On September 7 2024 , I had the privilege of attending a remarkable event in Stockholm, Sweden, celebrating both the 31st anniversary of the Voice of Ethiopia radio station and the Ethiopian New Year, Enkutatash. The celebration, organized by the Ethiopian community in Sweden, was not just a cultural gathering but also a platform for important discussions around Ethiopian heritage and the diaspora’s impact in Sweden.
The event was graced by prominent Swedish politicians, including Ann Linde, Sweden’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Alexandra Völker, a passionate advocate for human rights and democracy. Both figures expressed deep respect for Ethiopia’s rich culture and the contributions of the Ethiopian community to Swedish society.
Alexandra Völker is a Swedish politician from the Social Democrats (Socialdemokraterna), a major political party in Sweden. She has been actively involved in promoting human rights, democracy, and social justice, both within Sweden and internationally. Known for her advocacy on issues related to immigration, integration, and minority rights, Völker has been a voice for marginalized communities.
She often engages in dialogues that focus on global peace efforts, including her support for the Ethiopian diaspora in Sweden. Völker’s participation in events related to Ethiopia, such as the Voice of Ethiopia’s radio anniversary event, highlights her concern for the Ethiopian community and issues such as the Amhara people’s ongoing struggles. Her involvement often aims to raise awareness about ethnic violence, human rights abuses, and the need for international cooperation to address these challenges. In the Swedish political landscape, Völker has worked on various social and economic policies aimed at reducing inequality, improving living standards for immigrants, and promoting inclusive growth.
Ann Linde is a Swedish politician and a member of the Social Democrats party, much like Alexandra Völker. She has held several significant roles in Sweden’s government, most notably as the Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2019 to 2022. During her tenure, Linde played a central role in shaping Sweden’s foreign policy, with a focus on promoting peace, security, and human rights globally.
Before becoming the Minister for Foreign Affairs, she served as Minister for European Union Affairs and Trade (2016-2019), where she focused on Sweden’s relationship with the EU, trade agreements, and international cooperation. Her leadership has been marked by Sweden’s strong commitment to feminist foreign policy, which emphasizes gender equality, women’s rights, and the inclusion of women in peace processes.
Linde has also been vocal on issues related to migration, democracy, and global security, aligning with Sweden’s long-standing policies of humanitarian aid and international development. During the Ethiopian crisis, she advocated for peaceful dialogue and a diplomatic resolution to the conflicts in the region, showing concern for Ethiopia’s political stability and humanitarian situation.
At an event celebrating the Ethiopian New Year and marking 31 years of “Voice of Ethiopia” radio in Sweden, Ann Linde discussed the significance of the Ethiopian community in Sweden. She emphasized the cultural contributions of the Ethiopian diaspora and expressed her appreciation for their efforts in maintaining strong ties with their homeland while enriching Swedish society. Her speech also recognized the importance of unity and mutual support within the diaspora community, especially during major cultural celebrations like Enkutatash.
In her speech, Ann Linde highlighted the importance of cultural diversity in strengthening Sweden’s social fabric, appreciating the Ethiopian community’s resilience and vibrant culture. She also reflected on Sweden’s long-standing diplomatic relationship with Ethiopia, touching on her past engagements with Ethiopian officials regarding peace and humanitarian support.
I had the rare opportunity to not only photograph this special occasion but also take a personal picture with both Ann Linde and Alexandra Völker. It was an incredible moment to capture, immortalizing the unity between Sweden’s political figures and the Ethiopian community.
