Ethiopia: The Curse of Ethnic Obsession
Zekarias Ezra
August 13, 2009
An ethno-cultural profile of Ethiopia will no doubt show a nation that has for centuries been multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-lingual. A majority of Ethiopians, if asked, will report multiple ethnic ancestries. This is what Dr Eleni Gebr-Madhin did in her piece "This is my Ethiopian Story."
Thanks for the ethnically obsessed EPRDF (AKA TPLF), that forcibly instituted a political system based on ethnicity and narrow mindedness, noble citizens like Dr. Eleni are forced to explain their ancestry. In the past, no one would have questioned or remarked on the ethnic background of this fine woman who is sacrificing a lot to make a valuable contribution to her country and its people.
This is but the result of a curse of ethnic obsession. When a regime or group organized itself in a narrow ethnic enclave in distrust of all others, its primary preoccupation will become its survival.
Ethiopia is a mosaic of many nations and nationalities; diverse cultures; and many languages. And, like all highly complex and highly wired organisms, this diversity must be managed wisely and carefully. In fact, this diversity should be celebrated and not manipulated for selfish reasons. It should not be used to divide rather should be used to unite us.
I believe these are things one always wants and expects people currently in position of power to know deep in their heads and hearts. These are the principles those in power and those aspiring need to hear, be told or be reminded of.
Notwithstanding Melesīs and his supportersī diatribe the unhealthy obsession of EPRDF with ethnicity has been a total disaster for Ethiopia and its people irrespective of ethnic background. It strains, stresses and pierces, it pointlessly agitates and is doomed to be the cause of further agitation and concomitant ethnic strife and disintegration.
Prime Minister Meles seemed like a man long celebrated as sharp, astute, and bristles with energy and vigor but I firmly believe he is finding out day by day that he isn't actually all that good at governing.
Thanks for the ethnically obsessed EPRDF (AKA TPLF), that forcibly instituted a political system based on ethnicity and narrow mindedness, noble citizens like Dr. Eleni are forced to explain their ancestry. In the past, no one would have questioned or remarked on the ethnic background of this fine woman who is sacrificing a lot to make a valuable contribution to her country and its people.
This is but the result of a curse of ethnic obsession. When a regime or group organized itself in a narrow ethnic enclave in distrust of all others, its primary preoccupation will become its survival.
Ethiopia is a mosaic of many nations and nationalities; diverse cultures; and many languages. And, like all highly complex and highly wired organisms, this diversity must be managed wisely and carefully. In fact, this diversity should be celebrated and not manipulated for selfish reasons. It should not be used to divide rather should be used to unite us.
I believe these are things one always wants and expects people currently in position of power to know deep in their heads and hearts. These are the principles those in power and those aspiring need to hear, be told or be reminded of.
Notwithstanding Melesīs and his supportersī diatribe the unhealthy obsession of EPRDF with ethnicity has been a total disaster for Ethiopia and its people irrespective of ethnic background. It strains, stresses and pierces, it pointlessly agitates and is doomed to be the cause of further agitation and concomitant ethnic strife and disintegration.
Prime Minister Meles seemed like a man long celebrated as sharp, astute, and bristles with energy and vigor but I firmly believe he is finding out day by day that he isn't actually all that good at governing.