Addis Abba is a mother to all. Despite the difference in religion or ethnic background, Addis Ababa is truly serving as a melting point for all nation, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia. It is the dwelling place of peoples from all culture and identity.
It is the “little Ethiopia” where Amharas, Orommos, Tigraway, Gurage, Harari, Gambella, Wolaita… or any other ethnic group live in harmony and love. It is place where true Ethiopianism is practiced.
Tamirat Alemu and Misrak Alemu are brother and sister who live in Addis. They are born from parents of different ethnic groups. Their father Alemu Abera is from Amhara ethnic group and their mother Helen is Tigrai origin. Their grandparents also have different ethnic background. They believe that their family is a true representation of Ethiopia. By and large, the same is true with other families as well. If one deeply studies their family linage, she/he will find out different ethnic identity.
For Tamirat and Misrak, being residents of Addis Ababa is a privilege. Beside all the economic and social advantages, the city is a place where true tolerance is practiced. There was no any time they quarrel with their friends or classmates due to ethnic issues or religious differences.
Despite all the cultural differences, there is always oneness within their heart. This can be clearly seen in times where there is pubic holiday or family occasions. These events are times where Muslims feast with their Christian brothers or sisters. Such events are also times when Oromos celebrate with their Amhara, Tigrai, Gura or neghbours. In short, there is no any ground for intolerance in Addis.
Gesese Chole was born and grew up in Wolita zone. When he completed his primary school, the economic situation of his family cracked. That was especially true after the death of his father who was the breadwinner of the family. When things became worse, Gesese decides to support his mother. So, he gave up his education and started to work as a porter. But that job did not bring him any change. Therefore, he decides to go somewhere else that may transfer his life for good. The first place that comes into his mind was Addis Ababa-the land of opportunity.
Though he has no any family or any relatives in Addis, Gesese did not want to think any other place that could change his destiny. When he arrives in Addis, things were not smooth as he expected. He was forced to work several labor works that almost paralyzed his passion of achieving success. However, the challenges he faced in Addis did not prevent him from trying all opportunity that life provided him.
Using all the available work opportunity and a good culture of tolerance in Addis, Gesese kept on trying. Finally he was able to start his own small business on the streets of Addis and started saving some money.
He still remembers the sufferings he has gone through in the streets of Addis. The hide and seek games with police officers who did not want to see illegal street vendors. But, this did not prevent him from working hard to change his life. His courage got stronger when he meets his soul-mate, Alemitu Bedasa, who was also engaged in street vending.
Alemitu is from the Eastern Oromia region. She came to Addis after her contraband business game took away all her fortunes. But this did not cripple her efforts of making another fortune. Thus, she started selling snacks on a roadside of Megenagna Street.
After Alemitu and Gesese meet, life starts to show them her smiling face.
Things started to get better. The love and compassion they have to each other helped them to lead a happy life. The language and cultural difference between them did not prevent Alemitu and Gessese from sharing what they got. The geographical location where they came from did not bar them from loving each other. For them, love and tolerance are their true languages and Addis Ababa is their loving mother. This couple believes that whenever people learn to tolerate each other, there is always a better future. “The family of my husband is from South and my parents are Oromiffa speaking people. But that did not prevent us from building a strong family.”
Alemitu said that for them language or ethnicity are something we should be adorned with. We all are Ethiopians. We may speak different language or different cultural practices but we all have something in common. Our blood is Ethiopian.
The other Addis residents whom this journalist meets are senior citizens who are found in their late 70s. They are old enough but they are still strong and vibrant. They came to Adids sometimes in the late 40s. In those times, there was no any modern infrastructure. The population of Addis was also very small. But, the love, tolerance and respect among neighbors were strong.
For these senior citizens, Addis Ababa is still truly a land of tolerance and opportunity. It is a place where all ethnic groups live in harmony. “Whenever the issue of identity rose, Ethiopia is always in the forefront. That is why we fought aggressors. That is why we sacrifice our interest for mother Ethiopia.” For these senior citizens, Addis Ababa is a true mosaic of nation nationalities and peoples.
Herald December 8/2018
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
