In his recent condolence message to the people of Ethiopia, Defense Force and families who lost their beloved ones, Defense Force Minister Lemma Magarsa touched up on key issues.
Ethiopia is undertaking a reform that become true neither by a single socio- linguistic group nor by one interest collection; but it is a reform designed and has been implemented by the sacrifices of all Ethiopian peoples.
They foresaw bright future in economic, social and political development that they shade their blood to bring about the ongoing reform. Though the reform has not yet registered all the desired development, it has been creating conducive ground to rapid development over the last year. Everyone has sacrificed to create a well-developed Ethiopia in all development aspects. Therefore, the nation is in a transitional period.
The other reason why the reform is needed is to make election, the only way to political authority and create democratic system. but not just to play with it. Though the genuine of the reform is this, the nation has been facing problems.
The recent loss of lives of Amhara State President Dr. Ambachew Mekonnen along with his two colleagues as well as Army Chief of Staff General Seare Mekonnin and Major General
Gezai Abera is very saddening and horrifying. The patriots who were working day and night for the wellbeing of their country with all their efforts never deserved this. It is very sorrowful and heartbreaking.
Specially, General Seare was a very strong and patriotic army leader who served his nation throughout his life. He sacrificed his life and lived for his people and country; as he was a seasoned person in army science and leadership, his death is a huge loss.
“Specifically, since I became his colleague recently, I have observed his love to his country and his knowledge of military science. It is a very painful and great loss to Ethiopia, especially at this time,” Lema reiterated.
These men have truly sacrificed themselves and fought to see a transformed Ethiopia on top of everything, “therefore, they are our patriots but did not deserve this,” Lema noted.
Furthermore, this happened not by a foreign or an unidentified enemy, but by brothers who used to fight together for the same purpose of reforming the nation. “This is not a strike only on our patriots but also on the sovereignty of Ethiopia,” Lema said.
While at
this crossroad or transition time, everyone ought to throw what he/she can to
success
reform cooperatively, Lema stressed adding, but not setting barricade which is entirely against the Ethiopian culture. It is an act that has no acceptance in any manner; that is why everyone should accuse the act and actors.
The Ethiopian Defense Force has been registering patriotism in protecting and respecting the sovereignty of Ethiopia. Besides, the army has also involved in settling internal disputes sacrificing itself.
It has been registering very impressive achievements with all efforts in every hour since the incident occurred.
“This will continue firmly and collaboratively with all efforts; therefore, the army persists to be our pride and shield,” Lema reaffirmed.
Nevertheless, “the army needs to know that Ethiopian Defense Force does not belong to any socio-linguistic group. It is a force that safeguards the nation’s sovereignty and peace. It is the pride and shield of all Ethiopians,” Lemma noted.
Conversely, the attack and killing is aimed at dividing us on ethnic lines and was perpetrated by those forces that wish a fragile and divided army in Ethiopia.
“Ethiopian Defense Force belongs to all Ethiopian people not to an ethnic group. Above all, the force must understand this and have to continue with its firm stance on unity,” Lemma stressed.
“At this point in time, when we say our defense force is our guarantee, it is not to mean the force that was with us in peaceful times; but the force that shields us during instabilities and uncertainties.”
Consequently, the defense force is expected and trusted to repeat the historical achievements it registered both locally and internationally— united the force is stronger, divided it is weaker. Its unity is essentially needed at this time more than ever in view of saving the nation from those divisive forces.
Though there could be several strong challenges, the defense forces and stakeholders should make saving the nation a top priority; Lemma noted reasoning that all rights: personal, group, ethnic or tribal can be asked if and only if we have a peaceful and stable nation.
“All the challenges are not new. We have been through them and overcome them with commitments and patience. And still all Ethiopians can overcome them if we collaborate, cooperate and believe in discussion, prioritizing Ethiopia but not anything else,” Lemma said.
And the people need not be horrified and put in confusion. Everyone should play one’s role to augment the reform to guarantee peace and stability.
The Ethiopian Herald June 28, 2019
BY DIRRIBA TESHOME
