Ethiopia's Renaissance in the making

A.Tesfaye 06/12.09

Some say no publicity is a negative publicity. The report by the BBC on the Gilgel Gibe III project was in my opinion something that made even the most quiescent about Ethiopia, aware of the magnitude of the development projects being undertaken in the country. Thanks to the BBC reporter for wishing to keep us in the dark while shading light on our ignorance of the pains of developing our country, he made us catch a glimpse of the type of history being written on the ground.

Ethiopia has a proud history of rock-hewn churches, glittering victories over foreign invaders, Obelisks of grand astonishment, history that predates the birth of Christ, a notable position in the history of Islam and Christianity, source of humanity and so on and so forth. But in terms of connotation to development, none can rival the history of Ethiopia's renaissance trailing into the history books.

History today is being written on stone walls and tunnels that stretch up to 26 kilometers, only to light the pages in each room of every house hold, machines in every industry, computers in every institution, above all, to ignite the belief in the Ethiopian renaissance in every heart and mind.

The Ethiopian Prime Minster at one time spoke about his vision of harnessing Ethiopia's water resources. He was confident and adamant in his view that Ethiopia will harness its resources even if it has to depend solely on its own finance. Although I shared the views of the on lookers that day that chanted support to what the Prime Minster was saying, the idea of putting our great rivers to good use didn't at all look possible for me in this generation.

With great respect to all the singers that chant songs about our rivers, some so truthfully cursing some of them for being good for nothing- Abaye sim newo enje min tekmowal lageru terfu lelela newo hedo megeberu-we Ethiopians have really got used to the idea of finding comfort in just cursing the misfortune of our greatest blessings. Our strategy of today is not based on empty threats or self-pity. For many years we have listened to the same songs and the rhetoric about the potentials of Ethiopia's rivers and how prosperous the country would become if harnessed. We need a new song and a new rhetoric; one that narrates the unprecedented level reached in the development of Ethiopia's resources in such a short time.

Four of the major hydro power projects being undertaken by Ethiopia- Tkeze with 300MW power, Tana Beles with 460 MW power, Finchaa Amerti Neshi with 100 MW power, Gilgel Gibe II with 420MW and Gilgel Gibe III with 1870 MW power- will light not only our homes, streets and industries but also light the cities and countryside of our neighbors.  A thought that once bordered an illusion is now a reality that will be on the door steps of every Ethiopian.

I have no doubt on the extensiveness of the cost of these projects and the technical and political hurdles that tested the courage and resolve of the decision makers. But that must perhaps be little when compared to the fruits that will be ripped.  Some found it painless to steal from their people and build statues to tell a tale about their greatness, but we have seen their likeness brought to the ground and scratch the streets of the cities that they ruled with fear as they are dragged to a junkyard; some had people write volumes about them in the hope that they will be remembered as such, but failed as their true nature came to light. But others choose to build hospitals, universities, schools and dams to tell their greatness for thousands of years and earn the respect and blessing of millions.

No sane person or state would wish to be on the wrong side of the history of Ethiopia's renaissance. The friendship of nations, groups, organizations and even individuals should be measured by at which side of our renaissance they stand. So far Italy has stood second to none both in returning a symbolic piece in our history as well as in taking part in Ethiopia's history that is in the making. The EU, although very far behind from Italy, comes to a second place. I personally feel sad that I can't recognize more countries or organizations, even for their verbal support for these mega projects.

No doubt there are those who feel incapacitated to contribute to the enormous amount of money required to complete Gibe III or any of the other hydro power projects. One shouldn't shy away from the fact that Public Relations work is lacking as to how the people and the Diaspora should assist the development of these projects in the face of possible condemnation by Ethiopia skeptics. The limited and weak PR work to sell EEPCO shares, failed to show the bigger picture and was easily targeted by opposition to all.

I strongly feel each of us- poor or rich, in or out of the country, supporter or in the political opposition- have a historic responsibility to stand with our government in realizing and hastening Ethiopia's renaissance. Prayer, finance, lobbying in the capitals of every state at every level, lending a helping hand professionally, speaking out in support of Ethiopia's renaissance and creating awareness wherever we are could all be some, among many things, that can be done at personal or group levels. Ethiopia's renaissance is not a subject for dispute, it is a subject on which consensus is inevitable and natural.

Every good thing, even miraculous occurrences are known to cause some grief. Let us see and search our as to who the development efforts of our country today would harm and who they would benefit, then let us make up our mind and let us unite to highlight our glorious past with a glorious future. Standing against or even being left out of the jetting renaissance is a historic error.