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Tibebu Taye
In our fast-paced world, the rapid flow of information is increasingly detaching us from our authentic selves. Oral traditions and collective storytelling, once central to our communal life, are fading away. Just as we crave fast food to keep up with our hectic lives, we also consume information at a rapid pace, often without regard for its quality. We seldom pause to consider the nutritional value of the food we eat, nor do we critically evaluate the truthfulness of any information we encounter. We are no longer preparing our meals thoughtfully, nor are we attentively engaging with the barrage of information that surrounds us. In Immediacy – urgency – instantaneity – the ingredients lack authenticity, the information is inauthentic, and as a result, we too lose our authenticity. I believe this is what led Stephen R. Covey into saying that: “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”
In her book long treatment of listening, “You’re Not Listening”, Kate Murphy discusses the multifarious importance of attentively listening to others in our social life. She underscores the vitality of effective listening in forming the foundation of healthy relationships, personal growth, and social cooperation, and she goes on to discloses her frustrations that our listening skills are steadily disappearing. In everyday life, people are having hard times to pay attention to each other, because of many factors but prominently because of “self-centred culture, technological distractions, and a toxic political culture.” The repercussion of it is far-reaching and frustrating—including loneliness, damaged mental health, and increased hostility and misunderstanding between people of different beliefs.
In areas of politics, “failure to listen” or “mishearings” is, in short, “the relation between life or death”. At the root of the marginalizations of certain forms of life, even to the point where they are deemed unworthy of living, are often mishearings or failures to listen (Naomi Waltham-Smith, “Shattering Biopolitics: Militant Listening and the Sound of Life”). Emphasising on the importance of listening and hearing in politics, Barack Obama said: “It’s important to make sure that we’re talking with each other in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds.”
Proper politics treasures the importance of listening, both to the people and politicians. “Politicians need to listen up before they speak up – and listen in the right places” (Jim Macnamara, 2024). The people know what they exactly want from the politicians. People are always optimist and are lovers of transitions and changes. Very much so, the people must listen to the politicians. “Ideas-informed” society always have the right set of minds in making decisions that benefits them and their community. A ideas-informed citizen can make a productive political election as information helps them to process political manifestos, rhetoric, and election ideologies.
Throughout recorded history, the Amhara community has consistently engaged with political discourses and heeded the voices of their leaders. Today, in this pivotal moment, it is imperative that their voices are not only heard but also given the urgency and attention they rightfully deserve in the light of the following evidence:
- The Amharas deserve to be heard. Despite recent challenges, including internal conflicts within the Amhara region, Abiy’s ‘vision’ for a unified and peaceful Ethiopia continues to inspire many. The Amhara’s symbolic endorsement of Abiy as an emblem of unity reflects their hope for a future marked by peace and collective progress.
- The Amhara people deserve to be heard, as their loyalty to the central government and commitment to national unity have led to long-term socio-political complications with their Tigrayan sisters, brothers, mothers, and fathers. Their trust in their leaders has, unfortunately, resulted in enduring challenges within their own community.
- The Amhara people deserve to be heard that their optimism and positivity have often led them to endure significant suffering and violations. Their hopeful outlook and trust in the central government have, at times, placed them in a position where they face hardships and injustices without adequate recognition or redress.
- The Amhara people deserve to be heard and acknowledged for their contributions to Ethiopia’s history and their ongoing struggles. Their legacy of bravery and patriotism is a testament to their enduring spirit and commitment to their nation. They deserve a hearing for their commitment to defending their beloved nation has often come at a high cost. Their fierce resistance against external aggressors and domination has garnered animosity from various countries, international institutions, and organizations. Consequently, these entities look at them suspiciously and have largely ignored the sufferings of innocent Amharas, offering little to no attention to their plight.
- Amharas shall be heard for their patriotic fervor has sometimes led to internal strife and hardship, particularly when the country and its people have turned away in silence during times of Amharas’ sufferings. Despite these challenges, the Amhara’s dedication to Ethiopia’s sovereignty remains unwavering.
- The Amhara community calls for a hearing for social media has muddied their genuine political questions, allowing self-proclaimed online activists, vigilantes, and personalities to dominate the discourses, often in a toxic manner rather than in a constructive way.
Their acceptance of the regime as a symbol of unity reflects the people’s hope for a harmonious future
The Amhara people have warmly embraced the newly elected Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, viewing him as a symbol of unity and a harbinger of peace. This acceptance is rooted in Abiy’s aspirations to end long-standing conflicts and promote national reconciliation. His leadership has been particularly significant for the Amhara, who have historically played a crucial role in Ethiopia’s political landscape.
