Lemlem Tsegaw, June 12, 2018
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” – Isaiah 6:8
Rape is defined as “an act of plunder, violent seizure, or abuse; despoliation; violation”_ http://www.dictionary.com/browse/rape
Since 1974 Ethiopians have suffered tremendously by their tyrant government. Historians, intellectuals, and concerned individuals have written extensively about it. However, the purpose of this article is threefold: 1) to highlight the gruesome atrocities being committed on the Amhara people who are citizens of Ethiopia; 2) to challenge each Ethiopians to be a voice for the voiceless without fear; and 3) to dare all those individuals who believe their identity is limited to their tribal or ethnic roots to be cognizant to the fact that they too are humans and, sooner or later, their children will harvest the seeds they scatter today. Thus, it will be wise to stand with other human beings labeled as “Amhara” and speak against such injustice like Amnesty International organization did on June 8, 2018:
Oromo youth groups this week surrounded Amhara homes, beating residents, and looting property in the Siyo District of Qellem Wollega Zone, Oromia State. At least 20 Amharas have been killed in such attacks since October 2017 but residents say the authorities have done nothing to stop them. ‘The Ethiopian government must take action to prevent these brutal attacks on the Amhara community, who … now face being made homeless.’
Here is my voice on behalf of the voiceless:
Citizen of the Earth
Why do leaders tell me to get off a given ground?
Listen you all
let us settle this once and for all.
There is only one Mother Earth under the sun,
and she has more than one son;
even the unborn are her children.
Don’t tell me that I must be classified by color
you need to know that blood is a mixture of red and
serum.
Don’t tell me to declare my citizenship, ethnicity…
think for a moment and check your perception,
for sure I am from this earth since conception.
Do you want me to affirm this by oath, listen you all!
let us settle this once for all.
I am telling you that it must be my choice and the Amharas’ too,
not by decree, nor by force.
Look at me! I am from the earth’s race.
I am; therefore, a citizen of the earth.
And I say, therefore, “PEACE ON EARTH.”
– A Mother’s Eye View by Lemlem Tsegaw, 1997
Read also Hear Me Now by Lemlem Tsegaw @ blurb.com
In conclusion, I must say that when a Nation is raped, which is happening to the Amharas today, sooner or later it could happen to anyone. Therefore, it is important to remember the following statement and act today for the betterment of all:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
_ MARTIN NIEMÖLLER