The government has been making every effort and has gone the extra mile to address differences and resolve disputes through peaceful dialogues. The Pretoria Agreement signed between the government and the TPLF has created a new culture in Ethiopia for resolving deep-seated disputes through round table discussions.
Following the accord, both parties have demonstrated adherence and taken bold measures to fulfill the terms of the pact specified in the agreement. Consequently, the implementation of the peace deal has been in full swing; and the pacts entered into by the two parties, have been translated into action successively.
It was made possible to resume basic services, facilitate the provision of unhindered access to humanitarian assistance, restore law and order, and return the State to normalcy.
Establishing the Tigray Interim Administration was also another important step taken by the government to maintain the rule of law and consolidate peace in the State.
The government has also put an end to all military operations and the hostile rhetoric against the TPLF, including delisting the TPLF from a list of ‘terrorist’ groups by the parliament. Likewise, it passed a decision for the party to regain political legitimacy and re-register with the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE).
Lately, concerning the current affairs of the country, the Government Communication Service (GCS) issued a statement asserting that the central principle of the Pretoria Agreement is adherent to the constitution and constitutional institutions. According to the statement, in all respects, the Pretoria Peace Agreement revolves around adherence to the country’s constitution and respecting its institutions.
“The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has recently issued registration of certificate to TPLF as a political party under the amended election proclamations number 1332/2016 article 2 (1). The government also accepts and commends decisions made by constitutional institutions based on legal and institutional freedom as it is the fruits of the ongoing reform,” as to the statement.
Recalling that TPLF lost its legal status due to the decision made by NEBE in accordance with the Proclamation of Political Parties’ Registration and Code of Conduct, for the party’s involvement in violent activities, the statement highlighted the need for TPLF to work abiding by the country’s political parties registration law and the mandate of the Election Board.
Underscoring the need to respect the constitution, laws, federal institutions, and other constitutional institutions as outlined in the agreement’s article 7 (1), the statement has stressed the need for TPLF to operate by complying with the country’s political party registration laws and NEBE’s mandate.
The GCS in its statement also called for cooperation and to prioritize peace, reconstruction, and development and for a shift from contentious debates to constructive efforts that benefit the people.
True, unproductive debates and being extremely stubborn benefit no one as it yields any good. We also fully understood the undesirable consequences of dissension and discord.
The government has shown its firm stance on peace by implementing the terms of the Pretoria Agreement, even though some aspects need to be fast-tracked by both parties. Thus, putting aside the narration that gets no one anywhere, all parties have to work in the best interests of the people at all times.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST 2024
