A Nation Divided: A Call to Dialogue for Unity

By Zelalem Eshete, Ph.D.

History teaches us that internal conflict is often the gateway to external exploitation. Ethiopia, a nation rich in heritage and resilience, now stands at a crossroads. As divisions deepen along ethnic and political lines, we risk weakening our unity—the very strength that has sustained us through generations.

When a country turns against itself, it creates a vacuum. Foreign powers don’t have to invade; they simply wait for us to unravel from within. What follows is influence over our politics, exploitation of our resources, and erosion of our sovereignty. We've seen this pattern elsewhere, and we cannot afford to repeat it.

Ethiopia’s history is marked by victory over colonization, not because of superior force, but because of national unity. That unity is now under threat. Ethnic polarization and mistrust undermine our shared identity and collective future.

Peacebuilding must begin with humility, dialogue, and the courage to listen. We must choose healing over hatred, people over power, and unity over division.
​
Ethiopia belongs to all of us. Its future depends not on our ability to win arguments, but on our willingness to walk together. Let this be a moment of return—to each other, and to a vision of one Ethiopia, indivisible and strong.