Scholar Advises Regional States to Take Lesson from Addis about Living in Harmony

Addis Ababa  December 07/2018 Regional states should take Addis Ababa as a “model” of living harmoniously in unity and diversity, a scholar pointed out at a panel discussion held today. Speaking at a panel organized in connection with the 13th Nations Nationalities and Peoples’ Day, History lecturer at Kotebe Metropolitan University Almaw Kiflu said Addis Ababa has always opened its doors to regional states irrespective of language, religion, and ethnic background differences. Addis is a city of all peoples, nations and nationalities where they have all put their fingerprints on its development and growth, he noted, adding that they consequently consider it as their own home. The capital city has on the other hand been fiercely opposed to racism, intolerance, ethnic and religious conflicts, among others, the panelist stated. Regional states should therefore learn from Addis Ababa. Moreover Addis is known for naming streets and squares after not only Ethiopian personalities but also continental and international heroes, Almaw noted. The elderly resident of Addis Ababa who attended the panel, Eshetu Mamo said this generation has to take a lesson from inhabitants of Addis Ababan and our forefathers on how to live in harmony by accommodating diversity. Eshetu urged all stakeholders to exert maximum effort to teach about unity and alongside diversity to the youth in particular. The elderly resident strongly condemned the recent massive internal displacements and conflicts by describing them as totally unacceptable by all standards and measures. The 13th Nations Nationalities and Peoples’ Day that will be celebrated in Addis Ababa tomorrow is being marked with various activities aimed at strengthening unity in diversity.