Haile_Selassie_I-Selected_Speeches-Chapter

Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I

Haile Selassie I

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Selected Speeches

The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc.

Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I

Chapter III

Selected Speeches

Africa, like the rest of the world, is today, more than over, passing
through a transitional period from the Africa that was to the Africa that is
to be. We have now begun to tread the path of the future, and the task
that we have set for ourselves to carry out in building a better and secure
tomorrow for Africa is an arduous one. Having emerged from a period of
darkness, Africa is in the process of becoming a totally free continent.
Since the birth of Our Organization, the unity and solidarity of Africa are
steadily growning in strength. The voice of 250 million Africans now
heard at international gatherings is gaining momentum day by day.
Nevertheless, if we wish to strengthen our unity, we must overcome the
factors that tend to balkanize and weaken our continent.

When we met to establish our Organization, foreign circles went so far as
to declare that African unity was a dream that could not be realized. They
assumed that Africa was torn in different directions, bent by interstate
feuds, and ventured to predict that instead of unity there would be chaos
and dissention. However, by our steadfastness and devotion to Africa's
noble cause, we have proved them wrong. The Organization of African
Unity, having exerted all efforts to defend with courage and conviction
against the forces that undermine African unity, has emerged triumphant.

We, Member States, should walk the path of African unity with unfaltering
faith. Ethiopia, for her part, will spare no effort to see to it that our
solidarity and unity are maintained and strengthened. Africa must speak
with one voice ringing out in powerful, harmonious tones. Our
Organization provides us with suitable means of finding peaceful solutions
to disputes arising among Member-States. It enables us to examine and
execute measures which are essential for the defence of our continent and
also helps us to adopt and undertake joint programmes of co-operation in
political, social, economic and cultural fields which are vital to Africa.

Areas of Co-operation

Case of South-West Africa

World Peace

At this juncture, We wish to give due regard to problems that affect world
peace. In this connection, We refer to the situation in South-East Asia.
The Vietnam question continues to engage the attention of the whole
world. If the present situation persists, it will have incalculable
consequences. We should therefore appeal to all parties concerned to
agree to a "cease-fire" and negotiate a settlement on the basis of the 1954
Geneva Agreement.

It is with sadness that We recall here the recent unfortunate incident of the
Guinea delegation, led by its Foreign Minister while enroute to Addis
Ababa. Upon learning this news and noting the seriousness of the matter
We sent within hours one of Our Cabinet Ministers to Accra and Conakry
with a view to obtaining the release of the delegation so as to enable them
to proceed to Addis Ababa. Similarly, the Council of Ministers of our
Organization considering the gravity of this question despatched a
three-man delegatios of both Accra and Congkry. It was Our expressed
hope that their efforts would achieve fruitful results and consequently
enable the Guinea delegation to participate in the present Session of the
O.A. U. However, all attempts made so far being in vain, it is, therefore,
necessary for us to take this matter as an important item for our
deliberation

The agenda we have before us is a very important one. We pray that our
deliberations may proceed in an atmosphere of harmony and
understanding, and We ask the Almighty God for His guidance in this
regard.

Inter-Africa

Rhodesia

In Rhodesia, the situation has deteriorated. A year ago, a foreign white
minority declared unilateral independence. By so doing, the illegal regime
condemmed the African majority to servitude. After the illegal declaration
of independence, the Government of the United Kingdom, the authority
administering that colony, announced the application of economic
sanctions against the rebel regime to force it to return to the rule of law.
It was obvious that the sanctions imposed would prove to be ineffective.
Faced withsuch a situation, the Government of the United Kingdom was
urged to use force, if necessary, to quell the rebellion. Unfortunately, the
British Government so far displayed reluctance to use force.

Since the economic and political sanctions imposed by Great Britain have
proved ineffective so far, We are convinced that if future dangerous
developments in the very heart of Africa are to be avoided, the
Government of the United Kingdom should put down the illegal regime in
Rhodesia by all means at its disposal including the use of force.

