Mercy in Ethiopia

Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa, has been taking a series of dramatic actions in response to the pandemic. One of the most striking initiatives has been the release of a song by Zinash Tayachew. She is the wife of the country’s prime minister, Dr Abiy Ahmed, last year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner.

In a country of more than 100 million there are many who profess a Christian faith, including adherents of the Orthodox Church and Pentecostal denominations. The Ethiopian first lady’s song is called Maren. This means mercy in Amharic, one of the country’s main languages. It does not refer to the coronavirus directly but begs God not to abandon us during this time when the world is terrorised.

In the past week Ethiopia has suffered its first two deaths from Covid-19. However, at the time of writing there are just 56 reported cases in the country. Extensive measures are in place to try to contain the virus with schools, bars and nightclubs closed. Restrictions have also been announced on local transport, including the modern mass-transit train system in the capital Addis Ababa.

Two days ago the Prime Minister announced a state of emergency to give the government extra powers but he has already indicated there will not be a total lockdown. He is quoted as saying:”We can’t impose a lockdown like more developed nations as there are many citizens who don’t have homes…. Even those who do have homes have to make ends meet daily.”

I have been to Addis Ababa many times and so have seen first-hand how many poor people struggle to eke out a living on the streets. Although the Ethiopian economy has been growing at a fast rate with a huge construction boom, there are still many who have nothing.

Some international observers have been puzzled that the figures of Covid-19 in Ethiopia are so relatively low. A range of factors has been suggested as possible explanations. These include: the under-reporting of cases, the fact that the population is made up of a very high proportion of young people, and that the local intense ultraviolet levels may somehow be suppressing the virus.

However, there is as yet no definitive scientific explanation. As a result, the authorities in Ethiopia are taking nothing for granted and are preparing for the worst. One big concern is that the medical system in Ethiopia will come under great pressure if the virus spreads exponentially.

Little wonder then that the Ethiopian Embassy in London has launched an international appeal for financial and practical help. You can read about it here.