Ethiopia is undertaking National Dialogue for the first time in its history to shun divisive narrations that become source for misunderstandings and conflicts. It is also key to establish grand narration that brings the entire society together for mutual benefit.
To this end, the Ethiopian government established the National Dialogue Commission (NDC) with the mission to create conducive conditions for national consensus by identifying the root causes of deep division and discord among the Ethiopian society through research, and public dialogues. Hence, conducting National Dialogue and presenting recommendations to the concerned bodies as well as designing the implementations are crucial measures.
In fact, Ethiopians have limitless values in common that they have nurtured for centuries. Among these, the unwavering love they have for their country which is incomparable with anything; their economic base mostly related with farming and animals’ herding; colorful religious and cultural celebrations that engage all sections of the people; and way they solve problems whenever happened anytime and anywhere among others.
Sadly, these invaluable assets have been eroded gradually and rifts are created making their foundation on uncertain narrations that magnify the problems happened during state formation, obscuring the big picture. Instead of bridging the rifts, some selfish entities aggravate the problems, widening the gap to the extent of organizing violent groups who raise arms to fight one another.
Obviously, armed struggle takes nowhere except creating loss of life and property, declining the nation’s economy and extending the journey to eradicate poverty. Because of armed groups in Amhara and some parts of Oromia, students could not attend school, peoples’ day to day activities are interrupted and development activities are obstructed. In order to manage all these messes, the NDC has gone long distance. It has worked on awareness creation, participant selection and gathering inputs for agenda setting for the dialogue. It has also made calls repeatedly to the armed groups to give upper hand for peace than conflict. But the calls rested on deaf ears.
As Ethiopia has begun its new calendar, everyone is conveying best wishes for all Ethiopians. It is the time that everybody including the armed groups has to stand for peace and togetherness. The NDC’s call is still on air to get the ear that hears. The Commission has covered almost all parts of Ethiopia except Amhara and Tigray and few parts of Oromia. Its recent report indicates that it has got green light from the Tigray interim administration to conduct participant selection and gathering inputs for agenda setting. It is also optimist to get the same response from Amhara region.
Those who engaged in the armed struggle should come to their mind and observe what has happened so far to the people they have been struggling for and give the chance for peace to prevail. They have to put their questions in words and involve in the dialogue for the sake of their own people.
Contrary to the conflict and war, peace dialogue costs nothing anybody. And the peace that would be achieved through dialogue is invaluable and its results are immeasurable so that the violent groups should come to the discussion table, silencing their guns.
Since Ethiopia is rich in conflict resolution cultures, prominent bodies of the communities, religious institutions, elders of the society and other stakeholders have to play their part in convincing those engaged in conflict to choose peace.
The international community, human rights’ advocates, and Ethiopians in the Diaspora should also pay attention to the matter and support the fruitfulness of the dialogue. It must be underlined that peace dialogue is the only key for lasting peace and prosperity whereas war is good for nothing.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2024
