Why is the Addis Ababa polity impossible to mobilize?
A call to never give up your cultural and economic freedom.
In order to understand why the Addis Ababa polity (or Addis Abebes since the incumbent Mayor Adanech Abebe) has been seldom part of the political changes in the country we need to take a step back and consider the history of urbanisation more broadly. This ought to give us a good idea of the reasons why people who join densely populated centres, whether they’d be described as towns, cities or villages, do so in the first place.
Throughout human history, the establishment and growth of urban centers have been crucial milestones in the development of civilizations. The allure of densely populated areas has intrigued scholars for centuries, as people have consistently gravitated towards these hubs despite limited hunting and farming opportunities. This phenomenon can be attributed to a complex interplay of psychological (or psychoillogical), economic, and cultural factors that have shaped the evolution of humanity.
The origins of urban centers can be traced back to the transition from nomadic hunting and gathering societies to settled agricultural communities. As humans discovered the potential of cultivating crops and domesticating animals, they were able to produce surplus food. This surplus acted as a catalyst for population growth, enabling the emergence of urban centers and the early cities of Mesopotamia- widely considered the first civilisation.
Early cities, such as Mesopotamia's Ur and Egypt's Memphis, were strategically located near fertile river valleys that supported agriculture and provided water for both irrigation and daily needs. According to mainstream academia, one of the primary factors driving people to densely populated areas is the promise of economic opportunities. Urban centers have historically been hubs of trade, commerce, and industry. Access to markets, skilled labor, and resources made cities attractive for individuals seeking prosperity.
However, little is said about the psychological allure of being in a pack versus being alone in the wilderness which is the much more ancient motivation behind ‘settling’ in a familiar area. There has always been fear of the unknown and safety in numbers. This latter point, much less discussed or acknowledged by mainstream academia is very important to the state of affairs of Ethiopia in which an enraged rural society is being held back by cowardly and spineless city-dwellers.
Security and Safety in Densely Populated Areas
One of the significant advantages of living in densely populated areas and urban centers is the heightened sense of security and safety that comes with being surrounded by a large number of people. This aspect has played a pivotal role throughout history in motivating individuals to migrate from rural areas to cities.
In urban centers, the presence of a large population inherently provides a form of collective security. The concentration of people creates a sense of community and vigilance. The sheer number of individuals deters potential criminals and hostile forces from causing harm. Criminals are less likely to target areas where their activities could be easily noticed and reported by the community.
Densely populated areas foster a sense of mutual protection among residents. People in urban centers are more likely to come together to address common security concerns, forming neighborhood watch groups and other collaborative initiatives. This unity serves as a deterrent against criminal activities and promotes a safer environment for all.
Urban centers generally have more established emergency response systems, including police, fire departments, medical facilities, and other essential services. The proximity of these services ensures faster response times in case of emergencies, accidents, or natural disasters. This contributes to residents' sense of security, knowing that help is readily available when needed.
In times of conflict or invasion, densely populated areas offer a higher level of defense against external threats. Historically, cities were often built with defensive structures such as walls, fortifications, and strategic locations that made them less vulnerable to attacks. The collective strength of a large population made it challenging for opposing forces to conquer urban centers.
Urban environments promote social cohesion, where people look out for one another. This not only enhances community relationships but also serves as an informal surveillance system. The constant presence of people on streets, in public spaces, and within neighborhoods creates an environment where suspicious activities are more likely to be observed and reported.
Cultural and Intellectual Centers
Urban centers also emerged as cultural and intellectual hubs. Concentrated populations facilitated the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and culture. The close proximity of people from diverse backgrounds led to the development of art, literature, philosophy, and science. Ancient cities like Athens, Rome, and Baghdad played pivotal roles in the advancement of human culture and the dissemination of knowledge.
Urban areas have always offered a unique environment for social interaction and networking. The density of populations leads to the formation of social networks and communities. These networks provide emotional support, security, and a sense of belonging. Human beings are inherently social creatures, and urban environments offer ample opportunities for social engagement, whether through communal activities, shared spaces, or cultural events.
Densely populated areas tend to have better access to services and infrastructure compared to rural regions. Health care, education, entertainment, and various amenities are more readily available in cities. This convenience can be a significant draw for people seeking a higher quality of life and improved standards of living.
As a result, urban centers often serve as centers of government and administration. Rulers and authorities established their seats of power in cities, leading to the concentration of political activities. Administrative, legal, and bureaucratic functions took place in urban spaces, attracting individuals who sought positions in governance and leadership.
