This archive report was first published on 19 October 2019.
October 19, 2019, was a remarkable day for Africa, marked by two historic achievements that showcased the continent's resilience and determination. Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge made history by completing a 42-kilometre marathon in 1:59:40 in Vienna, Austria, becoming the first recorded human being to run the distance in under two hours.
Just a few days earlier, on October 11, 2019, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his democratic reforms and peacemaking efforts with Eritrea. This prestigious award was a testament to Abiy's commitment to peace and reconciliation in the region.
As I reflected on these achievements, I couldn't help but think of the power of unity and the importance of putting aside ethnic differences. In Kenya, we have a long history of coming together in times of crisis, as seen during the Westgate terror attack or when Lupita Nyong'o won the Oscar. President Barack Obama's 2015 homecoming was another moment of national pride, where he reminded us that 'Old ethnic divisions can still be stirred up—a politics that is based solely on ethnicity is a politics that's doomed to tear a country apart… whatever the challenge you will be stronger if you face it not as Christians or Muslims, Maasai, Kikuyu, Luo or any other — but as Kenyans.'
Similarly, in Ethiopia, the outpouring of national pride following Abiy's Nobel win was a heartening reminder of the country's rich history of shared glory. From the famous battle of Adwa, led by Emperor Menelik II, to the current efforts of Abiy's government to promote reconciliation and unity, Ethiopia has shown a remarkable ability to put aside ethnic differences and work towards a common goal.
However, the road to unity is not without its challenges. In Ethiopia, the 1995 ethnic federal constitution has entrenched ethnic identity in the preamble and demarcated states on ethnicity rather than geography. This has led to the formation of ethnic-based political parties, militias, and even banks. The past regimes have also contributed to ethnic hatred by jailing or exiling people with different opinions.
Abiy's task is daunting, but the Nobel award has given him a significant boost in demonstrating Ethiopians have more commonalities than differences. By transforming Emperor Menelik II's 19th-century palace into a museum featuring histories of all Ethiopia's ethnicities, Abiy has shown his commitment to promoting a sense of shared identity and history. He has also set up a national reconciliation commission to establish the root causes of ethnic violence.
But Abiy's work is far from over. He needs to ensure that no ethnic community group feels disadvantaged and that basic services such as healthcare, education, and water are provided to all. The Tigrayans, who have been at the forefront of calling for secession, have pledged to build an obelisk in Abiy's name if he solves their water problems. Similarly, in fertile Gambella, people frame their issues from a medical care, schools, and water needs perspective.
Ultimately, Abiy's success will depend on his ability to promote a government approach and political and security cooperation. He has an uphill task in institution building and strengthening horizontal ties between the national government, the nine ethnically-based administrative regions, and the two self-governing administrations of Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa.
As I reflect on these challenges, I am reminded of the importance of the 'Gursha' spirit, which is a traditional Ethiopian practice of eating from one plate and occasionally scooping food to feed each other. This spirit of sharing and unity is essential for Abiy's success in uniting the country.
Will the Nobel award support Abiy's methods of reconciliation or has it restrained him as a leader? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain – Abiy's commitment to unity and reconciliation has given Ethiopians a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.
