allAfrica.com: Ethiopia: Uniquely African Millennium (Page 1 of 2)

While the rest of the world celebrated the turn of the millennium seven years ago, Ethiopia will mark the year 2000 on September 12. Both the UN and the African Union have recognized the Ethiopian millennium as a unique African occasion, dubbing it an "African Millennium."

Ethiopia, known for its ancient history and rich heritage, is the only country in the world that has preserved the ancient Ethiopian Orthodox faith-based Julian calendar, which is seven years behind the Gregorian calendar that is commonly used by the rest of the world.

The government of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, which is faced with many challenges, ranging from rebel movements to tension with its neighbors to widespread poverty, is looking forward to the turn of the millennium with renewed hope as a basis for opening a new chapter in the country's history.

Ethiopian Ambassador to Kenya Disasa Dirribsa told The EastAfrican that the millennium is not just about celebrating the unique nature of Ethiopia's calendar system; it is also a time for Ethiopia to reflect on and try to overcome the diverse socio-economic difficulties facing the country.

"I wish to point out that the turn of the new millennium is in itself an inspiration for Ethiopians to search for new ways of enhancing the country's ability to sustain the rich cultural heritage as well as our unique position on the African continent," he said.

"While the heritage is a source of pride and joy to all Ethiopians, it is also our responsibility to use it to eradicate poverty and create favorable conditions for the country's overall development," added Mr Dirribsa.

But government critics, especially Ethiopians in the Diaspora, are running a campaign to persuade their compatriots to boycott the celebrations on the grounds that the government wants to use the year-long festivities to divert attention from the widespread human-rights abuses and repression that have become routine in Ethiopia since the May 2005 elections.

The celebrations could also be marred by the current tension between Ethiopia and its neighbors and the internal rebel movement.

Apart from intervening in neighboring Somalia, Ethiopia is facing the likelihood of renewed war with Eritrea over the disputed border town of Badme, as well as rebellions by the Oromo Liberation Front in the south and the Ogaden National Liberation Front in the east, where ethnic Somalis are pushing for self-determination.

The anti-celebration groups argue that the government should confront these challenges first, while the funds being spent on the celebrations should be used to fight poverty and disease.

But Ajabe Ligabe Wolde, a counselor at the Ethiopian embassy in Nairobi, says the celebration is an opportunity for Ethiopians all over the world to reflect on their future, put their political differences aside and see how they can improve the people's livelihood.

Still, the millennium is unique to Ethiopia, the only African county that did not experience colonialism. With its unique cultural traditions dating back to ancient times, the Ethiopian millennium is one of the traditions that have passed down from generation to generation without interruption.

The organizers of the celebration believe that it will be a chance to change the image of Ethiopia and show that the country has more to offer the world than the images of misery that were splashed across the world following the 1984 famine.

It will be an opportunity to show the world its rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions such as the 17th century Fasilidas Castle in Gondar , the famous Obelix of Axum, which was recently returned from Italy , and the rock churches of Lalibela in Lasta.

Government officials say Ethiopia has survived many phases from its ancient civilization to the present economic and social challenges with its pride intact.

Ethiopia has culture and traditions that date back more than 3,000 years, and any traveler is transported through breathtaking monuments and ruins that were built centuries ago.

The ancient northern city of Axum remains the country's oldest urban and religious centre.

The Axumite kingdom was once the most powerful Red Sea state between the eastern Roman Empire and Persia. Axum hosts the famous monolithic Obelisk, and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Gondar, founded in 1636, is known for its castle-like palaces and was Ethiopia's capital until the reign of Emperor Tewodros II.

Thus, the concluding millennium has seen Ethiopia prosper and decline both politically and economically.

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