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Addis Fortune (Addis Ababa)

Ethiopia: Millennium a Conundrum to International Press

Brian Burrelli

10 September 2007

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Addis Ababa — As the big Millennium bash approaches Ethiopia is receiving an extraordinary amount of international press coverage in conjunction with the event. This once in a lifetime calendar date is an oddity in the media as various attempts to explain its significance, understand the basis for a Millennium seven and a half years after the rest of the world experienced it and contextualise the occurrence in the country as a whole.

The generalisations thrown around lightly give a view into the manner in which the outside world views this Horn of Africa nation. Varying emphases and rhetoric not only provide a light into the depiction of Ethiopia in the minds of foreigners but also elucidates the value systems from which judgements are made.

The more travel-oriented institutions appreciate the light quixotic for its selling value to potential tourists. GoAfrica uses a lyrical reference to classify the country is uniformly in a merriment mood: "Ethiopians are still partying like it is 1999."

Other more serious institutions seem to have bought the positively progressing image the government is pushing forward, as the press is second guessing conventional stereotypes of the country. The Guardian wants to surprise the reader and open his or her mind to fresh realities: "If you thought Ethiopia was all drought and famine, think again."

While The Guardian does flaunt the oft cited lack of colonisation, its analysis would be disputed by anyone looking critically at the hip-hop culture pervasive amongst youth and the consumerism that has crept into the urbanite mindset: "It has a highly individual culture unaffected by outside influences." Not to mention the feature event of an American hip-hop group, the Black Eyed Peas.

The United Kingdom (UK)-based Guardian is also quick to remember that Ethiopia is still a poor country with its own issues: "Ethiopia continues to struggle with more than its fair share of developing-world problems."

True to the hopeful form Millennium well-wishers have taken, though The Guardian quickly reminds the reader of the potential for a bright future and prominence in Africa: "But what it lacks in economic development it more than makes up for with a wealth of archaeological, cultural and natural riches that make it the envy of every other African minister of tourism."

The message coming from the United States' (US) soil in Atlanta, Georgia picks up on the multitude of ethnicities under the flag and the spirit of tolerance authorities are attempting to throw in the Millennium mix. CNN provides an optimistic spin: "Despite the country's troubles, many Ethiopians are optimistic the Millennium may usher in a new period of reconciliation among its myriad ethnic groups."

The Time-Warner owned company is quick, however, to remind its readers that not all Ethiopian's are celebrating as most international readers are likely to be more familiar with the soldiers in combat in Somalia than those partying in the Millennium concert hall. CNN remains sceptical of the government's image building campaign: "The Millennium celebrations are likely to provide a welcome distraction for Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's government whose troops are embroiled in a conflict in neighbouring Somalia."

Two ever-watchful and often provoking international news agencies, the Associated Press (AP) and Reuters, appear content to emphasise questionable 'clean-up' projects in the city.

The AP reports that there will be a visible decrease in the number of feral canines picking through the city's pervasive trash heaps: "Authorities plan to kill tens of thousands of stray dogs in the Ethiopian capital using strychnine-laced meat, saying they want to eradicate rabies before next week's celebration."

Reuters takes a more human aspect of the cleansing reporting on the decrease of beggars that may annoy visitors, though they assume it will be a small drop in the bucket estimating 90,000 beggars reside in the capital: "A private organisation will try to remove tens of thousands of beggars from the streets of Addis Abeba to create a more 'conducive' atmosphere."

The Sudan Tribune is stresses that the Millennium is not all fun and games as it calls into question the efficacy of the 10 million dollar Millennium concert hall that will be torn down in six month's time: "The fact that the 20,000-capacity venue is temporary and will be dismantled only months after the turn of the new Millennium has only fuelled public resentment in a country in dire need of long-term investment."

Though there may be points of contention within the specifics of the celebration, most media outlets are keen to position Ethiopia as a distinctive and individual entity within the global village when explaining the basis for an exceptional calendar. IAfrica.com report a pride felt within Ethiopia's individuality: "Educated Ethiopians live comfortably in two calendars and show no sign of wanting to abandon their own."

The Jamaica Gleaner reports a close connection between the Jamaica Labour Party's hopes for unity and the mood propagating through official Ethiopian media:

"Ras Junior Manning of the Ethio-Africa Diaspora Millennium Union Council (EADMUC) explained that the month of September and the millennium have always heralded significant changes or events in world history, and so marks a momentous occasion for the nation.

According to Ras Manning, Ethiopia's millennium indicates a new beginning for Jamaica, in which both parties, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People's National Party (PNP), will come together and unite for the betterment of the society."

The Guardian provides a vivid picture of the projected colourful nightlife in a patriotic image of celebration: "Every bar and restaurant all over the country will be a blaze of red, green and gold, the colours of the national flag, and the partying will last long into the night - and into the following year as well."

It is this festive mood that pervades most reporting and is what many will hope dominates the realisation of the anticipated day.

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