot to dismantle Ethiopia and her people was failed.
Even if the perpetrator, (the terrorist TPLF) has been working to dismantle the unity of the people, the Ethiopians did not allow this to happen. Later on, by the struggle of the people the enemy of the country disappeared like a mist. The unity of the people, which seems fragmented, became stronger and stronger, and made the perpetrators liable by the law of the country. In fact, patriotism built on a solid foundation of unity thereby people’s unity and solidarity became stronger than ever.
At a time when the West is keeping a close eye on Ethiopia and their media is spreading distorted information, the Diaspora community has shown their commitment standing by the side of their country.
In addition, the fact that the Diaspora community from the United States has come to Ethiopia to explain the real situation at home for the international community and this is a testimonial that assures them that they are worried for their country. As a result, they have confirmed in person that the international media is spreading false and misleading views about Ethiopia appearing in various media outlets. When they returned to the United States, they promised to brief the situation at home to others.
The Ethiopians have made great efforts to clear misconceptions for the international community. The efforts of Ethiopians have not been in vain. The Grand Renaissance Dam negotiation, which was presented to the UN, returned to the Africa Union due to the pressure of the Ethiopian Diaspora.
At the same time, the Ethiopian Diaspora opposed the United States to its efforts of imposing sanctions in support of the terrorist TPLF, especially since it wants a government and a country that can run as it pleases. As a result, the Diaspora has thwarted the efforts of TPLF’s supporters to defame the image of Ethiopia.
Accordingly, the United States has delayed the draft HR 445, which was to be decided by the House of Representatives based on the misinformation about Ethiopia.
The Diaspora has repeatedly sought to provide accurate information about Ethiopia to senators and members of the Congress. Despite their efforts, they were able to explain the truth to Congressman Karen-bass. As a result, Congressman Karen-bass wanted to verify the facts before the passage of HR 445, a draft document that was to be presented to the US Congress on human rights abuses.
According to the Ethiopian Diaspora Agency, members of the Ethiopian and Eritrean communities in Germany staged a peaceful demonstration under the title ‘Peace and Stability for East Africa’.
In addition to the complex problems that Ethiopia is currently facing, the Diaspora is working tirelessly to withstand the pressure of external forces. In terms of diplomacy, much work is also being done through digital media. They are also working hard to streamline Twitter campaigns and prevent misinformation about Ethiopia. The commitment of the Diaspora, which is currently benefiting the country to a great extent, should be encouraged and supported.
The Diaspora, which does not compromise on national unity, is leading the way in the construction sector; they, for instance, have been providing due support for the realization of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) with its resources, knowledge and diplomacy.
In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian Press Agency Former US Congressional Candidate Tewodros Alemayehu said the Diaspora should continue to work together so as to alleviate external pressure against Ethiopia as a result of misinformation. The Diaspora has been working together in the past and reversed pressure of western countries. This effort should be intensified with better coordination and commitment. The united arm of Ethiopians and Ethiopian friends has been slowing down the effort to put external pressure on the government.
It is common for US governments to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, said Tewodros citing Libya, Egypt and Somalia as good examples for the aforesaid statement he raised. External forces raised security concerns and humanitarian aid as a reason to do whatever they want.
The current US administration is applying the strategy it has followed in other countries and striving to repeat the same in Ethiopia. It was “unfortunate” that there were indications that the Biden administration wanted to put pressure on Ethiopia before it came to power. “Ethiopia is a sovereign country which does not allow foreign powers to interfere in its internal affairs,” he said.
“I have been vocal about the US government’s interference in Ethiopia’s internal affairs in the past”.
He regretted that the US government had prepared a draft document without consulting Ethiopians in the United States. He pointed out that Resolution 445, which was drafted by Congressman Karen Bass, is a draft document that has not been thoroughly examined.
Tewodros said the proposed resolution is not an indication of a solution to the pressure on Ethiopia. “This decision should have been presented to the Senate at the beginning of August, but by the efforts of Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia, the matter has now been stopped and I hope the Congress will reconsider it”.
As it is a knowledge and resource rich country, the US government’s position on Ethiopia should be balanced. I have a responsibility and will work hard for that. It would be appropriate to inform in advance of any economic or other sanctions that could cause harm to the public.
Tewodros said the recent decision by Congressman Karen Bass was also made without due diligence. Former congressional candidate says Ethiopians living in the United States have little involvement in the country’s political process. He urged them to participate in any political structure of the country for the benefit of Ethiopia.
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
The Ethiopian Herald 15 August 2021
