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This week has been a sad one for our nation and many others
across the world. We have had a dark cloud hanging
over us, with our flags flying at half-mast and the
families of seven dozen Ethiopians and other
nationalities suddenly being thrust into mourning.
The crash of Ethiopian Airlines, Flight 409, has
brought us all together into unified mourning.
I like many of my fellow Ethiopians, am not one to run out
of things to complain about. There are many public
institutions out there who fuss and grumble about
Ethiopian Airlines.
Yes, one can be a disgruntled customer as I have been in
the past, but as a national institution, Ethiopian
Airlines, its banner, the colours that it bears and
the record that it holds has been for many
Ethiopians, including myself, something to be proud
of. Ethiopian Airlines has managed to surpass the
politics of the times and continue doing what it
does to be recognised, not only in the region and on
the continent but also at an international level.
As difficult as it is for public institutions to get out
from under the shroud of the politics of whichever
government is in power at the time, Ethiopian
has managed, despite three extreme forms of
government, to continue its commercial endeavours
and strive to establish a name for itself as a
strong organisation. I believe it has succeeded for
the most part, particularly in the last 10 years.
That having been said, the organisation has been dealt a
major blow this week.
The disappearance and subsequent crash of ET409 was
something that neither the organisation, the crew,
passengers nor anyone else was prepared for. The
accident is being blamed on poor weather conditions;
there have been witness reports of a ball of fire
falling from the sky and speculations have been made
that the plane may very well have been hit by
lightning. Any form of foul play has already been
ruled out. It is quite possible that by the time
this is printed, there could be more solid reasons
given for the crash.
For now, though, Mother Nature is being held responsible
for the devastation that has been brought to the
doorsteps of mourning families, countries, and
organisations.
As much as we all hate to admit it, accidents do happen
with manmade things, and, sometimes, the devastation
reminds us of our fallibility and our smallness.
This is the reality of the world that we live in. It
is also the reality of the situation that Ethiopian
Airlines and the nation, by extension, finds itself
in. Like all other things in life, we have to take
everything in stride and make the best of a crap
situation.
Each of us has our own way of dealing with this.
Ethiopian Airlines has thus far handled the situation in a
demure and quiet manner, not saying much, putting
out minimalist statements and not even putting up a
separate website to deal with the crash and
minute-by-minute details. I have yet to read the
private papers of the week to see their take on the
whole issue, but the public press, particularly
Ethiopian Television has been going at the whole
thing with full force.
ETV has made it a point to replay over and over again the
audio versions of various awards that Ethiopian
Airlines has won. It is pointing out its stellar
record, all the shiny new things it has bought, and
all the things it has accomplished over time. The
interesting thing about all this is the simple fact
that these things have nothing to do with the crash
of ET409. The accident in no way reflects on the
institution, as we all understand that it is just
one of those horrible things that happen.
The fact that the government's propaganda machine is
spewing unrelated nonsense at a time of national
mourning is something that is beyond comprehension.
It is absolutely vital that the present be dealt
with in the frank and saddening manner that it ought
to be. The reruns of past accolades and things that
came before will do nothing to heal the wounds of
today.
As with most all other people in the country, I send out my
most heartfelt condolences to the families of the
victims of ET409. I hope that there is a larger
lesson learned from this devastation. I hope that
the unity we are feeling in our sorrow can continue
to bind us in our happiness, as well. |
