AFD: A breath of fresh air

By Zelalem Eshete (Ph.D.)
June 4, 2006

First, the struggle is more than replacing the current government. As to mere change of governments, we are nowhere after the last 3,000 years. This time around, we need to look beyond and strive for Born Afresh Ethiopia. Our aspirations and dreams call for Ethiopia the Super Model. Our suffering and misery demands Ethiopia the Garden. True we are at the bottom of the world. But what can stop us from being a land of possibilities for Ethiopia that shines?

Second, the struggle begins with us towards People of Destiny. On the road to a more perfect government is a need for a more perfect unity. Yes, we have abused each other for centuries. Yet letting the past dictate our future is not a way out. Instead, working for healing our past and sharing our future together should be the only option at the present. True we are a land of many nations/nationalities. But what can stop us from being a land of One Family Under God for real?

Third, the struggle begins with God towards People of the Promise. Ethiopian politics has assumed the extremes of nationalized religion or atheism. It is time to dismiss both extremes. A winning struggle that dreams to create the Born Afresh Ethiopia has to acknowledge the need for a Higher Power while maintaining the separation of religion and government. To begin with, the Born Afresh Ethiopia is something impossible to achieve unless we have Divine intervention. True we are a land of many religions. But what can stop us from trusting in our Creator for true greatness?

Fourth, a winning struggle begins with new realities of healing and hope for the better. Simple example: Oromo is the largest population in Ethiopia while Afaan Oromo never rose to the level of official language of the land. This practice is in contrary to several world nations that have multilingual official languages. On the other hand, Afaan Oromo uses the Latin font ignoring home grown "fidel". This puts a question mark on the Ethiopian family at large.

Finally, when we finish the ground work of healing ourselves, we rise up in excellence as choice people. When we refuse to go after putting just another king in place, Born Afresh Ethiopia can be realized. Eventually, a winning struggle succeeds in putting SERVANT leaders in place.

The writer can be reached for comments at zedeshete@yahoo.com.
website: www.myethiopia.com