Amidst provocative acts from various hawkish groups in the Tigray region, the Ethiopian government has intensified its resolve to ensure that peace continues to hold and the region reels from the past devastating conflict. In recent times, in contradiction to the Pretoria peace deal, some groups have allegedly been colluding with foreign forces to plunge the state into another round of conflict.
Thus far, the federal government’s response has been to de-escalate tension. Its commitment has been cemented with concrete action. The recent engagements between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and a delegation of Tigrayan religious leaders, elders, and civil society representatives are a stark reminder. The meeting followed a visit by Ethiopia’s religious and elderly and other representatives to the Tigray region, where there was a discussion with the Tigray Interim government president and other pertinent bodies.
Abiy’s meeting with the Tigray delegation offers a much-needed glimmer of hope in the ongoing journey toward peace. In a climate still heavy with the trauma of war and the pain of displacement, the government has reaffirmed commitment to dialogue to sustain peace.
For quite a while, Prime Minister Abiy has been consistent in his position and call for peace in the Tigray region. From his parliamentary address to his meeting with the representatives, he has stressed the need to redress any concerns or issues in Tigray peacefully and through dialogue.
Abiy’s engagement with the Tigrayan delegation is a step forward in addressing the region’s complex political, economic, and humanitarian challenges. At the heart of the talks were some of the most pressing issues affecting the region including the return of displaced persons, economic reconstruction, political reintegration, and the implementation of the Pretoria Peace deal.
The Prime Minister’s assertion that Tigrayans and intellectuals must once again play an active role in Ethiopia’s political and economic life is a welcome development. And it reaffirms that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through war; it must be built through inclusion, cooperation, and mutual respect. This is especially urgent now, as some factions in Tigray continue to stoke tension, spreading misinformation and pushing agendas that threaten to undo the progress made since the signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement. These groups, often operating at the fringes, seek to exploit historical grievances, and reignite hostilities in a region still healing from the scars of war.
Against this backdrop, the federal government’s position has remained consistent: peace must be pursued through dialogue, not through the barrel of a gun. Prime Minister Abiy’s engagement with religious leaders and elders from Tigray illustrates this commitment. As he emphasized in his July 18 social media address and earlier during his July 3 parliamentary speech, “lasting peace has never been achieved through conflict and war,” but through “dialogue, mutual understanding, and give-and-take.” These are not just words; they represent a crucial turning point in how the government seeks to resolve national crises.
Peace in Tigray and in Ethiopia at large will not be secured through hostile acts but through inclusive dialogue, regional healing, and civic dialogue. The federal government’s willingness to engage with Tigrayan stakeholders and religious leaders in this regard is an encouraging step toward a more stable and unified nation.
In conclusion, the path to enduring peace in Tigray lies not in confrontation but in continued dialogue and mutual understanding. The Ethiopian government’s recent engagements with Tigrayan leaders highlight a commitment to reconciliation and rebuilding. As tensions simmer, this approach offers a viable path forward—one rooted in empathy, cooperation, and national unity. Only through such inclusive efforts can Ethiopia truly heal and prevent the resurgence of conflict.
ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 24 JULY 2025
