By Arap D
Today, Ethiopia is waking up to a new Prime Minister. Dr. Abiy Ahmed. An Oromo. The FIRST OROMO Prime Minister in Ethiopia’s history.
Oromo People Democratic Organisation Leader Dr. Abiy Ahmed got elected as #EPRDF’s new chairman after garnering 108 votes pit of 180 votes.
But that is not as important as the events leading up to this day. Back in 1991, the Tigrayan, an ethnic minority deposed the Derge, the communist committee that ruled Ethiopia since 1974.
What followed was a calculated move by the Tigrayan’s ruling elite to control the military and every sector of the economy. They repressed everyone in their path until 2015 when the Oromo youths said enough is enough. And so from 2015, the Oromo youths and politicians mounted a movement calling for inclusion and reforms in governance. The journey has not been an easy one.
Hundreds have died in the hands of the regime. Thousands have been jailed. Freedoms and rights have been curtailed. State of emergencies have been introduced, one after another.
To this day, there is a blanket Internet shutdown in Ethiopia. But the Oromo youth never gave up. They pressed on with their agitation. They understood that rights are fought for, not given on silver plate. They understood that the tree of freedom and liberty must be watered from time to time by the blood of patriots and despots alike.
And so on February 15, 2018, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn resigned. That’s how they’re waking up with a new PM today.
You see, the adage, “a people united can never be defeated” is still very alive.
To all other nations, in Africa and beyond; keep agitating for good governance and inclusion. Stand up and fight for your rights. The Oromo revolution has proven to all and sundry that with a good strategy, strong will, consistency and perseverance, despots too can fall!
#Billisumaa
