Ethiopia has longstanding cultural and religious values and norms that glue Ethiopians as one and assist them co-exist peacefully with understanding, cooperation, and trust. These agreed values have been exercised and cherished for long in both good and bad moments to boost positive energy, foster relationships with one another, shape misconducts, arrest differences and solve conflicts.
In turn, the assets have played a lot in terms of strengthening the social interaction and fabric of the society, addressing problems, boosting positive social relationships and their unity.
However, over the past few decades, these social capitals that keep the country in unity have been battered for a number of reasons. Especially, following the fabricated narrations; and almost no works had been done to promote the age old social and religious values that have enabled communities resolve conflicts and live together harmoniously, various challenges observed.
Of late, a panel discussion that aimed to reinstate the values of the shared values of Ethiopians and let the nation use it undo the conflicts was organized by The Ethiopian Press Agency under the theme ‘Ethiopia triumph and transcends’, in Harar City.
Teweleda Abdosh, Head of the Harari State Culture, Tourism and Heritage Bureau, Lawyer Kelemework Mideksa, and Dr. Wedajeneh Meharene presented papers focusing on the mindset and common values of Ethiopians.
Teweleda said that Ethiopians have many common values in which they built their country in harmonious fashion and more peaceful manner.
As Teweleda stated in his paper, we should study and use our common values. On the contrary, values that are not ours should be discarded. He added that cultural and religious values play an important role in nation-building. However, we have not used these values for nation-building.
For his part, Kelemwork explained that Ethiopians are people who have had social and trade relations, still have it and will continue. Mentioning Gudifecha, the culture of Oromo people that they adopt kids and; in which the adopted one is considered as a biological child, he said Ethiopians’ social values can serve as a model for the rest of the world.
In this way, Ethiopians adopt a child as their own making him/her enjoy all kinds of rights a biological one would get. He also indicated that patriotism is another common value of Ethiopians, adding that Ethiopians are people who have defended their motherland from external threat through fighting in unity. Religious values are also the unifying force of Ethiopians.
“We Ethiopians are a wonderful people who are invincible and civilized as well as the home of various heritages. One may describe Ethiopians as tolerant, kind and wise, not to mention our capability to solve our problems on our own,” said Dr. Wedajeneh Meharene citing Harar City as a model of Ethiopia.
He also said that even if one does not have enough time to visit the whole of Ethiopia, it is enough to visit Harar.
Chair of the panel, Peace Minister Binalf Andualem on his part said that the role of elders is crucial to the preservation of the age-old common national values. Noting that there are many problems that can erode these long-standing values, Binalf stressed the need for strengthening efforts to undo problems that would undermine our values.
“We need to work hard to make the younger generation aware of its history so that Ethiopia can have a civilized, democratic and peaceful atmosphere,” Binalf said.
Meanwhile, Gamo elders who have been taking part in the panel discussion forum also highlighted the community elders and religious leaders’ role in creating national consensus and nation building.
The elders said community elders and religious leaders have an indispensable role in resolving communal conflicts and putting the upcoming national dialogue in a solid base.
Approached by the EPA, a Gamo elder Kawo Bekele Bizuneh noted that the people of Ethiopia should contribute share to make the national dialogue successful. Ethiopians should prioritize their country over personal interests and the elders are expected to work hard to prevent further problems when disagreements arise for various reasons.
“The new generation should listen to the advice and discipline of the elders. Investigating and finding the root cause of the current crisis in our country should be the major responsibility of every citizen.”
More importantly, this generation should ask and find out why the country is immersed in this predicament when it needs to continue perform well and grow. “Everyone should give priority to peace. We should continue to strengthen our common values of tolerance, love, affection and togetherness.”
Another elder, Yohannes Holle said that the elders and religious leaders should play an important role in resolving conflicts in their locality and ensure sustainable peace in the country. The experience of the Gamo elders teaches the society to condemn conflict by explaining the severity of conflict and past experiences before conflicts occur.
“Conflict is stifling our national development by misusing our resources and causing us more problems”, Yohannes said, adding that local elders and religious leaders need to work for a lasting solution to the conflict in the country.
Recognizing the importance of peace and the devastation effects of conflict, the new generation should strive for peace and contribute to the development of the country, he remarked.
Finally, the panelists make a conclusion that goes Ethiopians need to harness the common values that held the country in unity to triumph the nation-building process.
At the panel discussion, including Peace Minister Binalf Andualem and Culture and Sports Minister Kejela Merdassa, federal and states officials, scholars, elder people, religious leaders, representatives of various sections of the society, prominent individuals among others drawn from various parts of the nation took part and panellists delivered papers related to the topic.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 3 JUNE 2022
