We have patriots VS we deserve compensation from Italy
Posted September 4th, 2008 by Emishaw
Last Monday the associated press come up with an interesting news regarding the
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi apologies to Libya” for damage inflicted by Italy during the colonial era and signed a five-billion-dollar investment deal by way of compensation.” The news also coated the prime minister saying, “It is a material and emotional recognition of the mistakes that our country has done to yours during the colonial era,”
Two reflections held my mind immodestly after I read the news. It is crystal truth that Ethiopia has also faced the cruel hand of the fascist Italian occupying forces. I some how wonder what apologies have happened to Ethiopia yet and what compensations were done. I felt I have doubted seeing the answer to my question on the same news which reads …”In return, Italy wants Libya to crack down on illegal migrants turning up on Italian shores…” the illegal migration is surely a headache to the Italian government and probably this is the modest way of asking the Libya’s cooperation. What would Ethiopia in return give I asked myself…probably just the freedom of the mind. Asked my mind again what is more valuable for a secular state is it a peace of mind or a national interest?
However, I do hold my Ethiopian critical thinking exercise (NEGER in Amharic) lightly and appreciate the courage of Italy to say sorry for Libyan brothers. However, honestly could not still stop thinking what about poor Ethiopia.
The few history books of the 5-year bloody struggle of Ethiopians says the fascist occupying forces were accompanied by numerous atrocities which are actually can be labeled as war crimes .The fascists used f mustard gas, executed captured prisoners (patriots)without trial and even did a massacre on civilians. Just taking the event known the Graziani massacre that has ordered to kill anyone they can find on the streets of Addis Ababa were not easy wounds to the country. (The monument to commemorate the victims of Graziani massacre is standing in front of Addis Ababa University 6 killo.)
I still have to appreciated the words of Berlusconi coated saying” It is my duty, as a head of government, to express to you in the name of the Italian people our regret and apologies for the deep wounds that we have caused you,". If Italy officially paid the indemnity to Libya for the occupation, I am just wondering what the Ethiopian equivalent would will be labeled.
Whatever is the case of the compensation, we shall never forget the patriots who saved the country and changed the history of Africa!Speak Africa!
Is payment or apology enough to make up for all the patriots and innocent civilians that perished??? The "would be colonizers", Italians, have much more to do to make up for those days. But honestly as a proud Ethiopian, I do not seek anything from the Italians, I will always be proud of the independece that our forefathers guaranteed for us even though it costed their lives! Countries like Britian and France will always be indebted to Africa and it's immense resources that have ensured their prosperity!
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