Abiy Ahmed’s rise to power in 2018 was met with widespread optimism among the Amhara. His commitment to democratic reforms and peace-building initiatives resonated deeply with them. The Amhara community, which had been marginalized during previous regimes, saw in Abiy a leader who could address their grievances and foster national unity.
Historically, the Amhara have been central to Ethiopia’s governance and cultural identity. During the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie, the Amhara were instrumental in resisting Italian invasion in the 1930s, with volunteer fighters known as “Fano” playing a key role. This historical legacy of resilience and patriotism has continued to shape their political engagement.
Abiy’s efforts to end the conflict with Eritrea, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, further solidified his standing among the Amhara. His administration’s peace deal with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in 2022, although controversial, was seen as a necessary step towards stabilizing the country.
Their optimism and positivity during the transition period underscore their resilience and hope for a better future
The Amhara community demonstrated a remarkable sense of optimism and positivity during Ethiopia’s political transition. Unlike the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which quickly resorted to military confrontation when their interests were threatened, the Amhara community chose a more measured approach. Despite facing brutal violence and atrocities within their own country, often at the hands of fellow Ethiopians, the Amhara people showed a profound understanding of historical context and empathy towards the grievances of their aggressors.
Historically, the Amhara have been central to Ethiopia’s political and cultural identity. Their patience and resilience during the recent political upheavals reflect a deep-seated commitment to national unity and stability. The Amhara community allowed the central government time and space to navigate the complexities of political transformation, hoping for mutually beneficial outcomes.
This period of transition was marked by significant challenges for the Amhara, including forced displacements under the guise of political transition, development, peace, and security initiatives. The controversial “Corridor Transformation” projects led to the displacement of many Amhara people, yet they tolerated these hardships, believing in the long-term benefits for the nation.
The Amhara’s willingness to endure such adversities highlights their enduring trust in the central government and their hope for a peaceful and prosperous Ethiopia. Their actions during this period underscore the importance of inclusive dialogue and the need to address the grievances of all Ethiopian communities to achieve lasting peace and development.
Their support for the central government during times of political turbulence demonstrates their commitment to stability
During the two-year-long Ethiopia-Tigray war, most Amhara people aligned themselves with the central government, demonstrating solidarity with other Ethiopian nations and nationalities in what the government described as a defense against a “national threat.” This alignment underscores the Amhara’s trust in the central government and their willingness to heed their leaders’ calls, despite the unfortunate reality that the conflict was with fellow Ethiopians. This war has resulted in significant political, social, and economic challenges for the Amhara, particularly in their relationships with their Tigrayan sisters, brothers, mothers, and fathers.
Historically, the Amhara have been pivotal in Ethiopia’s political and military landscape. During the conflict, Amhara regional forces and militias, such as the Fano, played a crucial role in supporting the federal army against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The Fano, a term that dates back to the 1930s when volunteer fighters resisted Italian invasion, has been revived to describe the Amhara militias who fought alongside the national defense forces.
The Amhara’s support for the central government during the Tigray war reflects their historical role as defenders of Ethiopian unity. However, this support has not been without consequences. The war has strained relationships between the Amhara and Tigrayans, leading to lasting political, social, and economic complications. Despite these challenges, the Amhara’s commitment to national unity and their trust in the central government remain evident.
The peace agreement brokered in November 2022, which aimed to end the conflict, excluded significant Amhara representation, leading to feelings of marginalization and betrayal among the Amhara community. This exclusion has further complicated the post-war reconciliation process and highlighted the need for inclusive dialogue to address the grievances of all Ethiopian communities.
Their efforts in defending the country from external influences highlight their dedication to national sovereignty
The Amhara people have a long and storied history of defending Ethiopia from external incursions and influences. They are remembered as steadfast defenders of their nation, standing at the forefront against foreign threats. This bravery and heroism have caused both Western powers and Ethiopia’s historical enemies to tremble in the face of Amhara resilience.
One of the most notable examples of Amhara valor is the Battle of Adwa in 1896, where Ethiopian forces, led by Emperor Menelik II and composed of Amhara warriors, decisively defeated the Italian army. This victory not only preserved Ethiopia’s sovereignty but also became a symbol of anti-colonial resistance across Africa.
