Shared grand narratives have inimitable power in unifying people and bringing them closer. In a multiethnic country like Ethiopia where several diverse ethnic groups with different social, cultural, religious and historical backgrounds are coexisting, promoting shared narratives is of greater importance to strengthen togetherness and solidify fraternity and unity among all.
Dispersing divisive narrations and capitalizing on rhetoric that only magnify a single group or fabricating false rhetoric can cause unnecessary inconveniences among ethnic groups and yield devastating impacts.
To curb such cases andcement fraternity and togetherness among different groups, the role of scholars is incalculable in shaping the perspectives of the society towards shared values and narratives.
Recently, at adiscussion forum held in Dessie Town between theEastern Amhara Command Post and scholars drawn from Wollo,MekdelaAmba and Woldia universities, the role scholars can play in ensuring sustainable peace and togetherness was highlighted,
As it was indicated, sustainable peace needs shared responsibility of every individual.
Speaking on the occasion, Command Post Chairperson and Commander of the Northeastern Command Lt. Gen. AsefaChekol, said that sustainable peace, togetherness and unity needs the active involvement of every citizen at all level, ENA reported.
Especially, academics from higher education institutions are duty bound in magnifying shared narrativesand shaping the generation throughinculcating the deeds of Ethiopian heroes so as to build responsible generation. They have to endeavor to nurture peace and unity through inculcating common stories that can reinforce unity and peace to Ethiopia in their teachings.
Mentioning that the community is workingunwaveringly in cooperation with the Defense Forceto defend and upholdtheir peace, he urged them to continue this support.
Chairperson of the Command Post of the South Wollo Zone and Dessie Town AdministrationBrig. Gen ZewduSetargie on his part said that scholars should focus on teaching regarding Ethiopia’s unity, togetherness, common narratives and be a spearhead to foster Ethiopia`s unity.
By conducting researches, identifying problems and proposing solutions, they should contribute to Ethiopia`s all rounded development, he added.
According to him, issues concerning good governance, development and similar matters should be entertained through peaceful dialogue addressed through discussion. In this regard, everyone is responsible and should contribute share.
WolloUniversity President, MengeshaAyene (PhD) also said that the forum is organized to give an opportunity for scholars to understand the current situation of the State and generate idea for peace. “We will work to find lasting peace and revive the economy through conducting research and identifying problems.”
According to him, during the consultation meeting scholars drawn from MekdelaAmba, Woldiaand Wollouniversities, the South Wollo Zone and Dessie Town administrators as well as stakeholders took part.
The role common narratives can play in unifying Ethiopia cannot be underestimated. It is because of shared narratives Ethiopians have successfully defeated their common enemies. It is because of shared narratives Ethiopia has still kept its glory in the global politics. It is because of its shared narratives the country has been overcoming hard times that have the potential todisintegrate the country andoverrun its sovereignty.
As witnessed from its previous experiences, shared narratives and collective stories have historically played a significant role in fostering Ethiopia`s unity and a sense of belonging.
Common narratives that revolve around the cultural heritage, historical events and shared institutions have incalculablerewards in unifying the people and transcending ethnic, linguistic and regional differences. As mentioned by documents, emphasizing the richness and diversity of Ethiopia`s cultural tapestry while highlighting the common threads that bind its people can contribute to a sense of national unity.
It is crystal clear that common narratives should center on shared national aspirations: progress, peace and prosperity for all Ethiopians. Articulating a vision for the coming generation that resonates with diverse segments of society can serve as a unifying force, inspiring collective action and a sense of common purpose.
As it witnessed from Ethiopia`s experiences recognizing common narratives and promote them bridge divisions and foster unity. This in turn enables the nation to capitalize its efforts on diverse cultural, historical, and social tapestry to build a more cohesive and inclusive national identity and speed up economic prosperity.
Indeed, as repeatedly indicated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), shared narratives are the one options Ethiopians have to preserve its century old glory and ensure its progress.
Shared historical narratives: the Victory of Adwa, the struggle to preserve Ethiopia’s unity, fighting by the side of the UN Peace Keeping Force for the sake of regional and global security and stability, fighting to ensure African countries’ freedom and others can provide a sense of collective identity and pride Ethiopians shared.
Here, it must be noted that by acknowledging and respecting the diversity within the nation, while emphasizing shared values and aspiration, a more inclusive and unifying grand narrative can be crafted. While speaking about the power of grand narratives in unifying the people, the role of scholars, particularly those in higher education, has a key role in nurturing responsible citizens whose mind is not corrupted by narratives that magnify a single group at the expense of others.
As witnessed from the history of the world, both the first and second world wars erupted directly or indirectly, due to the chauvinistic thoughts of leaders and false narratives developed to destroy others for the sake of one`s interest. What is more, as it is mentioned on several literatures, most civil wars that were erupted on the soil of Africa had been resulted from false narratives that were well articulated by some groups who were instruments of certain political groups or individuals.
In this regard, debunking false narratives which have an adverse effect on Ethiopia`s peace and unity, is the responsibility of every Ethiopian scholars. Using their experience and expertise, they should analyze and disprove false narratives by proving evidence based researches. Using their knowledge, scholars can identify misinformation and disinformation to sensitize the mass.
What is more, scholars can also educate the public and policy makers about the dangers of false narratives and the importance of critical thinking. This is especially true in fighting all forms of misinformation circulated via social media.
As indicated by South Wollo Zone and DessieTown Administration Command Post Chairperson, Brig. Gen.Zewdu, scholarly researches and studies have key roles in identifying root causes of false narratives as well as refuting them with research based outcomes. What is more, scholarly dialogues and discussion that promote understanding, empathy and tolerance among different groups should be encouraged.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 30 JANUARY 2024
