10 December 2019

Nobel Peace Prize for Ethiopia - Take deep breath and rejoice



Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Prime Minister of Ethiopia
 
Tuesday 10th December 2019 will remain as one of the most historic days for Ethiopians and all peace loving people of the world. The name Ethiopia elevated across the globe because of its beloved son, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia. Ethiopia highly and deservedly glorified. A day when Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Dr. Abiy Ahmed in Oslo, Norway.

The presentation speech by Berit Reiss-Andersen, Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, was so uplifting and extremely moving. In her speech, the chairperson said, “They say that good news rarely arrives from the Horn of Africa. Historically, good news did in fact come from Africa. Ethiopia is the cradle of humankind. The first Homo sapiens emigrated from the territory of your country. In this sense we are all Ethiopians. Your country has a unique history also within an African context, since it was never colonialized by any Western power. It is in part for this very reason that Ethiopia is home to the African Union.”

This speech means a lot for many Ethiopians around the world. As we have hailed from a country that is unique, we are filled with pride. As we always believe Ethiopia to be the land of origins, hearing the likes of Ms. Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the most recognised committee globally saying things like ‘We are all Ethiopians’, lightens up our hearts and souls more. As we come from a country that defeated colonial aggressors as and when they tried to conquer our homeland, we feel even more proud and our hearts jump in pride and happiness. As we come from a country that worked so hard to get the African Union and for the liberation of African nations, we take deep satisfaction. As we come from a country where people of all religion co-existed peacefully with respect for one another and mutual understanding, we are filled with joy, warmth and fulfilment.

Sonja Haraldsen, Queen of Norway
Prime Minster Abiy on his turn made an impassioned and one of the most remarkable speeches as he was able to take the whole world on his journey of life all the way from his place of birth, Beshasha, to a global stage. His powerful speech received frequent rapturous applause from all present in the magnificent hall and a well-deserved standing ovation. In his acceptance speech Dr. Abiy emphasised on the need for working for peace; the importance of peaceful co-existence and respect for one-another. In his speech, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Prime Minister of Ethiopia said, “I would like to especially express that we should avoid the path of extremism and division powered by politics of exclusion. Our accord hangs in the balance of inclusive politics. The evangelists of hate and division are wreaking havoc in our society using social media. They are preaching the gospel of revenge and retribution on the airwaves. Together, we must neutralize the toxin of hatred by creating a civic culture of consensus-based democracy, inclusivity, civility, and tolerance based on Medemer principles.”
Harald V, King of Norway

I am aware Dr. Abiy and fellow Ethiopians have lots of mountains to climb to democratize Ethiopia and take it on a long and arduous journey. Yes, we have a lot to work on to rebuild Ethiopia and make it a prosperous country. But that should not stop us from rejoicing the good news.

Time to rejoice, celebrate, organise and flourish together.






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