In contemporary times, the Amhara have continued to assert their sovereignty and independence. The “NoMore” movement, which emerged in response to perceived external interference in Ethiopia’s internal affairs, saw significant participation from the Amhara community. This movement echoed the historical symphony of freedom and independence that the Amhara have long championed.
The Amhara’s commitment to defending their nation has often come at a high cost. Their patriotic fervor has sometimes led to internal strife and hardship, particularly when the country and its people have turned away during times of Amhara suffering. Despite these challenges, the Amhara’s dedication to Ethiopia’s sovereignty remains unwavering.
Their genuine political quest has been snatched by self-proclaimed online activists, vigilantes, and personalities while Amhara politicians, scholars and social philosophers are left under serious pressures
Politicians, scholars and social philosophers of Amhara origin are currently facing significant political, epistemological, and professional pressures. Their work is often viewed with suspicion, and their efforts to assist the government and their society are frequently misinterpreted as acts of subordination, scientism, and corruption. This has led to a challenging environment where these individuals find themselves stranded in academic and civil service organizations, unable to contribute meaningfully. Many of these people are in jails, in exile, or in the armed struggle and are experiencing a period of profound uncertainty and depression, unsure of how to support their country, their people, their families, and even themselves. The weight of these challenges is immense, and it is crucial that we extend our empathy and support to them during this difficult time.
Amharas find themselves in a challenging position where expressing selfless love for their nation is often misconstrued by their fellow Ethiopians. They perceive Amhara’s patriotism as an attempt to suppress, oppress, and dominate the others. Consequently, they are labeled as unitarians, centralists, Ahadawi, expansionists, or Ethiopianists. On the other hand, if they choose to prioritize their own community and show more love for themselves, are are met with equally harsh criticism. They are then called names such as neftegna, Timktegna, and komche. This dichotomy places them in a difficult situation, where neither selflessness nor self-prioritization is accepted without judgment.
Individuals such as Mota Keranyo, Yoni Magna, Zemdkun Bekele, and Belay Bekele Weya often present themselves under the banner of Amhara. They frequently engage in rhetoric that insults and demeans other fellow Ethiopians, who are equally beautiful, loving, and dignified. Unfortunately, their voices seem to overshadow those of the broader Amhara community. These individuals have turned their interpretation of ‘Amharaness’ into a lifestyle, a mode of gentleness, and a means of livelihood. However, the Amhara they depict in the media does not represent the true essence of the community. As Amharas, they find themselves disrespected, belittled, and our very social foundation is being unsettled.
The Amhara’s optimism and positivity have often led them to endure significant suffering and violations, as their trust in the central government and loyalty to the unity of their country have sometimes placed them in positions of hardship without adequate recognition or redress.
Lastly, in a spirit of optimism and hope, let us remember that recognizing the Amhara’s contributions to Ethiopia’s history, their resilience, and their ongoing struggles is a step towards healing. As President Obama wisely said, it should be in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds.
The sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it’s here is up to us. Journey wisely.”— Alexandra Elle
Editor’s note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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This article offers a deeply hypocritical and biased portrayal of Amhara perspectives, deliberately downplaying the horrific massacres and systematic oppression Amharas have endured throughout the country. By minimizing the ongoing, state-sanctioned genocide against the Amhara people, the piece appears to serve as a veiled attempt to legitimize a government complicit in these atrocities—one that is entirely undeserving of such validation. The suffering of the Amhara community runs far deeper than this malicious narrative suggests. To gloss over the bloodshed, displacement, and decades-long persecution is not just a disservice to truth, but a dangerous erasure of a crystal-clear reality: the Amhara people are facing an existential crisis that demands acknowledgment and urgent action, not political whitewashing.
Dear A. S. Molla,
There is no covert mission, no latent function—the multifarious existential threats faced by the Amhara population are obviously beyond imagination. Marginalization, forced displacement, disappearances, mass imprisonment, massacres, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the abhorrent act of genocide are all painfully evident. This piece aims to delve deep into what you described as a “malicious narrative,” but what I see as the profound causes behind every horrific massacre and systematic oppression the Amhara have endured, and continue to endure, throughout the country. This piece genuinely calls for a hearing of the stories of Amharas facing the worst possible violations on the planet.
I reiterate my call: may the world lend its ears to hear the Amharas. In this piece, I open the floor for people like you to share “the horrific massacres and systematic oppression the Amharas have endured throughout the country.”
Best