Written: May 1, 1985
Published: May 3, 1985
Source: The Ethiopian Herald, May 3, 1985
Digitalisation: East View
Proof-reading: Vishnu Bachani
HTML: Vishnu Bachani
— Beloved Workers, Peasants and all Working People of Revolutionary Ethiopia,
— Members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces engaged in the various fronts to ensure the well-being of our priceless Motherland,
— Esteemed Guests,
— Comrades,
This day marks the eleventh official celebration of International Workers' Day in our country after we embarked on a new historical chapter and we firmly took sides with those forces which stand for the well-being, equality and prosperity of mankind, thanks to our Revolution. As in the past, our celebration today also inspires us with unique feelings. Our celebrations of May Day in the past were marked, on the one hand, by the satisfaction we derived from our achievements, and on the other, by our grievances at the evils committed against us. And, we undertake today's celebration with mixed feelings. On the one hand, we are inspired by exalted feelings in that we have attained the Party leadership which is indispensable if our society is to reach its designated goal. On the other hand, the occurrence of the severest drought ever known in our country has left us with excruciatingly painful feelings. Yet, in spite of our mixed feelings, the fact that we are satisfactorily combating this natural calamity with the resolute and vanguard leadership of our Party, has boosted our resolve. In fact, contrary to the desires of our enemies and in spite of their sneer, we have resolutely confronted this grave problem and are overcoming it through the forefront struggle of the genuine sons and daughters of Revolutionary Ethiopia, the staunch moral courage and united effort of our people. What is more, our efforts are not limited to bringing about transient solutions and we are marching ever forward by laying down firm bases for lasting progress and prosperity. We would like to take this opportunity to express once again our gratitude to all those who have hitherto stood on our side, and shall do the same in the future so that our efforts shall bear fruit.
The colossal task of confronting and overcoming the natural calamity which has befallen our country in much the same way as many other countries in all parts of the world has more than ever before convinced us of the need for organised effort and struggle. Even though it has always been known that unity is might, the coordinated and systematic effort being exerted by our Party, State and People—the entire society—by rising and acting as a single, unified and disciplined unit is indeed exemplary. The onerous task which we are accomplishing by drawing upon all our national resources along with our endeavour to relocate some 400,000 compatriots to fertile regions of our country and revive their hopes, while at the same time saving many more lives without upsetting the day-to-day lives of the rest of our people, can by no means be underestimated. It undoubtedly deserves praise. Moreover, it is living proof of the fact that a conscious and organised people is truly a miracle-maker particularly when we consider the fact that all these tasks are being accomplished while we are at the same time combating the multi-faceted and shameless assaults launched against us by our enemies.
— Working People of Ethiopia,
Even though various recurrent obstacles have stood in the way of our genuine goal, we are still firmly marching towards our ultimate objective of development while at the same time overcoming transient problems, undaunted by any obstacle, since we have risen resolutely and chosen "a day's freedom to eternal slavery." We are also building our capability to ascertain additional victories, and hence it is unquestionable that we shall fully realise our objectives.
As is well-known, the fundamental objective of our Revolution has been and still continues to be the abolition of the shameful legacy of backwardness emanating from joint oppression and exploitation by feudalism and imperialism, and to guarantee justice and prosperity to our people. The radical and popular measures we have taken so far are tangible evidence of this fact. Nevertheless, our desire to practically realize our popular objectives within a short span of time and to a considerable extent is determined not only by our will and effort but also by the prevailing objective conditions. Hence, we have not been able to advance ourselves to the extent we wish we did. Our struggle is not limited to our initial objective of combating and abolishing backwardness alone, we have never had a moment of respite as we have had to withstand the consistent assault directed against us by our enemies. The struggle to withstand the devastation wrought by natural calamities is another battlefront which has demanded of us persistent attention and effort. We did not have the necessary capability and readiness to combat all these complex problems, hence, the effort we had to exert in order to build this capability and readiness was in itself extremely arduous. In general, the struggle we are waging has assumed a complex character owing to the objective conditions prevailing in our country and the distinctive historical characteristics of our times. Yet, we have not fallen back from our revolutionary march as we have resolutely risen to ascertain the attainment of our popular goal through practical popular participation.
