BY EPHREM ANDRAGCHEW
The British strategic thinker Basil Liddell Hart once wrote that “if you want peace, understand war” while the revolutionary Marxist Leon Trotsky confirmed confidently that “you may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you”. These sayings are true that war has been a central feature of human history. Along with war, instability, poverty, and puppet government have seen the fate of developing countries like Ethiopia.
Since the end of the Cold War, both the frequency and lethality of war have shown a sharp decline. The war between the great powers, in particular, has become much more unlikely than in previous eras due to changes in the international system that may be changing the character of war.
Ethiopia, as part and parcel of this globe, has encountered several internal and external threats including foreign aggression. However, either the ancient or modern history of Ethiopia has indicated that the country has never compromised the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nations.
Whoever assumed power, Ethiopia’s struggle, commitment, unity, brevity, and passion for their country are unquestionable. When the nation calls during difficulties, all Ethiopians regardless of age, educational background, profession, and so on are line up in front.
Currently, Ethiopia, it is unfortunate, is facing threats and the terrorist TPLF group is conspiring and sabotaging with external forces to disintegrate the country. The group challenges the territorial integrity of the nation. Cognizant of this, the government of Ethiopia calls the people, wherever they are, to stand together to defend their nations from terrorist TPLF groups and external influences.
The Ancient Ethiopian Patriots Association (AEPA) President, Lij Daniel Jote Mesfin told local media that the people of Ethiopia have given the deserved level of dignity and respect for the nation. Many have paid their lives to sustain the identity and the sovereignty of their nation. Ethiopians, wherever they are, be it in Ethiopia or abroad should follow the footsteps of forefathers and attain their responsibility to sustain the dignity and respect of the country.
It is true that following the call of the government, Ethiopian diasporas who live across the world, apart from their various commitment to their country, have shown their readiness to stand together with Ethiopians against the TPLF terrorist group. And they have been contributing money, equipment, and so on to Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF).
The Ethiopian diaspora agency Director-General Selamawit Dawit told the Ethiopian Herald that Ethiopian Diasporas have shown a firm commitment to ENDF with fundraising. For instance, to support ENDF and rehabilitation internal displaced people, they have contributed more than 637 million Birrs.
According to Ethiopian ambassador to UK Teferi Meles, Ethiopia needs the support of the diaspora to address the threat posed by internal and external forces. Hence, the diasporas have contributed money to ENDF through fundraising which has brought a remarkable achievement.
Despite their differences, the Ethiopian diasporas either as a group or individually, have offered their support to their nation. These days, they are also contributing in accordance with their capacity. Apart from contributing money, they have also exposed the terrorist TPLF group’s evil deeds to the international communities. Yet much remain to be done.
There is no doubt that Ethiopians diasporas living in Norway, and France have made a demonstration last month to make clear and crystal their country stance. Besides, they have expressed their support for the Ethiopian National Defense Forces and condemned the ongoing killings, displacement, and human rights abuses by the terrorist group TPLF in the Amhara and Afar regions.
The Ethiopian Diaspora Agency Communication Director Wondwosen Girma in his part said the contribution of Ethiopian Diasporas hasn’t been limited on specific issues. They support their country morally, in public diplomacy, digital diplomacy, a demonstration against foreign influence, and so on.
“Apart from the 673 million Birrs, they collected more than 36 million Birr within three weeks to support the ENDF. Therefore, their contribution to support law enforcement in the Tigray region and deter security threats is enormous. Even some individual diaspora has exhibited great interest to join the armed struggle,” he added.
It is true that a diaspora who comes from the United Kingdom, Solomon Bogale has joined the operation. He told the local media that he took the lead to sacrifice his life for defending the terrorist TPLF group’s evil activities.
“The terrorist TPLF group has been looting, jailing, killing and many other evil for 27 years. Within this all process, I was the victim and forced to flee my country Ethiopia. Now this group to come to power again wage war against Ethiopia by conspiring with external forces. So, I am ready to fight this terrorist group with my fellow Ethiopians. That is why I came from Europe,” he said.
Ethiopian Diaspora Peace Delegation secretary Eyerusalem Kibret told The Ethiopian Herald that “the unity and collaboration of the people against the terrorist TPLF group is very inspiring and even for us in the diaspora. Because of the propaganda, they make it seem as if Ethiopia is not one or united. We are united, and going to defend and stand together to maintain the sovereignty of our country. The terrorist TPLF group supporters have been distorting the image of Ethiopia, based on allegations and unverified information.”
“It is inspiring to stand with our national defense force who has been betrayed, who experienced treason in the worst level. Supporting our national defense force means supporting our country since they are ready to defend our country. So that’s an infusion of energy for us who live in the diaspora for I don’t get to see the day-to-day activity of the society” she explains.
Chairperson of Ethiopian Center for Peace and Progress Abel Gashe told The Ethiopian Herald the diasporas are ready to support their country with ample knowledge, finance, and so on. “We have a lot of work that needs to be done. We have a responsibility as citizens of Ethiopia, we are part and parcel of the Ethiopian society. We need to do more.
Ethiopian National Defenses Force was feeding, building schools, closing children, working for mothers, and doing a lot of great works for them. Besides, the ENDF has been in that region for over 27 years. But as sure as eggs are eggs the terrorist TPLF group has committed treason on Ethiopia at every level.
The evil activities of the terrorist TPLF group are regrettable and create frustration. Hence, the Ethiopian diasporas have supported the government law enforcement operation and during and after the government’s unilateral ceasefire time. It is highly appreciable the support of the diasporas to Ethiopian National Defense Forces and condemned the ongoing killings, displacement, and human rights abuses by the terrorist group TPLF in the Amhara and Afar regions.
The Ethiopian Herald September 5/2021
