Currently, Ethiopia is fighting proxy war the western powers waged against Africans to crystallize their neocolonial ambition. This war literally is all about defending Ethiopia from forces both inside and outside and by large it is a part of realizing pan-Africanism. It seems that the war is between two forces: the Ethiopian government forces and the terrorist group TPLF. But the world knows it is more than that. Plenty of parties have marked their fingerprints in the conflict to protect their benefits. Even international organizations which swore the oath to protect humanity around the world failed to do so. Their skewed spectacles look only the benefits of the side that they support.
Though the world says nothing about the heinous crimes committed by the terrorist TPLF group, Ethiopia always has its own children to be its voice no matter what they do or where they are. The Ethiopian Diasporas from every corner of the world have been contributing their share and fighting the war like a soldier in a battle. For instance, the Ethiopian diaspora communities have launched a peaceful demonstration in more than 27 different places throughout the globe to protest the meddling of external forces into their country’s internal affairs.
Not only this, but the diaspora has also contributed a lot in financing the country’s economy. Reports proved that in the past three months of the current fiscal year, the diaspora has used the legal money transfer channels and sent over 1.1 billion USD in remittance.
Not long ago, on behalf of the government of Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) called all Ethiopian Diasporas around the world to come home for the upcoming holidays. Being the first of its kind, the Great Ethiopian Homecoming Challenge gives opportunity that one million Diasporas come to their home land in the coming days. This challenge is going to bring better and prospective opportunities to the Ethiopian economy and its effort in the international sphere of diplomacy.
In order to make the challenge come true, every stakeholder is doing its best to deliver unique and fair services to the coming Diasporas. The Ethiopian Airlines, the Ethiopian Diaspora Agency, hotels, tour operators, and other stakeholders altogether play great role to make situations hospitable for the guests.
Actions that have been taken so far have brought better outcomes to attract the Diaspora. For instance, the Ethiopian Airlines, one of the most reputed, has cut its price up to 30 percent to be more preferable transport provider to the coming citizens. Besides, it has extended its discount further to help Diasporas to be benefited from it. In addition to this, the Ethiopian Diaspora Agency has prepared itself to make rooms for the homecoming Diasporas. According to the Agency’s official Facebook account, the Agency has created a website to assist Diasporas on their way to home. The website which the Agency introduced is www.greatethiopianhomecoming.org.
In addition, State Minister of Foreign Affairs and chairperson of the National Committee’s Operational Sub-Committee, Ambassador Birtukan Ayano remarked that plenty of arrangements have been in place for the guests. The Ambassador also recapped the Diasporas’ contribution in the times of emergencies.
Moreover, the Agency’s coordination committee has disclosed the homecoming calendar with different events that the homecoming guests might be participating in. These events are scheduled from 29 December, 2021 up to 23 January, 2022. There are more than 20 events incorporated in the time frame. Some of the events are: launching of Addis Diaspora hall; attending Sunday mass sport, participating in Diaspora and nation building occasion to be held at Semera town, Afar; visiting internally displaced people; participating in diaspora green legacy; presenting holiday gifts to Ethiopian national defense forces’ family; celebrating Christmas in Lalibela and Timket (Ethiopian epiphany) in Gondar; #No More Millions march to Meskel Square; role of Diaspora in post conflict rehabilitation activities; investment forum; thank you program and evening dinner, and some other events.
Selamawit Dawit, State Minister of Tourism, on her part said that in tourist sites, facilitating situations has been undertaken for the Diasporas to achieve what they need easily during their visit at the sites. To reinforce the comfort situation, Selamawit added that there was a meeting with officials of all regions and stakeholders to support the process.
On the other hand, Deputy Director of Addis Ababa City Administration Culture and Tourism Bureau, Asfaw Legesse mentioned that stakeholders have taken several actions to make the Diasporas feel at home. The accommodation activities have been undertaken from the airport to their staying places and to their destinations.
“We have common objectives, and we evaluate the progress every two days. Starting from December 20, 2014, we are going to welcome and receive them right from the Airports. During their stay, the government has planned to involve them in various events. Bazaars and exhibitions will be organized to acquaint guests with local products. For example, there will be an eight days long bazaar at Friendship Park with the motto ‘Buy Ethiopian’. We will also have rooms for regions to promote their capacities to the guests,” Asfaw highlighted.
Having stayed with local media, some hotels in the country expressed their readiness to serve the guests by offering various services with discount.
In this regard, Bantayehu WoldeMichael, General Manager of Capital Hotel and Spa said that Diasporas have started coming into the hotel and the hotel manages to provide services the best it can. He also said, “The guests will also be provided with a 30-40 percent discount services. The hotel industry is expected to get reinforced since a number of Diasporas are coming.”
Saromaria Hotel Front-office and Marketing Manager Dagnu Getu on his part said that the hotel is ready to receive guests with cheerful Ethiopian values.
Furthermore, Hybrid Designs PLC (Ride Transport) has promised to give free transport service to the coming guests. According to Samrawit Fikiru, the company’s CEO, the company has developed ‘Ride Passenger ET’ application for guests to get the service. This free service will be lasting from December 27, 2021 up to January 07, 2022.
Meanwhile, Diasporas have done some other deeds before they come to Ethiopia. For instance, in collaboration with his colleagues, Dr. Tilahun Goshu has contributed medical equipment that worth nearly 5 million USD. Ambassador Fitsum Arega posted on his official tweeter account that the aid will be provided for health facilities which have been destroyed in the Northern part of the country as a result of brutal action committed by combatants of the terrorist TPLF.
Guests who arrived at Bole International Airport have also given their opinions to local media. The guests have raised different ideas regarding answering the call from the Prime Minster and coming home.
Some of them said that the Diasporas should use the legal money exchange methods to support the nation’s economy. Besides, most of the guests said that they are here to help the country in different aspects and to disprove fake reports regarding current situation in Ethiopia. They want to contribute everything of their capacity for their people. All diasporas should stand together to defend the country in hard times like this, they suggested.
All in all, the government and responsible stakeholders have taken their part to make things suitable for the guests that their motherland is expecting. There have been abundant of gratifying activities since the call from the Prime Minister and still those responsible organs have been doing their best to make the ambition comes true.
All Ethiopians inland and from abroad jointly will achieve the goals set to counter the challenges the country faces in the spheres of diplomacy and economy, it was learned.
BY DANIEL ALEMAYEHU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 31 DECEMBER 2021