— Working People of Ethiopia,
There can be no iota of doubt that the path we have chosen to ascertain our national dignity and social progress, and to create for ourselves a life that is free from poverty and any other problem is indeed the correct one. The fact that we have made land and major economic institutions public property, that we have organized our people so that they are themselves the beneficiaries of their sacrifices and victories, that we have affirmed the equality of nationalities, and provided legal support to the equality of women as well as equality among religions has undeniably created favourable conditions for our social progress. It is true that we have not yet exploited these favourable conditions to the full. Hence, in order to bring forth tangible results in line with the national call of February 9, 1985 and the resolutions of the 2nd Plenum of the CC of the WPE[1], it is expected that every one of us shall arise in firm resolve and struggle for the collective benefit of our country and people by subordinating our private interests to this noble objective.
An important issue that must be put in clear perspective on this occasion is the consistent decline in the supply of food-grain while its price continues to rise. This issue is at times being used to draw a contrast between the days of the decadent feudal system and the era of the Revolution. On the surface, the contrast is apparently paradoxical. The problem has of course been exacerbated by the drought situation which we have been continuously combating against and which has currently assumed an extent far beyond the country's capability to withstand it. Yet, the drought is not solely responsible for this problem. If we take teff[2], the traditional staple food in our country—especially among urban dwellers—as an example, the drought has of course created its shortage and led to a high rise in its price. Nevertheless, there are other factors behind this. In the old days, when land was privately owned, the peasant was forced to produce this crop, which requires more labour as compared to other crops, merely for the satisfaction of the luxurious needs and tastes of his masters. It is also to be remembered that the feudal barons took to the market the excess teff they had with a view to satisfying their greed for money. On the other hand, now that the peasant has become free from the bonds of tenantship, he is not forced to produce this difficult crop in large quantities to feed others at his own expense, as was the case in the past. Moreover, even though this crop continues to be available in the market, though not in sufficient quantities, it must be remembered that the growth in our population from year to year has contributed to its shortage. Still more, the expenditure involved in its transportation in view of the shortage of fuel further contributes to the price-rise. The profiteering carried out by merchants, apathetic to the country and the people, by taking advantage of all these factors is of course evident to all. The failure to stop the inhuman deeds committed by those merchants who run for exorbitant profits by speculating on the basic necessities of the society, and who give priority to their individual interests rather than to the well-being of the country and the people, is absolutely inexcusable and in fact demands for firm popular justice. Especially with regard to food grain, it is no secret that such merchants consort with some weak elements among the peasantry under cover of darkness at the expense of the people. It is indeed a sad fact that while the peasantry at large remains to be the pillar of the Revolution and many of its members are paying noble sacrifices in defence of the frontiers of their Motherland, some peasants have succumbed to some transient and selfish interests. Hence, the greedy merchants and their collaborators who are the major sources of this problem, must realize that they will no more be tolerated and must refrain from their vile activities.
There can be no question that the peasant, who has attained his freedom thanks to the Revolution, bears the responsibility of feeding the rest of the working people and also has the right to get manufactured goods that satisfy his basic needs. Nevertheless, the fact that he cannot now fully cater to the feeding culture of a given social sector as he used to do in the past should not make the freedom he has derived from the Revolution questionable. Hence, in order to overcome the problem, we must collectively seek for solutions which shall enable us to raise the production of teff, if this becomes impossible, then we must seek for ways in which alternative crops are made available in abundance, and also adjust our feeding habits in accordance with the type of crops that we produce.
