Ethiopia is dear to the Coptic nation – our historical and religious links are strong and deep; and we cannot forget that, in our national need, when Muslim rulers oppressed us, Ethiopia often hurried to assist us. It’s no surprise that we love Ethiopia and that always pray for her peace and prosperity.
Ethiopia these days is threatened with worsening civil war as its political differences have created conflicts, and its conflicts are being dealt with by violence rather than discourse. I do not want to get involved in the political differences between the federal government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Tigrayan TOLF: I do not claim to know the full details, or to be in a position to judge. But I condemn the violence as the method to solve Ethiopia’s political problems; I, most of all, condemn the hate and the massacres that are driven by it. Much is being done in Ethiopia these days which is contrary to human values and the Christian faith which is followed by the majority of Ethiopians.
Ethiopia’s conflict is not just internal – it threatens to suck in external players, such as Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt. And these will undoubtedly be encouraged to do so, if they are not already interested in sowing conflict in Ethiopia and weakening it, by other players in the wider region and beyond who are keen about controlling the horn of Africa and its strategic geo-political position. We cannot say much about these beyond condemnation; but we can say something about the apparent joy expressed by some in Egypt for Ethiopia’s present difficulties: the Copts, however, will not share in the gloating about Ethiopia’s bad luck. In fact, we shall pray and work for Ethiopia – for its peace and for prosperity. Ethiopia is not an enemy – Ethiopia is a dear friend!