ADDIS ABABA- Commending the government for bringing individuals that have been involved in disrupting the peaceful balance of religions and ethnicities to justice, the legendary Athlete Haile Gebreselassie called for the sustainability of such actions.
Speaking to the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), the athlete turned successful business magnate highlighted that the government needs to make security sector reform with a view to discharging responsibility in curtailing the widespread conflicts. Rigorous measures should also executed to control those individuals who have been taking part in disseminating fake and divisive information and instigating hate and conflicts
Haile also stressed that, Ethiopia’s long and proud history of accommodating differences has been eroded by few extremist forces that have a desire to achieve political motives at the expense of the masses. “We Ethiopians have a much-cherished culture of peaceful coexistence among people from diverse backgrounds and we share our joy and remorse together without ethnic and religious differences. Building a church by Muslims or a mosque by Christians is something common in Ethiopia.”
By the same token, every ethnic group has their own indigenous way of solving conflicts at individuals or societal levels and this culture could serve as the tool to resolve the contentious issues that embattled Ethiopia for so long.
The renowned athlete called on the youth to respect the values and eschew the destructive attempts of some interest groups in a bid to building the bridge between conflict parties.
BY TAMERU REGASA
The Ethiopian Herald 11 May 2022