Though we have here taken teff as an example, we must realise the need for assessing the prevailing conditions from every perspective with regard to the satisfaction of the other needs of the society as well. In point of fact, in order for our needs to be satisfied, we must first of all become productive and fully discharge our responsibilities both at work and elsewhere to ensure equitable and fair distribution and exchange. The desire for consumption in the absence of production can take us nowhere. Moreover, unless we impose strict control on selfish elements who run after limitless profits and unless we adjust our taste and general mode of life to the objective situation, we can never overcome the problem. Talking about a problem or echoing the falsehoods concocted by our enemies cannot be a solution to the problem. The only solution is to consolidate the effort, which we have recently started in country and town, to ascertain the dignity of the Motherland, and carry through with it in a strengthened manner.
— Working People of Ethiopia,
As history testifies, social progress is the outcome not of mere desire but arduous struggle. The endeavour to lay down the necessary foundation for social progress in a society arising from no significant position, in particular, requires for heavy sacrifices. Even though the imperialists who have built their economy through slave trade, war profits, looting, colonialism and neo-colonialism, and in general through the gross oppression and exploitation of peoples, sneer at the socialist goal for which we struggle, history and the living realities of the world fully corroborate that the socialist path is the sole path towards justice and progress. On the other hand, however much they attempt to distort facts and confuse public opinion, imperialism is today the sole cause of the suffering of peoples.
People have been looted of their wealth and relegated to colonial rule by imperialism and not by socialism. With regard to Africa in particular, it was the imperialist forces, not the socialist forces, who exactly one hundred years ago put its map in front of them and divided the continent among themselves in open daylight. It was the imperialists, not the socialists, who deprived the African peoples of their freedom and forced them to rise in the struggle for liberation. It is the imperialists, not the socialists, who, in an attempt to maintain their exploitation in Africa, direct the senseless genocide in South Africa, an act which history shall never forgive. Again, the crimes committed by the imperialists directly or indirectly, overtly and covertly, to prevent people from determining their destinies are simply inexhaustible.
Though their true nature is not unknown to history, they pose as champions of the peoples of the world and distort the truth through subtle propaganda. This indicates not only their shrewdness but also their contempt for people. It is a common practice for them to use local cohorts, who are a part of the people and use the language of the people but serve imperialism's interests, and in this way penetrate into target societies to attain their evil goal. In view of this, their campaign against Revolutionary Ethiopia today is multidimensional. In an attempt to keep us an alms-receiver, they denigrate our rehabilitation programme; they challenge our country's unity by bleeding our people who are engaged in a staunch struggle to combat a serious natural calamity, through the instrumentality of mercenaries; they distort the true essence of the exemplary measures we have taken to build our country by living within the limits of our income. In general, they vilify and oppose all our positive efforts and pretend to sympathise with our people. This, however, can by no means deceive us. The Ethiopian people, who have never before succumbed to an enemy and whose prideworthy history of resolute defence of their independence takes up a major chapter of African history, shall never fall victim to imperialism's psychological warfare, especially at the present juncture when their consciousness has reached a remarkable level of development.
Today too, just like yesterday, the Ethiopian people accept with open arms those who come to them in peace. They never surrender to those who come with force for they are never afraid of sacrifice. As their forefathers did not leave them a legacy of passively accepting any humiliation, they shall never pass a scar of humility to the coming generation.
.Revolutionary Ethiopia firmly believes in the possibility of peaceful coexistence and mutual cooperation with all nations—near and far—and not only with those who stand on its side in full solidarity but also with those who pursue differing political systems. And in line with this foreign policy, she shall not refrain from making her due contribution to ascertain the prevention of wars but also promote honest economic and cultural relations based on equality.
In this regard, she attaches special importance to her neighbours. As our region is among the most sensitive spots in international politics, the relations between Revolutionary Ethiopia and its neighbours are very crucial. In view of this, the overture made by the new Sudanese administration, expressing its desire to improve relations between the two countries, is commendable. Nevertheless, the practical solution to the problem rests in the endeavour to be made for stopping the ills perpetuated against us from the other side, and we expect that this shall be done. The now ousted Nimeiri administration had made the Sudan a haven and stepping stone for secessionist bandits who have been bleeding the northern part of our country. Moreover, the fact that it was a tool in the hands of imperialism and reaction and had been committing crimes against the Sudanese people themselves has been amply demonstrated by its recent downfall. It is imperative for the new Sudanese administration to realise this fact and discharge its responsibility of renewing the long-standing friendship cultivated between the peoples of the two countries. The translation of words into deeds is a key to the improvement of the relationship between our two countries and we shall await the results to come.
