In a given society, religious leaders and elders have big role in community problem-solving efforts. This is because they are the ones that see purely various issues in black and white and bring solutions to any kinds of misunderstandings.
The same is also true here as Ethiopian religious fathers and Abba Gada (Oromo traditional fathers ) recently have brought rivals together to the negotiation table having carefully heard stories from all sides. In fact, such successful mediation gives big lesson to those who often opt external intervention to solve internal problems.
It also proves how rich the nation’s old-centuries mediation mechanisms. A couple of days ago, Ethiopian Inter-religious Council broke peace between Amhara and Tigray States’ leaders who were at loggerheads over some political issues. Similarly, last week, Abba Gedas enabled to make historic peace deal between Oromo Democratic Party (ODP) and Oromo Liberation Front ( OLF).
Both parties agreed to solve their differences in a peaceful manner. In the presence of Abba Gedas, OLF also pledged to disarm and demobilize its soldiers within twenty days. Obviously, the nation enabled to hear such wonderful peace news due to over three- month long relentless efforts of the Abba Gadas. Of course, resolving a given conflict via elder mediation is not new to Ethiopia. But, the practice had not been in action for many years for known and unknown reasons.
From now and on, exploring elder mediation potentials in conflict resolutions needs to get proper attention from the Ministry of Peace and other pertinent bodies. In truth, religious fathers and elders have big responsibilities in setting good examples for the young generation and preaching the importance of peace and stability across the country.
No one denies the irreplaceable roles of these segments of society in creating ever lasting harmony and tranquility in a given community so long as they are given the chance to resolve conflicts in a peaceful and democratic mechanisms. By the same token, the two newly established commissions namely Truth and Reconciliation as well as Identity and Administrative Border Affairs have to take lessons from the recent success stories of Abba Gadas and Inter-Religious Council in breaking peace.
Moreover, they have to seek their advice in-terms of resolving long-aged disputes and healing previously inflicted wounds. Yes, the young generation have to work hand in glove with elders and religious leaders in order to make the ongoing peace efforts fruitful. They are also expected to lend a hand to those elders who are in need under any circumstances.
In sum, the Abba Gedas, the religious leaders and elders should truly keep engagement with people in dispute, by doing so, they will for sure prevent unnecessary bloodshed and property damages among various ethnic groups and states in this country.
The Ministry of Peace should also set up a platform that actively involves traditional elders and religious leaders in resolving conflicts in the future. It has to always look for homegrown solutions to homegrown crises in the light of ensuring sustainable peace and development.
On the other hand, the government needs to find possibilities in which justice bodies can work together with traditional mediators to search suitable solutions to some selected controversies. In addition to this, as the Premier once said, all stakeholders must cooperate to ensue peace by working towards achieving moral excellence.