Urbanization has accelerated in recent decades due to factors such as industrialization, technological advancements, and globalization. Improved transportation networks, communication technologies, and job opportunities have driven people to urban areas in search of a better life. The allure of modern urban living includes access to education, healthcare, entertainment, and career prospects.
Challenges of Urbanization in the Ethiopian context
While urbanization offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges. Overcrowding, pollution, resource and cultural depletion, as well as infrastructure strain are common problems faced by densely populated cities. These are all challenges faced by Addis Ababa and the inability of the Addis Ababa polity to effectively mobilize its populace in support of popular struggles can be attributed to this combination of psychological, social, and economic factors.
Addis Ababa has historically been seen as separate from the rest of the country because some 88% of the population lives in the country side. This urban-rural divide has contributed to a disconnect between the urban population, which is the globalist Addis Ababa polity, and the traditional rural majority who are for all intents and purposes- slaves of Addis. The only difference between historical slave classes and the slaves of Addis is that the latter does not even receive the protection that a slave typically receives.
Thus, the notion of Slaves of Addis is actually underplaying what is happening in the country which I have done purposefully in this article not to bore the audience with the usual Genocide violins. The interests, concerns, and priorities of these two groups often differ, leading to challenges in uniting them for common causes. If Addis is to have a place in the heart of the rest of the country, it will need to remove itself from globalist agendas stripping land away from farmers and violating cultural and religious practices of the nations.
These are the key areas of contention between the two;
Economic Disparities: Urban centers like Addis Ababa tend to have more access to economic opportunities and information compared to rural areas. This can lead to a sense of detachment of rural populations. Economic disparities can also create divisions within the urban population itself, making it difficult to form a unified front.
Lack of Grassroots Organizing: Effective mobilization requires strong grassroots organizing and community engagement. In the case of Addis Ababa, there may be a lack of well-established community structures that can facilitate mobilization efforts. This can limit the reach and impact of calls to action.
Fragmented Civil Society: While civil society organizations exist in Addis Ababa, they may lack cohesion and coordination. A fragmented civil society environment can lead to disjointed efforts and difficulty in rallying support for larger causes which includes coming to the defense of the capital city itself as was seen during the war on the North.
Government Control of Information: The government's control over media and information dissemination can impact the ability to galvanize public opinion and expose the nation to the propaganda of foreign interest groups. Restricted access to independent sources of news and information has limited awareness and understanding of ongoing struggles.
Lack of Trust in Institutions: Distrust in government institutions and the political system as a whole can then hinder people's willingness to participate in organized movements. If individuals believe that their actions will not lead to meaningful change, they may be less inclined to join mobilization efforts or democracy altogether.
Ethnic Federalism: Last but not least, we must mention Ethiopia’s system of ethnic federalism which has led to ethnic-based politics that are the catalysts of all conflicts seen since its inception and the adoption of western education which has unnecessarily and ahistorically pronounced ethnic diversity already present in the rural areas. It has created an Ethnic Hunger Games society where ethnicity and, ultimately, identity is gamified.
To that end it has become obvious that the capitalist tendencies accentuated by Addis Ababa and further solidified by Ethnic federalism have created a dichotomous political arrangement where historically brotherly peoples of the horn have become slaves to narrow globalist agendas based in their headquarters of Addis while simultaneously claiming that this is the correct arrangement to be had for “prosperity”.
For these reasons, Addis should either be weakened to be nothing more than a central government seat like New Delhi of India where strictly bureucratic processes of the civil service are based or Ethnic federalism should be dismantled to allow for the reunification of the country with its glorious past in which there was a symbiosis between the rural and the center. In fact the center of the country changed frequently without putting in question the history or continuity of the state as it has in the last 15 years.
In conclusion, though the history of urban centers worldwide is a testament to the enduring appeal of densely populated areas and deep seated wish for humans to live together for an array of reasons- most societies have failed. As a result tradition, culture and eventually diversity will be wiped out at record pace in the 21st century like it has never been seen before while English is the fastest growing language in the world with all the trash culture that it carries. The Abyssinian society of the rural side ought to stay vigilant of the creeping globalist challenges emanating from the Addis Ababa polity.
Addressing these challenges would require to first of all respect internationally decreed Abyssinian history and the state formation of Ethiopia without accentuating negative events in history as the U.S does not even mention it’s genocidal past in its constitution. Accept the grassroots identities expressed in tribal and ethnic communities that have coexisted for millennia; build trust in institutions while clearly defining and limiting the role of central government.
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