Unity is the way

Ethiopians in all walks of life irrespective of political, ethnic or religious differences should unite and work together towards achieving their dreams in 2014 and beyond. Division helps only the few political elites who cannot live without it. Unity is power. Power is needed to work for change. We need to build relational power to work together; not power OVER others as it will no more work. If we want change, we need to change the way we do politics including the way we think about ourselves. We need to think in broader terms and see issues from different angles and perspectives. As someone born and raised in Ethiopia, I am an Ethiopian. I am also an African. As a British citizen who can work and live freely anywhere in Europe, I am also a European citizen. As a human being, I am part of the human family of this world. We should not waste our precious time and energy on unwanted and unhelpful arguments. What unites us is more than what divides us. When the late Nelson Mandela fought for freedom and justice, he fought for all South Africans. He liberated both the oppressed and the oppressors. He liberated people of all colours, race and backgrounds. Loving one another and working in unison should be the way forward for my fellow Ethiopians. To love is natural. As Martin Luther King once said, “Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.” Love and unity is what it takes to achieve the common good- democratic and strong Ethiopia.