THE 15TH ETHIOPIA NATIONAL FLAG DAY

Today is the 15th Ethiopian Flag day, and the day has been celebrated by government institutions. However, there has been minimal celebrations around Ethiopia. This can be attributed to lack of mobilisation and civic education. The other problem is regional governments having their own flags. Thus, Federal regions are more royal to their flags than they do with the Ethiopian Federal flag. Maybe the lack of royalty and patriotism is due to numerous regimes having their own flags: the federal flag is considered oppressive and not a unifying symbol by many regions. In fact, raising the current flag in certain regions is considered an insult. Maybe the government of the day, should do more civic education and not a one day event when it suits it.

The flag should not only be a symbol of patriotism and oppression, but a pillar of our sovereignty, Unity, diversity, love, affection, and care for each other in Ethiopia. The flag should be a rallying symbol for living together in peace, love and respect for different opinions. The flag should be seen as a symbol of affection and empathy.

Thus, Patriotism, Freedom and Dignity of all Ethiopians, should be natural and not stage managed by the political class. Otherwise, the current National Flag will continue to be a divisive symbol when raised by warmongers to kill and displace a certain section of the populace.

 

Ethiopia Autonomous Media