— Dear Working People,
— Dear Comrades,
The basic guarantee for the viability of Ethiopia, this awe-inspiring, respected Motherland and pride of its children, is the achievement in our economic endeavour. The correct premises for this calls for a thorough grasp of the objective conditions. Without this thorough comprehension, consumption rather than production and loss rather than profit would be the trend, indeed, collapse would be inevitable. It is true that favourable conditions conducive for progress are now present, but this is not to imply that the state of the economy is at present a relaxing one. With this awareness, however, it becomes necessary that working harder today for tomorrow's worthy result and saving now for a life of abundance of the future should be the guiding principle of our endeavour. We have to infuse ourselves, more than ever, with a fresh spirit of work and struggle to achieve double and triple result in terms of thrifty and rational use of our time and resources. We should be able to bequeath to our children a life better than ours. Let us thus rise to prove our consciousness through work and our organization through achievements; in short, let us prove through visible progress that we are a revolutionary society.
The general guidelines for the current task and struggle are clearly delineated in the Programme of WPE, the Ten Year's Master Plan as well as in the Action Programme of the Political Bureau. The current priority tasks we further set out in detail by the Second Plenary Session of WPE. Given or readiness to set the better of time by our concerted effort, particularly now when the theoretical and practical guidelines of our path are clearly delineated, we have every reason to be confident to achieve the result we are after.
We are encouraged by the result so far registered in curbing our basic food-deficit problem through unprecedented effort in irrigation and other fields. There can, however, be no denying the fact that this can have a significant impact on our progress only when the present campaign is allowed to harden into a regular work tradition.
The current BELG[3] rains have come later than usual, but the precipitation is nevertheless assumed to be a satisfactory one all over the country. We assume therefore that this augurs well for a good MEHER[4] harvest if the present trend continues. It is expected that all the working people in general and the peasants in particular will do all their best to take advantage of the positive trend ahead of them.
— Dear Working People,
Our objective is, rather than overcoming periodical crises, to bring about in our country a stable and long-term material life. For the full attainment of these objectives, the creation of favourable conditions is essential and crucial; among these is the setting up of a new popular political order. In line with the not insignificant achievement we have so far scored in this regard, the last and most important stage ahead of us is the institution of the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The groundwork for the institution of the republic is now in full swing as reported to the Second Plenary Session of the WPE. The completion of the groundwork will give rise to the active participation of the working people in the democratic process ranging from the consultation on the draft constitution to conferring power upon their genuine elected representatives. The full unfolding of the new popular political order will thus be of the immediate future.
We should, however, never for a moment forget our task to keep watch and put up a resolute fight against our enemies who, being conscious of the far-reaching import of the reality of the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, are already busy hatching plots to render its birth impossible. We have to face them unflinchingly with the awareness that the ongoing slander campaign and attack to which they have subjected us stems from their deep-rooted antipathy to the cause we stand for.
There can be no force to stop us from attaining all our desired goals if we work hard and struggle with resoluteness. Therefore, on this historic day, on this day of the workers of the world, this day of the forces of peace and social progress, on this day of the manifestation of socialist ideals and in response to the internationalist call, let us join hands and move forward with accelerated tempo to achieve yet greater results.
[1] The Central Committee (ማዕከላዊ ኮሚቴ) of the Workers' Party of Ethiopia (የኢትዮጵያ ሠራተኞች ፓርቲ).
[2] ጤፍ in Amharic.
[3] በልግ in Amharic. The short rainy season in Ethiopia in (approximately) March and April.
[4] መኸር in Amharic.
[5] Given that the original scan is available, minor typos have been corrected without using [sic].