Commemorations

Despite lots of publicity, as many as 15,000 reported visitors, and frequent roadblocks for passing dignitaries, there hasn't seemed much for the public to see or do to participate in the big African Union 50th Anniversary commemoration. At the same time, smaller events and programs are being offered around the city. For example, I went to a modest "African Aesthetic Exhibition" at the Institute for Ethiopian Studies (which was a nice chance to see part of the Addis Ababa University campus). I also caught part of two programs at the Alliance Ethio-franciase: the end of a symposium on panafricanism, and the beginning of a reggae concert. My guess is that there was more programming offered than was widely publicized in a timely or otherwise effective manner. Like many things here, that capacity and habit is still emerging.  

Tuesday, May 28th, is Derg Downfall Day in Ethiopia. The Derg is the socialist regime that rose to power in 1974, deposed Emperor Haile Selassie, and went on to rule the country until 1994 when it was driven from power. The Derg period is characterized by misguided resettlement and land redistribution policies (policies that worsened the devastating droughts of the mid-1980s), by near constant internal rebellion and external war, and by brutal suppression of opposition. I found this website a good summary of the history. I also recommend Beneath the Lion's Gaze for a vivid and heart-wrenching literary account of the Derg period. No one I've asked has known of any special commemorative events. It will be interesting if the bustle of life here is different in any noticeable way.