The House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) held its 4th regular meeting of the 6th year and 3rd tenure last Tuesday, November 14, 2023 in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD).
Prime Minister Abiy responded to the queries put to him by members of the parliament (MPs) regarding the 2023/2024 work plan of the federal government that was presented by President Sahlework Zewde during the joint opening session of HPR and House of Federation last October.
The Premier gave explanations regarding the current national issue of the country. Ethiopia’s quest for port, nation’s economic and political progress, peace and security issues, the rising cost of living and corruption, strengthening democratic institutions, curbing extreme nationalism were among the matters addressed by the PM.
While responding to the peace and security challenges that the country is now, Prime Minister Abiy said that every challenge that we are raising as a problem is not a thing that is created just at present. Rather, it is interrelated with the past experiences of the country and handed down from the past old days. “We should understand this bold truth and if we cannot understand and try to identify the issues from the root causes, it will be difficult to find lasting solutions.”
According to him, to overcome the problem, we should stand in unison and work on issues that unify us. If we can discuss, understand the problems and manage our differences effectively, our paths lead us to resolve our problems.
Even though there are several problems in Ethiopia, the main problems are the prevailing of divisive and destructive narratives in the country. “One-dimensional, distorted narrative and destructive story will not build a country,” the Prime Minister stressed.
Abiy firmly believed that these narratives are destructive and harmful to the unity and overall development of the nation. Instead he advocated for the promotion of grand and unifying narratives that bring people of different cultures and views together, fostering a sense of cohesion and collective purpose. By promoting a narrative that aborts divisions, he believed that the country can overcome its challenges and thrive as a united and harmonious society. “We have a number of social narratives that can keep us together. Thus, we should capitalize on developing them. It is time for unifying narratives.”
Despite the divisive narrative, the current problems faced by the country can also be attributed to the prevalence of intrigue systems and emotional sentiments among the people. Sentiments overpowered by emotions will not bring about the desired outcomes. Thus, it is necessary to accept and respect the ideas of others to live peacefully with others, instead of driven by emotions and conspiracy, he added.
Ethiopia is a multinational country where different types of cultures, religions, languages, ideologies are reflected. We also have distinct social, historic and political values that bind us together and make us exemplary for others. Entertaining these potentials in a fair manner and passing down to the next generation is necessary to coexist peacefully and prosper Ethiopia, as to him.
He also urged citizens to focus on merging ideas to influence the distorted narratives. It is essential to construct a narrative that fosters peace, progress and the betterment of humanity as a whole.
In order to realize the aspiration of the nation, every citizen is expected and required to back this collective exertion by promoting tolerance, inclusivity and a spirit of compromise. This is the right way that Ethiopia could defeat the ill will of its enemies and go on board on a route of sustained growth, development and shared prosperity.
According to the Prime Minister, constructing a nation necessitates more than just a simplistic narrative. The significance of collaborations and working towards a shared goal, where individuals actively engaged in empathic listening and mutual respect is the call of the day.
The distorted narratives are toxic that damage our unity and coexistence, and nation building process. Owing to this, everyone should distance themselves from advocating for the distorted narrative.
He further noted that through accepting and embracing diverse perspectives, Ethiopia can foster unity and create a harmonious society. The Prime Minister underlined that a strong foundation can only be established by valuing and appreciating each other’s opinion and ensuring collective efforts of all citizens bring about meaningful and lasting change.
Through this inclusive approach, Ethiopia can effectively tackle challenges and build a prosperous future for all its inhabitants.
Ethiopia has a number of rich and reputable historical landmarks as well as social phenomena that we should use as a capital to strengthen further the social cohesion and establish independent institutions.
The government is committed to culminating the old distorted narratives and turning to grand unifying narratives that could unite all Ethiopians. A shared national identity, a sense of ‘we’ that encompasses all citizens regardless of any background is critical to the creation and perpetuity of a nation state.
According to Abiy, if we remain united, we can make it true as many leaders throughout history have enacted policies to promote a national identity with the goal of building an ‘imagined political community’ in which citizens remain connected by shared history and values.
He called on all stakeholders to come to the middle ground in ideology, for the sake of the coming generations. He further said that polarized approaches could not help to ensure stability and security.
“Our narratives should be human centered, because human center narratives are more important in unifying peoples and ensure peace and prosperity of Ethiopians. Let us work together to design meaningful solutions, as well as produce change rather than engaging in conspiracy activities in the backyard. This is an ideal time for Ethiopia to exploit the opportunity,” the Premier stressed.
While talking regarding the ongoing activities of the Ethiopia National Dialogue Commission (ENDC), he said the Commission is structured to address the concerns of citizens and pave the way for peaceful nation building that accommodates everyone. “If we work on it committedly, it could help undo the backdrop of the past historical and cultural flaws.”
The government is highly committed to work with the ENDC because it is instrumental in undoing the distorted narratives.
He also urged citizens to participate in making the national dialogue productive.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2023