It is our duty to help the freedom fighters of Zimbabwe to intensify their
struggle to liberate their country. On this occasion, we could reassure
them of our continued support. We would like to take this opportunity to
convey Our sincere congratulations to President Kenneth Kaunda and the
Government of the Republic of Zambia for their efforts and sacrifices in
the struggle for the liberation of the people of Zimbabwe.

The Government of Portugal stubbornly holds on to the outmoded concept
of regarding its African colonial territories as Portuguese overseas
provinces. Portugal has incessantly oppressed the African nationalists and
has constantly challenged the many resolutions adopted by the United
Nations and or own Organization, calling upon her to grant independence
to her colonies. We should therefore continue the struggle until the
Government of Portugal succumbs to the inevitability of granting
independence to her colonies. We should refrain form supplying Portugal
with arms.

We are specially concerned about the Territory of Djibouti. Everyone is
aware of the geographical, ethnical and economical ties that bind the
Territory of Djibouti with Ethiopia. Since we have already expressed Our
views on this matter on several occasions in detail, We shall not dwell on it
at this point.

For a number of years now the problem of South-West Africa has become
the major concern of the African countries. Liberia and Ethiopia, as
former members of the League of Nations, acting on behalf of all the
African States, had sued South Africa for violating her mandate in
South-West Africa by introducing the policy of apartheid into that territory
and by failing in her obligation to promote the interest of the African
population.

After six years of litigation, the International Court of Justice decided that
the two States did not establish legal status in the case to stand before the
Court, thus reversing its judgment of jurisdiction given in 1962. This
unfortunate decision has profoundly shaken the high hopes that mankind
had placed in the International Court of Justice. The faith man had that
justice can be rendered is shattered and the cause of Africa betrayed.

Having failed in preparing the people of South-West Africa for
independence, South Africa has betrayed the trust given to it by the
League of Nations. In view of this and its stubborn refusal to carry out
the resolutions of the United Nations in this connection, it becomes all the
more appropriate to terminate South Africa's mandate over the territory.
Mindful of this, We heartily welcome the recent decision of the United
Nations which revoked South Africa's mandate over South-West Africa
and thus placing it instead under its own administration. On this occasion
We would like to congratulate all Member States of the United Natios
which supported the resolution and especially the two great powers, the
Unites States and the Soviet Union.

Haile Selassie the First - November 6, 1966

Opening 3rd Session Of The Summit
Nov. 06, 1966

... Africa, like the rest of the world, is today, more than ever, passing
through a transitional period from the Africa that was to the Africa that
is to be. We have now begun to tread the path of the future, and the
task that we have set for ourselves to carry ut n building a better and
secure tomorrow for Africa is an arduous one.

On behalf of the Government and people of Ethiopia, and also on Our
behalf, We extend a warm welcome to you all who are gathered here
today at this solemn meeting in Our capital.

We recall that three years ago we met in this hall to find ways and means
of resolvings the problems which then faced our continent. At that
meeting which has become a great landmark in the annals of African
history, we succeeded to put aside our differences and unanimously
adopted and signed the historic document, the Charter of the Organization
of African Unity.

In spite of obstacles, we have succeeded in establishing the Organizatino
of African Unity. This we have achieved because the unity which we seek
stemmed from the deep convictin which the people of Africa hold for the
acceleration of their political, social and economic development. The fact
that we succeeded in laying the foundation of our unity was due primarily
to the desire of all Africans to unite in a common struggle against
colonialism, poverty, disease and ignorance which are enemies of Africa.

In order that what we have set for ourselves to carry out may be realized
in its full signficance, and so that the Charter does not remains a mere
historical milestone, we should in concert continue to work with the same
vigour and dedication as we have done in the past. To this end, and in
accordance with the Charter, we ought to continue meeting once every
year to review the year's activities and to chart the course of action for the
coming year. We should take it upon ourselves to acquaint our peoples
with the progress of our achievements and with the programmes of work
we set for the future.

