A Statement from the Crown Council of Ethiopia by its President, His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie
We wish all Ethiopian People, at home and in the Diaspora, a blessed Ethiopian Christmas (Melkam Genna).
There is strength in forgiveness, so may this wondrous holiday season usher in an era of peace and reconciliation amongst all our people, remembering that what we share in our three millennia of collective history — our bond — is greater than anything which could temporarily divide us.
We are all at a crucial crossroads in our great nation. Where there were mistakes and miscalculations we need an earnest reform and corrections. These require of us a courageous commitment of action: Sincere applications and concrete steps to fulfill promises of words. Inevitably, challenges will emerge, but the key is to reflect with patience and magnanimity in seeking tolerant outcomes.
We are all encouraged by the spirit of reconciliation. True reconciliation cannot exist in the absence of justice and it must include an affirmation to correct inequalities, real or perceived. It is a journey as well as a destination.
Let us embark on this path with open hearts and vigilance. We are all stakeholders, and which outcomes we choose will determine our collective destiny. Ethiopians are an ancient and wise people, confident in their faith and humanity. Let us pray that sanity and magnanimity will prevail over hatred and violence.
Let us all embrace challenges as opportunities. Let us all commit ourselves to work for peace not only amongst ourselves with all our neighbors within Ethiopia’s boundaries and within a region peopled by our cousins. We have known each other, and shared with each other, for many millennia. We can, and will, resolve any obstacles, and build a great future together.
May the Almighty continue to guide and bless our People and Country. Let us chart together a peaceful and prosperous Nation, confident in itself and its future.Ethiopian Samson Berhane, 27, reads a previous month’s Ethiopian Business Review, featuring Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who won the Nobel Peace Prize, at his office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
