By: Habte H.
The past two weeks have been deeply unsettling for many Ethiopians. Shocked by things on social media, I found myself frozen in disbelief, my heart sinking as I saw something I never imagined possible in my lifetime. Dozens of Ethiopia’s brightest and highly educated citizens – physicians, nurses, and other health professionals – who spent years studying and practicing mastering the art of saving lives – stood beneath the scorching sun, holding placards. They were not asking for special privilege or even advancing a better life, but for something painfully basic: food, shelter, and clothing for themselves and their families. They were simply demanding relief, dignity, and the fundamental recognition of their humanity.
From that day, something shattered inside me. And I wondered – how did we, as a society, let it come to this?
As a child, almost everyone dreams to become a doctor or a health professional, inspired by serving attitude and building a better future. But, considering current developments, it is time for Ethiopians to ask what kind of future are they offering to their kids when those doctors and health workers – are forced to fight publicly just to survive?
This is not just a momentary crisis; it reflects something deeply broken over time. Ethiopia, like many Africans, is trapped in a dangerous cycle: its brightest minds standing at the sidelines of key decision making seats and politics, watching in frustration as the future of their country is shaped by those far less prepared and not deserve to lead.
The late President Robert Mugabe once said that – in Africa, the most brilliant minds rarely enter politics. They prefer to remain in academia, professional work, or a business. Meanwhile, the less capable and the most corrupt go into politics and rule them. That is why we remain where we are. Ethiopia is a living example of this painful truth. Our doctors, scientists, teachers, and engineers want nothing to do with today’s messy politics. They retreat into their professions, convinced that if they simply do their jobs with excellence, things will improve. But that quiet retreat has come at a devastating price – not only for them but for the entire nation.
While doctors, nurses, and other health professionals serve selflessly in under-resourced and overcrowded hospitals and health centres, the political stage remains dominated by those driven by greed and personal ambition. Conversely, the shameless, corrupt, and greedy politicians seize the power vacuum, making reckless decisions that shape every facet of society – including a healthcare system now crumbling under their neglect.
Most painful is our children see this. They watch as the people we once honoured – the doctors, the nurses, the healers – are humiliated rather than honoured. And they ask themselves: Why struggle through years of study and sacrifice, only to be disrespected? Why not I find an easier, faster way to success – regardless of the moral cost?
This is how dreams die, and with them, the soul of a nation begins to fade.
There is an old Ethiopian proverb: “የጨው ክምር ሲናድ ብልህ ያለቅሳል ፣ ሰነፍ ይስቃል.” – to mean when the stockpile of salt runs low, the wise cry, but the fool laughs. Today, the salt – the wisdom, integrity, and hope of our country – is dangerously depleted. Some of us weep for what is being lost. But far too many simply laugh or look away, unwilling to confront the harsh reality before us.
Yet, it should be noted that tears alone will not save the country. If our healers – physicians and health workers, those who know firsthand the suffering of the people, continue to abandon the political space, who will ensure policies that protect both the health of the nation and the dignity of those who deserve it?
Yes, politics is messy. It is frustrating and often feels beneath the noble calling of a healer. But ignoring it has not spared our health professionals from hardship; it has only ensured that those with no concern for public welfare continue to rule unchecked.
This painful moment could, however, be the beginning of something better. Perhaps, for the first time, it will push our brightest minds – not just from the lecture halls and hospitals, but into the halls of power. It is time for physicians to trade white coats for leadership roles, for nurses to raise their voices in parliament, and for public health experts to shape the very policies that determine the future of Ethiopia’s healthcare system.
The fate of our country will not be decided by those who currently hold power but by those who choose to rise and lead in the years ahead. No group is better equipped to guide that future than the people who have already dedicated their lives to healing, compassion, and service.
Therefore, it is time to move from clinics to cabinets, from hospital corridors to the chambers of leadership. Not just to fulfil personal ambitions – but to lead the generations to come who deserve a country led by those who truly know what it means to serve!
Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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Dear author
This is expected not shocking. When Amharas are being slaughtered, raped, being hung upside down cutting our limbs and torturing us where were you. Do you think being a Dr or professor or business person will exempt you ?
The root cause is the apartheid regime and constitution. Fight to remove the root cause not for a 20 percent increase in salary. What bright minds in a country led by homocidal maniacs and ethnic extremists.
Cry me a river
The country is in a war economy ! You should not be shocked it just a demand for better pay by all urban working class citizens. The solution is citizens must demand to the government currently embattling the Amhara FANO ‘s and the OROMO militants for cease fire and national dialogue . Neither FANO nor OROMO militants are suitable to lead Ethiopia as leaders . They are deficient in political knowledge and public integrity . They are like a “ BUKO HARAM “ a rural menace in Nigeria .