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By Zelalem Eshete, Ph.D.
Watching Ethiopia’s deep wounds can leave many feeling helpless. It can seem as if no matter how much we care, our voices are too small and powerless against the rising tide of division and pain. Yet even in these moments, we are not without purpose. Some of the most lasting changes in history have come through quiet, unseen faithfulness rather than grand displays of power. Real influence does not begin with political office or public recognition; it begins with lives marked by integrity and love. When leaders fail and systems crumble, those who live with moral authority — humble, truthful, and sacrificial — continue to speak powerfully. Even when we feel unseen, our faithfulness carries a weight that outlasts noise and ambition. Our lives themselves can become a quiet testimony when words seem insufficient. In such a fractured time, it is tempting to choose sides, to take shelter in factions. But Ethiopia’s healing will not come through deeper divisions. Those who truly seek peace must rise above the pull of partisanship and tribalism. Our allegiance must be to truth and justice for all people, not to the success of one group over another. Healing is possible only when someone is willing to stand for the dignity of every person, refusing to become another weapon in the cycle of bitterness. Patience, too, becomes an act of hope. Change that matters never happens overnight. In a land with long histories of pain, the seeds of peace must be planted quietly and watered persistently, even when no fruit is visible. Small conversations, hidden prayers, and unseen acts of kindness are not wasted. They are how nations heal — not through force, but through faithful sowing over time. In a society flooded with fear and anger, we are called to a different voice — one that speaks to conscience, not to fear. Fear shouts; love calls. True peace will not be forced into being by rage or resentment; it must be awakened in the heart. When we appeal to the good in others, we invite them into a higher story, one beyond revenge and despair. Finally, standing for peace will mean enduring suffering without retaliation. Misunderstanding, rejection, and betrayal are often part of the path. But suffering for truth is not a defeat — it is a sign of faithfulness. Those who endure with love, who refuse to answer hate with hate, are the ones who rebuild what was torn down. In their endurance, hope quietly takes root. Even when you feel helpless about Ethiopia, remember: you are not powerless. Your faithfulness matters. Your prayers matter. Your love matters. History will not only be shaped by those in power but by countless unseen hearts who choose to keep believing that love is stronger than hate, and light is stronger than darkness. Stay faithful. Sow peace. Trust God with the harvest. 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. By Zelalem Eshete, Ph.D.
In the heated atmosphere of Ethiopian politics, a crucial voice remains largely unheard—the voice of the silent majority. These are ordinary citizens who are not driven by an appetite for political power or ideological battles. Instead, they desire something far more essential: peace, unity, and the sustained well-being of their nation. Yet this majority has no effective platform to express its aspirations. Public discourse is often monopolized by polarized factions, with one side passionately cheering for the government and the other side relentlessly tearing it down. These opposing forces, locked in a tug-of-war, dominate the national narrative. In the process, they drown out the steady, sober voice of those who simply want to see a peaceful and united Ethiopia. This silent majority is not apathetic; they are deliberate. They are teachers, farmers, entrepreneurs, students, and elders—people who understand the cost of conflict and the value of harmony. They are not neutral, but they are measured. Their voice could serve as a moral compass in guiding both the government and the opposition away from destructive extremes and toward the common good. The Role of National Dialogue The upcoming National Dialogue Forum presents a historic opportunity to bridge this gap. For such a platform to fulfill its promise, it must go beyond being a stage for the usual political players. It must actively seek out and amplify the voices of the silent majority. This means creating space for civil society, faith leaders, youth, and local communities to speak—not merely as observers, but as active participants in shaping Ethiopia’s future. If designed and implemented with integrity, the National Dialogue Forum could provide what Ethiopia so desperately needs: a center of gravity rooted not in political ambition, but in civic wisdom. It could become the avenue through which the country’s heart—the everyday people—finally speaks. A Compass for the Nation The silent majority does not claim to have all the answers. But what it does offer is invaluable: a longing for peace that transcends party lines, a hunger for unity that defies ethnic divisions, and a vision for national well-being that includes all Ethiopians. Their voice, if given room to speak, can help recalibrate the direction of national policy and public discourse. They can serve as a compass—guiding Ethiopia not left or right, but forward. Let us not underestimate the quiet ones. In their silence lies a deep wisdom. And in their awakening lies the hope of a nation. |
ጤና ይስጥልኝ!ዶ/ር ዘላለም እሸቴ Archives
June 2025
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