Of late, the house of People’s Representatives had approved proclamation to establish reconciliation commission which is responsible for keeping the momentum of peace, fairness, and social equality and harmony among different Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia.
It is also believed that the commission will play a major role in addressing violent acts, human rights violations and other forms of crimes. Following the establishment of the reconciliation commission, most people reflect positive outlooks while some skeptics make an effort to underplay the endeavor the government has been making targeting at ensuring sustainable peace nationwide.
It is no secret that during the unreformed regime, Ethiopians had been suffering a lacerating pain, electrocuted and beaten inhumanly. For them, life was harrowing. Turning a blind eye for the lacerating agony of the people, tyrants were pushing the country into a precipice time and gain.
Even worse, as most youngsters failed to shoulder the tyrants’ burden, they flew to many parts of the world to distanc themselves from the tyrants and seeking the oxygen of democracy. Numerous people were displaced from their place of birth. But at this point in time, the displeased ones are making an effort to turn back the clock.
The Ethiopian Herald had approached a range of people with the intention of having their reflection on the proclamation to establish the Reconciliation Commission. Lawyer Teferi Endale said, “The significance of setting up reconciliation commission is unquestionable and indisputable given that it enables the country to find out and make public the flaws and crimes perpetrated in the dark. Besides, the commission helps sort out conflicts left over from the past apart from playing a major role in invigorating evenhandedness and unconventional dispute solving mechanisms.
He added, “Undoubtedly, the commission will enable one to break the cycle of belligerence soon. Similarly, the commission is responsible for investigating and identifying fundamental reasons of clashes as well as infringement of human rights apart from guaranteeing democracy and peace in every nook and cranny of the country.”
Addressing the parliament, Chairperson of the Foreign Relations and Peace Standing Committee Tesfaye Daba said, “The commission is responsible for unearthing the grounds of past conflicts, which arose amongst citizens. It is also responsible for warding off the potential for future instances of similarly goaded brutal acts. In the same way, the authority of the government does not have common characteristics with the duties of law enforcement and Supreme Court.
They are as different as chalk and cheese. He continued; “Above and beyond, the commission will help the culture of tolerance flourish in the country. It does not breach the constitutional decrees as they clearly indicate who is to be punished. As a matter of fact, unforgivable crimes have been incorporated in black and white.
The outcomes will be rewarding and help us achieve the desired goal. Meheret Gedamu is a lawyer by profession. Relating to this matter, she said, “South Africa is known for brining into play reconciliation commission with a view to getting to the bottom of conflicts. At some stage in the ill-famed apartheid regime, they grew to be triumphant in addressing gargantuan hostility that had been rocking the country.
At some stage in the regime, quite a lot of people who got themselves actively engaged in the violence were requested to make a clean breast of the various crimes they had committed. The commission had successfully dealt with aggressive acts, flouting of human rights, among others. Those who sustained injuries as well as their relatives. were given the opportunity to give vent to the anguish they were subjected to.
She went on to say, making use of reconciliation commission will usher in peace throughout Ethiopia. The incumbent is really heading in the right direction. Without a shadow of a doubt, it will make the country to be on the right track apart from making people live under the umbrella of Ethiopia in harmony adding color to Ethiopianism.
If we put into effect the whole lot as it should be, Ethiopia would harvest the fruit of success in no time at all. Everybody should be able to understand its intended target so that s/he can be part of the solution. Feleke Maru is a civil engineer by profession. Relating to the matter he said, reconciliation commission is a good thing as it plays a major role in ensuring peace. I am in favor of the proclamation.
To the best of my knowledge, in order to ensure peace across the country, the government should embark on teaching children about the significance of peace and harmonious existence. As the different Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia possess their own traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, they should make an effort to teach children about the do’s and don’ts of the problems.
As the people of Ethiopia had suffered a lot over the past twenty seven years, they will not be ready to easily make peace no matter what the cost may be. It needs a lot of time. As tyrants had broken the hearts of many people, most people harbor a grudge against them. A lot remains to be done.
The Ethiopian Herald, December 30/2018
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
