The December 31st opposition rally at Masqal Square in Addis Ababa was a pure joy for all peace-loving Ethiopians within and outside of the country, and a shock for those who have been sweating over the years to make sure Ethiopians would devour each other along ethnic lines.
The huge protest rally – which was the outcome of a meticulous planning by the organizers – demonstrated that no amount of pernicious government policies would threaten the time-tested survival strategy of the Ethiopian people.
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and his withering class of cadres has been targetting his critics, ostracizing them relentlessly via the state-owned media he controls. Those political activists did not disappear in resentment and hopelessness. Rather, they rebounced back with vigor, and when they showed up at the rally, they were treated by their brothers as “guests of honor.” Cases in point are former president Negasso Gidada, and former Tigrai regional state president Gebru Asrat.
The mere presence of Dr. Negasso and Ato Gebru at an opposition rally – leave alone making speeches which exuded leardership qualities, evoked genuine national concerns, characterized by typical Ethiopian patriotic sentiments which deservedly drew thunderous applauses – was an outright disappointment for Meles.
The rally was in fact reminiscent of the unity Ethiopians showed in the wake of the 1998 Eritrea’s unprovoked aggression against Ethiopia, and little wonder an Eritrean government radio (Dmtsee Hafash Amharic program) this week heaped curses on the Ethiopian opposition leaders. The Eritrean regime knows very well the rise of united Ethiopians means the end of a Meles Zenawi rule in Ethiopia and the beginning of a national mourning season for Asmara.
But more is coming: Ethiopian Unity in action would be on display in Bahir Dar, Mekelle, Awassa, Harrar and other big cities in the country. Despite the ups and downs, Ethiopian Unity continues to demonstrate its tenacity against all odds. The goal is clear: no force would deter the committed drive of Ethiopians for an honorable place in the community of nations.
