The assertion that Ethiopia is a great nation is not a cliché which has a statistical value alone.

Ethiopia is undergoing a sea change which holds promises and poses perilous threats.

As the 200th birthday of Emperor Tewodros II, who is credited with laying the foundation for modern-day Ethiopia and installing a central government after ending the decentralized Zemene Mesafint (Era of the Princes), is marked this week it’s imperative to ponder on some issues of critical importance in the context of the current political reality in Ethiopia.

It’s frustrating when adults who ought to shape the youth, set an example and right wrongs act as neighborhood bullies.

Though pretty much that can be said about peace has been said ever since Ethiopia has been in the throes of political turmoil over the past three years, words have not been suited to action to date.

The age-old adage “The wise learn from the mistakes of others, fools don’t learn from theirs” conveys a powerful message.

The news emerging from some parts of Ethiopia is stocking apprehension over the country’s political future. The actions of a handful of narcissistic and myopic compatriots are fueling conflicts and tension.

Decades have elapsed since the art of sowing ethnic, religious and other divisions among Ethiopians while claiming to champion their interest has been a hallmark of the elites of the country.

The alarming frequency with which intercommunal conflicts are occurring all over Ethiopia is perhaps the single greatest threat to the continued existence of the country as a functioning polity.

One of if not the worst feature of Ethiopian politics is the sheer unwillingness to engage in a constructive conversation and dialogue on any topic.