Cardinal Berhaneyesus calls Ethiopians to dialogue

Following nationwide protests, over the weekend by Ethiopia’s Oromo people, the Catholic Bishops of Ethiopia have called for peaceful dialogue as a sure means of resolving differences. AFP news agency reported that up to 50 protestors were killed at the weekend while Amnesty International put the death toll at 97. Other rights groups put the death toll at 104.

In their statement, the Ethiopian Catholic Bishops made a passionate plea for peaceful dialogue between the government and parties concerned. Reading the statement to the press, on behalf of other Bishops, Cardinal Berhaneyesus the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ethiopia said that Ethiopia is a country with a long history of peaceful and respectful co-existence. He said the country needs to maintain this positive aspect and encouraged peaceful dialogue in the search for answers. He stressed that chaos could not be the way forward. Chaos, he said, was a hindrance to growth and development.

“Ethiopia is on a well-established track towards development, we must continue to work hard, hand-in-hand to stay on this road of changing our history of poverty and maintain a steady economic growth,” said the Cardinal.

Cardinal Berhaneyesus also expressed sorrow for those who lost lives or were injured during the disturbances. 

“We pray for the souls of our children who have lost their lives so they may rest in peace, we also pray for the consolation of the bereaved families.” He added, “We ask all people to cooperate in building a society free of all hatred that we can pass on to the next generation,” said.

Cardinal Berhaneyesus said the Church was appealing to all Catholics, government officials, all Ethiopians and people of good-will to become instruments of peace. He further said the faithful, priests and the religious are asked to pray during this period as they fast in preparation for the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady. He asked them to pray for peace and love in the country. The Bishops, Cardinal Berhaneyesus said, also ask government officials to engage in discussion with the public and to listen to the requests of the people. 

Addressing young people of Ethiopia, the Cardinal appealed for a sense of patriotism. 

“Our dear young children, we wish that you take over from us a developed and peaceful Ethiopia, not a country that is full of unrest. We urge you to remember that you have the duty and the right to take over a country that is full of peace and hope for development so you must work for this,” said the Cardinal reading the Bishops’ statement.

(Source:  Ethiopian Catholic Secretariat)
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