By HANA-MARIAM TESHOME
In a recent address to the Ethiopian Parliament, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the discovery of 400 kilograms of gold at the Jubilee Palace, also known as the National Palace.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed proclaimed that this gold was found during renovations of the Jubilee Palace, a historic site originally constructed during Emperor Haile Selassie’s reign.
He characterized the gold as a newly discovered treasure, further stated that “a committee had been formed to weigh the gold and deposit it in the National Bank”, signaling a potential plan for its sale.
This revelation has ignited a debate over the nature of these golds, their historical significance, and the appropriateness of their transfer to the National Bank of Ethiopia.
A Different Narrative
However, subsequent reports have cast doubt on the Prime Minister’s narrative.
Notably, Elias Meseret, a journalist and media owner, revealed that the gold was not in bar form but comprised gold utensils and artifacts that had been gifted to the emperor by foreign nations.
This revelation suggests that rather than being a newly found treasure, these items are part of Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.
Moreover, credible source from Authority of Research and Preservation of Cultural Heritages (ARPC) expressed concern over the decision to transfer these golds to the National Bank instead of preserving them in a museum or under heritage protection.
The sentiment among these experts is that such actions threaten the integrity of Ethiopia’s historical legacy, reducing valuable cultural artifacts to mere financial assets.
Historical Context and Significance
The Jubilee Palace holds immense historical significance, not just as a former royal residence but as a symbol of Ethiopia’s heritage.
Antiques from the palace are believed to reflect Ethiopia’s past, including its royal traditions and international relations during the imperial era.
The Derg regime, which ruled Ethiopia (1974 to 1991) after overthrowing the Emperial Dynasty, reportedly recognized the value of these artifacts, choosing to protect rather than sell them.
Experts in heritage conservation argue that the gold artifacts, whether in the form of utensils or other historical items, should remain in the public domain for educational and cultural purposes.
By moving them to the National Bank, there is a risk of erasing vital aspects of Ethiopian history that belong to all citizens.
Many Ethiopians have voiced their concerns, stating that the government is neglecting its responsibility to protect the nation’s cultural heritage.
One expert emphasized the lack of dialogue around this issue, indicating a disturbing trend where decisions about heritage are made without adequate public consultation or oversight.
Conclusion
The discovery of gold at the Jubilee Palace has sparked a critical conversation about the balance between heritage conservation and financial management in Ethiopia.
While the Prime Minister’s intent may be to showcase national wealth, the implications of transferring historically significant artifacts to the National Bank raise serious questions about the stewardship of Ethiopia’s cultural legacy.
Protecting these items is not only a matter of preserving history but also of honoring the identity and heritage of the Ethiopian people.
It is essential for the government to reconsider its approach and engage in a broader dialogue about the importance of cultural preservation in the face of modern economic challenges.
