Africa is a continent rich in diversity, with each region possessing its own unique social, historical and cultural values. Ranging from its vibrant traditions to the storytelling culture of passing down knowledge and experiences orally, music, dance and literature, Africa offers a wealth of traditions that shape the daily lives of its people.
Mainly, their long-standing, tailored tradition of resolving conflicts through indigenous approaches such as mediation, community-based decision-making, as well as holding peaceful dialogue emphasizing reconciliation, have been helping peoples of different backgrounds to coexist peacefully. Elders often play key roles in bringing parties together, fostering mutual understanding, and restoring harmony in this regard.
These indigenous solutions represent a deep cultural commitment to peaceful coexistence and self-governance. Africa’s diversity stands as a testament to its resilience, creativity, and strong connection to its history and heritage.
The idea of finding “African solutions for African problems” underscores the importance of locally driven approaches that take into account the unique circumstances, context and needs of the continent.
The recent African Union Summit held under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations” also reaffirmed the profound importance of the principle of “African solutions for African problems” advocating for African-led approaches to address African matters by Africans.
Among the discussions, the Pretoria Peace Agreement was in focus that empowers African solutions for African problems.
Accordingly, the Pretoria Peace Agreement, signed in South Africa under the auspices of the African Union, serves as a significant example, illustrating that Africans can effectively address their peace and security challenges by seeking solutions rooted in their own context.
This remark was made at a meeting held to launch the implementation report of the Pretoria Peace Agreement that was signed two years ago.
The African Union, which has been tracking the implementation of the agreement through collaboration between the High-Level Panel, the Joint Committee, and the Monitoring Verification and Compliance Mission convened a meeting.
The meeting, calumniated by a launch of a report on the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement, was attended by outgoing AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and member of the AU Panel of the Ethiopia Peace Process Olusegun Obasanjo, Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timotheos, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye.
Former Deputy President of South Africa and member of the AU Panel of the Wise Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the leadership of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) including Tigray Interim Administration Head Getachew Reda and Debretsion Gebremichael, were also present at the meeting.
On the occasion, Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security presented key lessons learned from the AU-led Peace process in the Tigray State of Ethiopia.
Some of the significant lessons gained from the AU-led Peace process in the Tigray State of Ethiopia include the importance of fostering ownership, choosing appropriate mediators, engaging with the media, involving observers, securing funding for the mediation efforts, selecting suitable venues for mediation events, and utilizing the capabilities of focal persons.
The Commissioner said the Pretoria Peace Agreement demonstrated the fact that the existing challenges of peace and security in the continent could effectively be addressed through African solutions.
Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timotheos said on the occasion that the Pretoria Peace Agreement demonstrates not only the commitment of Ethiopian government for peace but also affirmed the capability of the continent in addressing African challenges through African solutions.
The Foreign Minister has also reiterated the strong commitment of the government to the effective implementation of the agreement noting the various activities being carried out in this regard.
The rehabilitation training being provided to former combatants and humanitarian support has been mentioned as key success of the implementation of the agreement.
Head of Tigray State Interim Administration, Getachew Reda, expressed that the Pretoria Peace Agreement has facilitated a pathway for the people of Tigray to achieve peace and has contributed to the development of the “African solutions for African problems” notion.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that Ethiopia’s homegrown philosophy of Medemer can serve as a guiding framework for Africa’s collective progress.
Speaking at the Session, the Premier underscored the importance of unity, cooperation, and shared prosperity for the continent.
“Medemer, an Amharic term loosely translated as synergy, can serve as a guiding framework for our Pan-African agenda. By embracing its principles, we can forge a path toward a more just, equitable, and prosperous future for all Africans”, Prime Minister Abiy said.
Highlighting Ethiopia’s commitment to prosperity, he noted that the nation is guided by a vision of vibrant democracy, sustainable economic growth, rich cultural heritage, social progress, and environmental regeneration.
To realize this goal, the government has laid out a pragmatic roadmap rooted in Medemer, as synergy. The ideology promotes prosperity, unity, sovereignty, security, and national dignity.
Reflecting on Ethiopia’s progress over the past five years, PM Abiy stated that the country has made remarkable strides despite inheriting a deeply divided society, a substantial debt burden, and various internal challenges. He acknowledged that Ethiopia has had to navigate a complex regional and international landscape but has remained resilient in its pursuit of development.
In sum, the 38th African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government concluded with a strong message demanding reparations for the injustices that Africans experienced during the colonial era. African Heads of State and Government have endorsed the African Union’s theme of the year, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”
The summit was attended by African heads of state and foreign ministers, diplomats, and heads of various continental institutions and other organizations. The summit deliberated on the agenda items discussed at the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council held on February 12 and 13, 2025.
African Union institutional reforms, reparation justice, efforts being exerted to secure permanent representation at the UN Security Council, regional peace and security, implementation of the African Free Trade Area, trade and economic integration, agriculture development and climate change, human rights, gender and youth empowerment were the major agenda items discussed during the two-day summit.
Reparatory justice for Africa can promote healing, equity, and recognition of the rights and contributions of African peoples when defied. It encompasses a range of initiatives aimed at addressing historical injustices stemming from colonization, slavery, and systemic discrimination.
Moreover, the concept of “African solution for African problems” embodies the spirit of self-reliance, creativity, and innovation that is essential for addressing the complex issues facing the continent.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2025