The Charter of the Organization of African Unity has become the
embodiment of all the aspirations of the African peoples. Some of the
great aims of the Charter include the fostering of unity and solidarity
among Member-States: the co-ordination of their efforts to raise the
standard of living of their people; the defence and preservation of their
sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence and the eradication of all
forms of colonialism, and the promotion of international co-operation.

Since May 1963 when the Organization of African Unity came into being,
the Assembly of Heads of State and Government met twice while the
Council of Ministers met several times, in ordinary and extraordinary
sessions, to deal with Africa's political, economic, social and cultural
problems.

We draw encourgagement from the important developments that have
taken place in Africa and frm the achievements recorded in various fields.
Africa has come a long way on the road to freedom and progress and has
played an active role in the community of nations.

The conference We are opening today is yet another evidence, among
many, of Our devotion and dedication to the cause of our continent and
its people. In this spirit, we shall continue to discharge our duty to this
continent for those two hundred and fifty million inhabitants for whom we
are responsible, and, at the same time endeavour not to fail to play an
active role in world affairs.

In Transition

Two New States

In spite of great handicaps, the process of decolonization continues. In
this connection, we should like to congratulate the two new independent
States of Botsswana and Lesotho on their attainment of independence and
welcome their membership to our Organization. We are confident that
these two African sister States will contribute their share to the enterprise
and endeavours of our Organization. We are well aware of the very
special geographical and political situation in which these two States are
placed. The Organization of African Unity should give them political and
moral support and, in concert with the United Nations Organization,
guarantee their independence and freedom.

As far as the question of colonialism is concerned, Ethiopia's stand is
clear. In accordance with her ideals of freedom, Ethiopia today, as in the
past, is committed to defend the rights of the oppressed. Ethiopia has and
shall continue to strive for the complete eradication of racial discrimination
from the African Continent. She is fully aware that racial discrimination
means the negation of the moral equality of all men and the deprivation of
the African of his dignity and personality. As long as apartheid is practised
in South Africa. Africa will have to continue to intensify her opposition
until that scourge is totally annihilated from our continent. Though
apartheid, that most repugnant and inhuman system of oppression that
man has ever known, is still being unscrupulously practised by the
government of South Africa, yet those countries that can bring pressure to
bear upon it economically have refused to do so. We therefore appeal to
these countries to discontinue their trade with South Africa, until such a
time when that country changes its policy and grants its inhabitants their
freedom.

In point of fact, the creation of the African Development Bank has given
us a good basis for promoting economic co-operation. It is, therefore, in
our interest to strengthen this institution and likewise the economic ties
that already exist among Member-States.

In the cultural field, Africa faces many problems, mainly, as a result of the
poor level of education and the lack of adequate contacts among its
peoples. In view of this, great efforts must be made in the fields of
education -- a key to development -- so as to provide Africa with the
professional and qualified technicians needed for its advancement.

Bearing in mind the speed with which the Organization of African Unity
has developed, and anxious to further strengthen it with the rest of the
Member-States, Ethiopia shall contribute her share in giving every
consideration so that the human as well as the material resources available
to the Organization are wisely and effectively utilized. The resources at
the disposal of the Organization should be evaluated in terms of the relative
needs and mutual usefulness to the Member-States. Particular care must
also be taken to avoid embarking upon costly projects for which
Member-States have neither the necessary financial resources nore
adequate technicians. Caution is necessary, lest such ambitious
programmes may result in failure, which in turn would cause loss of
interest and shake the confidence of Member-States in the Organization of
African Unity. In this connection, the special committee which has been
entrusted with the task of studying the problems facing the various
branches of the Organization has submitted its recommendation and it
deserves to be closely examined by all Member-States.

Today, the main problems that should concern us most and engage our
attention are: the defence of Africa's freedom, the liberation of our
brothers who are still under colonial rule, the promotion of economic and
social progress and the efficient and effective exploitation of our natural
resources, the broadening of our respective systems of national education,
the development of the health and well-being of our peoples and the
safeguarding of the interests of Africa by taking concerted actions both in
the political and economic fields.