It is public knowledge that as Ethiopia is experimenting with democracy, it is also experiencing a lot of hiccups and difficulties. As the political space had for long been controlled by a few groups marginalizing the majority, the decision to widen it has brought with it undesirable consequences. The lack of a well-developed democratic culture among the populace has given room for some groups to instigate conflicts and spread hate and mistrust.
However, the country’s rich and diversified indigenous cultural values and conflict resolution mechanisms can help in promoting peace-building and harmonious coexistence among the people and interests.
The seemingly ethnic conflicts have been threatening the age-long culture of harmonious and peaceful coexistence. Yet, despite the effort by some to dismantle it, what has held the social fabric together so far is Ethiopians’ precious cultural values of reconciliation, conflict resolution, and harmonious coexistence. These traditions can further play an uplifting role in promoting peace-building and mutual understanding in this time of transition.
As a multi-national country, Ethiopia stockpiles diversified cultures, languages, faiths, religions and rich history. The long-held and diversified cultures, values, and conflict resolution mechanisms have for long been promoting peaceful and harmonious coexistence.
The different ethnic and religious groups have been coexisting peacefully for centuries and this has become a living witness for the rest of the world.
Ethiopians practice and use the teachings of Christianity and Islam in promoting peaceful coexistence. Christianity in Ethiopia dates to the 1st century AD. Islam also came to Ethiopia in the 7th century. And unlike in some places where the existence of such a historical tradition and background become a source of conflict, the reverse is true for Ethiopia. The various ethnic groups have also been living together peacefully, intermarrying and developing common psychological makeup.
True, in the country’s long history, politicians have used religion and ethnicity to advance their cause and in the process instigated conflict. But this has not been the case among the people; here is the case of harmonious coexistence.
The cultural and religious values of the people have harnessed the social, moral, and spiritual assets to prevent violent conflict and build peace and development. Ethiopians have been practicing various indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms for many centuries. Various studies have also demonstrated that these mechanisms are present in the cultures of the different peoples of the country. They have also shown indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms are more effective than formal systems in giving ever-lasting solutions.
To mention but a case, the findings of a 2018 study by Gonder University’s Social Work Assistant Professor Ajanaw Alemie titled ‘Roles of Indigenous Conflict Resolution Mechanisms for Maintaining Social Solidarity and Strengthening Communities in Alefa District, North West of Ethiopia’ reveal that indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms are more flexible than the formal court procedures.
The study stated indigenous conflict resolution typically involves consensus-building based on open discussions to exchange information and clarify issues about the conflict. The desired end result of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms is a sense of harmony, solidarity and shared dialogue among conflicting parties, not punishment.
The absence of clear policy direction in the application of indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms has been found to be a limiting factor. Indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms have great untapped potential in maintaining social solidarity among a multi-ethnic and multicultural society such as Ethiopia where inter-communal conflicts are prevalent, according to the paper.
These indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms are deeply rooted in different ethnic groups of Ethiopia. They are associated with the cultural norms and values of the peoples and gain their legitimacy from the community instead of the state.
Time and again, it has been witnessed that more than the law enforcement bodies, religious leaders and elders have come to the front to settle conflicts. In the past two years, in various incidents of potential conflict, highly respected cultural leaders in different ethnic groups have played a key role in reconciling politicians, settling down angry youth and initiate and take part in talks focused on how future conflicts could be prevented.
Utilizing the common values enshrined in the minds of the people, they have played an indispensable role in improving social cohesion and peace-building. Again, to mention a case here, at the start of the reform process, the Gamo elders won the hearts of the entire country when video and images showing them intervening to prevent a mob attack went viral.
The problem is the people have not been given the opportunity to promote peace and unity using its rich cultural values. In fact, the cultural values that should have promoted unity and coexistence have been abused by politicians.
Abebaw Ayalew, Assistant professor of history at Addis Ababa University, tells the Ethiopian Press Agency that anybody or individual
cannot interfere in the decision making process regarding cultural values. “Such values are gradually developed within the fabrics of the society. They could not develop through legal, policy or political parties’ interventions.”
Rather, he says, it is the society that creates, develops and implements them in its daily lives. But these days, the politicians are exerting greater influence in the exercise of these cultural values to the negative effect.
Though the peoples of Ethiopia do have the necessary cultural values to strengthen peace and harmonious coexistence, the interference of political interests that advocate worldviews that are solely based on language and ethnic identity are deteriorating the precious cultural values. “These tendencies are degrading the long-held tradition of Ethiopians that instills in them a sense of respect towards each other.”
Abebaw says these kinds of political thinking is replacing the long-held cultural values and indoctrinating self-centered thinking [among the people.] This is eroding the sense of unity.
“Politicians are now taking the place of the sections of society [elders] that were supposed to nurture the cultural values. Politicians and their cadres are also controlling most of the stages. This is closing the door on the youth to learn from the elders and follow the same suit,” Abebaw says.
Language and Literature lecturer at DebreBrehan University, Hiwot Aberu says useful cultural values have not been properly utilized for the intended purposes. “Ethiopia is home to more than 80 nationalities and each has its own cultural and traditional values that promote harmonious coexistence. However, there have not been efforts to promote these cultural values.”
The societies have utilized these values to ensure law and order even when government structure is absent, she says. But at times the law and traditional/cultural values have come to conflict with each other and this is a great challenge.
For instance, she mentions the case that once a dispute is settled through traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, it one again is reviewed in the formal legal system. “This is threatening the applicability of traditional values. This again will have its own impact on their worth in promoting harmonious coexistence at the national level.”
The other problem, as to her, is the new generation is also showing a lack of commitment to practically implement these values. “In addition, the education curriculum does not also incorporate these cultural values.”
Then again Hiwot advises that the traditional/cultural values have to be incorporated in every policy, legal directives, and educational curriculum to facilitate their development.
“Though it is difficult to bear fruit immediately, we have to start now as what is happening is the outcome of yesterday’s work. We have to reemphasize the value of culture in today’s society.”
The Ethiopian Herald December5, 2019
BY ABIY HAILU
