BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
Last Thursday, appearing at the 16th regular session of the House of People’s Representatives (HPR), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed responded to queries raised by members of the Parliament on current issues. While talking with regard to national peace and security matters, the Premier reaffirmed his government’s commitment to sustain peace and security across the country.
As to him, the government prioritizes peace; and if it is said vital to bring lasting peace, it will go extra miles and do whatever necessary. “The government will hold negotiations with enemies, if the dialogue can bring about peace. Our enemies are harming our country by using internal traitors. Thus, to wither this from its root, opening the door for negotiation is of greater importance. The negotiation can succeed or not. The process will determine that. However, I cannot see the problem of opening the door for discussion,” he added.
The current war Ethiopia is in now has the characteristics of a ‘Grey War’. Nation’s enemies are endeavoring to dismantle it through spreading white lies. Aside from the actual war, some groups are working untiringly day in day out in spreading misinformation. When the country is advancing social, economically and politically, no one reports its success. However, they are too fast to produce falsehood; and disseminate the negative aspects.
The Premier also stated the other form of war opened by internal and external enemies against Ethiopia. Putting diplomatic pressure on the government is the other form of war that was opened against Ethiopia targeting to paralyze its economic progress; and by doing so to destabilizing the country. In similar way, attempts were applied to harm the country through internal bandits.
Even though, numerous efforts were made to destroy Ethiopia, none of them yielded the desired outcome; and it will not be possible in the future too. The government is also working round the clock to ensure the security of nations and protect the citizens.
No country can fight and defeat Ethiopia. It may be possible to kill or weaken it economically. But, destroying Ethiopia is unmanageable. However, this does not mean that nation’s enemies sit simply; rather they exercise every possible effort to realize their ill intentions. Owing to this the problem is complex that demands due attention, the Premier stated.
While talking about terrorist Shene group, Abiy said Shene is the enemy of all Ethiopians. It has no clear objective except to disrupt the peace and security of the people, hinder country’s development endeavors and to destroy Ethiopia.
Underscoring that government’s responsibility in terms of securing peace and security; and protecting the people, the Premier said that however, the people should give priority to support, listen and cooperate with the government it has elected democratically. When the government gives suggestion and information if the people act accordingly, we can benefit a lot.
“If we fight the group in unison understanding its ill intents, we will thwart it. No matter what our enemies will not derail us from our set goals. We, Ethiopians, should not be people who crouch down during tough times. Rather we should be heroes who can transcend the nation,” he added. However, as to him, this could not be happen without the participation of the people, especially the youth.
The other point the Premier stated is Ethiopia’s human capital potential. As he said, the young people are opportunity for Ethiopia as they can be a growth engine in country’s socioeconomic development. Ethiopia has many youth who can work and prosper the country.
Aside from its human resources, Ethiopia is also blessed with natural resources, including underground resources. These untapped resources can demonstrate country’s future growth prospects. If they are utilized effectively and efficiently, they can prosper it. To this end, the people should work hard. On the contrary, if we fail to manage the resources accordingly, they can weaken us in many ways, Abiy said.
Ethiopia is moving upward and is climbing up a steep. Since the trek to uphill demands additional force, all Ethiopians should support its move and push it upward. If not, he/she should put a brake to prevent it from backsliding. However, because enemies want us to be divided, we should not be separated, he said. He also urged the people to join hands, strengthen unity and outdo this tiring time successfully.
The Ethiopian Herald July 9/2022
