BY STAFF REPORTER
In various moments and occasions, it is common to hear a saying ‘A friend in need is a friend indeed”. The maxim is always used to signify the value of genuine friends who act and show togetherness and solidarity in times of hardships and difficult moments.
It is true a friend who understands our situations, stands by the side of us wholeheartedly and stretches a helping hand when we are in trouble and need a help is a true friend.
The proverb though seems to be fitting to individuals and it is interpreted within the scope of friends, it goes far from that as it has a wide ranging meaning and implication.
Ethiopia is currently in a more challenging moment than before. Following the conspiracy brewed by its internal and external enemies, the nation is in need of its true children help and support. Particularly, because of the war waged by the terrorist TPLF group and the country has entered unwillingly, it is seeking its children togetherness and their unparalleled support in every possible way.
In fact, uniting and standing as one in both good and bad times is not a new trend for Ethiopians. Rather it is an account they are known for. The Battle of Adwa is the best testimony in this regard. The decisive victory scored against the then more advanced forces of the Fascist Italian is still stands as witness to what Ethiopians can do when they come together.
The construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is reaching to be completed within a short period of time, is also the other indicator of Ethiopians’ commitment and what they can do when they unite.
Unquestionably, for a poor country like Ethiopia the initiation to construct such mega project in the eyes of many people is inconceivable at all; and even senseless. However, Ethiopians thrashing all the discouragements and proving the assumptions wrong, they are nearing to complete their flagship project with their own capacities.
The reason behind all the success is Ethiopians’ unity and togetherness. As they have a common past and had no a history of shouldering defeats, they do not dared to retreat back or quit what is right for them.
Such failure is not in their blood. Because they are Ethiopians and Ethiopia and Ethiopianism is always above everything else.
Currently, Ethiopians both living at home and abroad have joined hands and getting together to backing the Ethiopian National Defense Forces in all they can. Ranging from donating blood to joining the forces, they are showing solidarity and togetherness with members of the forces.
Recently, Ethiopians living in Limpopo, northernmost province of South Africa have donated over 500 thousand Birr to show solidarity to the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF).
According to Zelalem Eneyew, Coordinator of Ethiopia’s Lovers Association, though it is the first time for the Association to backing the army, it would further strengthen and sustain it in the future.
He also stated to do whatever they can to thwart the terrorist TPLF group that conspired to dismantle the country and waged war against the Ethiopian National Defense Forces.
“We have to defend and secure our country. For this to happen, Every Ethiopian should exert utmost effort and stand by the side of the army to defend his country and ensure its territorial integrity,” he said
“We have observed countries dismantle and destabilized in some areas. Taking lessons from them, we have to strive to defend our country,” he further said.
While receiving the contribution, Brigadier-General Ayalew Asres said that since TPLF, the terrorist enterprise impelled war aiming to threaten the existence of the country; the support given to the army from home and abroad has continued notably. This, in turn, uplifts the morale of the army, he added.
According to Brigadier- General Ayalew, the financial and material supports that is exerted from all over the country and even from Ethiopians living in overseas to show solidarity for the forces and defend Ethiopia, have elevated armies’ self-confidence and pride.
The contributions those Ethiopians who are living in South Africa have made with a sense of Ethiopia is always above everything else, portrays their commitment and genuine love for their homeland.
He also underlined the importance of backing the army till the terrorist enterprise is demolished once and for all and the existential campaign completed triumphantly.
True, when we are united, there’s no wrong that cannot be fixed. Now though our challenges heap up and they seem to be indomitable, unquestionably, we would beat all and shine victoriously because we are Ethiopians and we have no a history of shouldering defeats or quit what is right for us.
The Ethiopian Herald October 30/2021
