Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today emphasized the intrinsic link between diversity and national strength, marking Pagume 2 as a "Day of Unity." The Prime Minister's message, shared on social media, reframed the nation's rich tapestry of cultures, languages, histories, and beliefs not as a point of division but as an "abundance of blessings."
In his statement, the Prime Minister highlighted that Ethiopia is a country "filled with many blessings," which he described as "distinct" rather than "different." He stated, "The diversity of culture, language, history, civilization, faith, gender, perspective, etc., indicates the abundance of blessings we have. Diversity is the history and the face of Ethiopia."
The designation of Pagume 2 as a "Day of Unity" is part of a broader national initiative to assign specific themes to the days of Pagume, the 13th and final month of the Ethiopian calendar. The unique five-day month, which occurs before the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash), is a period of reflection and preparation for the new year. This year's themes aim to foster a spirit of unity and shared purpose as the nation looks ahead to a new chapter.
This message from the Prime Minister serves as a call to action for all Ethiopians to embrace their multifaceted identity and to recognize that their collective strength lies in their diversity. The celebration of unity is seen as a cornerstone for building a prosperous and stable nation, where differences are celebrated and harnessed for the common good.