Ethiopia is a country of glorious past and determined people. Equally true, the country is also among nations where conflict and war have consistently drawn back rare opportunities to achieve much sought-after democracy and lasting peace.
The discord is still active endangering the country.s existence and economic aspirations. The years of divisive and incendiary rhetoric that pushed the country to the cusp of unchartered waters also brought the issue of national dialogue to the forefront.
With the country witnessing recurrent patterns of conflicts, bloodshed, and mayhem amidst increased optimism of reform, the call for national dialogue surged lately.
Different segments of the society have been calling for a true national dialogue to find a gray line among polarized views, sorting out problems and establishing sustaining peace.
Due to the aforementioned reasons, the newly elected government has been keeping the issue of national dialogue in the long list of toll orders following the historic general election.
Now, some steps have been taken to carry out inclusive national dialogue that encompasses civic societies, political parties, religious institutions, and people from all walks of life. Commissioners that facilitate the national dialogue have been selected and laws that could help the process are overseen.
Accordingly, the preparation has already started as different institutions are holding conferences to showcase their possible role in the upcoming national dialogue.
One among these initiatives is the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology dedication of its silver jubilee Frumentius Lectures 2022 to discuss “peacebuilding and conflict resolution.” Lecturers sought to provide perspective on the nature of conflict, why it is recurrent in the African continent, what must be done, and pointed out religion and faiths place in bringing peace to the region particularly to Ethiopia in this time of need.
Prof. Anne Kubai who gave her lecture on “sustainable peace from African and global perspectives” urges the need to repair social fabric and build trust in new political and governance structures so as to get positive peace in the continent.
Prof. Anne also believes that peace efforts should start from the source; the people who are the victims of lack of peace. In doing so, one can identify the root causes of conflicts and engage in the long-term process of creating and sustaining peacemaking, peacekeeping, peace building, and developmental efforts.
The other lecturer, Dr. Yonas Adaye is peace and security studies director at Addis Ababa University. In his lecture “peace building in the horn of Africa; focus on Ethiopia” Dr. Yonas has touched on a range of issues that are affecting peace in the region and Ethiopia in particular.
He mentioned different factors such as moral decadence, historical, and geopolitical reasons contributing to the loss of peace in the continent particularly in Ethiopia. Hence, he insists on a consortium effort of revitalizing peace in Ethiopia and Africa in general saying; “the evolving nature and scope of the threats in Africa underscore the need for an integrated and holistic approach.”
As for him, in the process of building peace, it is vital to study traditional, cultural, and historical factors that are affecting the harmony of people. Following that it would be appropriate to take a collaborative effort in once again amending the relationship within the community.
In this regard, Faith institutions play a considerable role in bringing people together. Dr. Yonas urged faith institutions to scale up efforts saying; “ Time has come to church preach forgiveness, love, and respect to each other.”
Director of Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology and Organizer of the lecture event reverend Dr. Misgana Mathewos believes religion could play more in bringing peace to Ethiopia. “In a faithful community like ours, faith can be an important instrument to realize peace.
Tolerance and togetherness are preached in every faith. Peace is at the center of all our teaching. It is the basis of it. It is in our holy book. It is not something we take at a face value.
We have to implement it. We have to be guided by our religious principles. We know it is customary for religious institutions to preach peace but this time we have to double our effort as our country is in clear danger. Peace efforts in Ethiopia demand our share too and we have to deliver. “
Dr. Misgana also expressed his institution’s readiness to contribute share for the success of Ethiopian upcoming national dialogue. He also urged similar institutions to support the nation’s effort of forming national consensus.
“For peace to be achieved, we need to talk. I think the objective of this commission is to let people talk and form a consensus. When the process happens, we hope religions take the center stage. So, I think all religions can play a constructive role in the upcoming national dialogue and reconciliation.
The commission is a facilitator for finding peace in the country. It is our duty to support it. They cannot do it all alone and it won’t be sufficient without the participation of every member of society. As a part of society, religious institutions’ participation would be crucial. When the society acts as their respective religion commands, their mission would be achieved.”
The Reverend highlights the churches and his institution’s commitment to continue supporting peace in Ethiopia. “Faith institutions and theology schools teach, research, and organize open discussions for people to find peace. Our efforts are researched and independent.
We also have a plan to open a peace and development course. We will continue contributing share to the prevalence of peace in Ethiopia in three ways: teach, research and hold a discussion, workshop, conference, and seminars. We want to engage directly with the community to bring a difference. At the national level, we aspire to be positive influences. That is why we initiated this program.”
However, as Reverend Dr. Misgana such institutions should get attention and support to better support peace, harmony, and development of the nation.
“EGST is doing several activities that support the community. I think as far as its capacity stretch government should support such institutions that have a big impact on people. Institutions that shape the minds of people, help people to think in a rational and calm way. It would be imperative for government to recognize and support such institutions.”
This is a case in point to religious institutions and other institutions’ readiness and preparation to partake and make the national dialogue more inclusive and fruitful. Other discussions and preparedness are also visible in different organizations.
Civil societies, media, legal entities, and other relevant stakes holders are making their respective forums to shape their engagement in the dialogue.
To the very least participation of every actor makes the dialogue fulfill one of the parameters of successful dialogue: participatory. Participation of every community member makes the discussion candid, insightful, and ultimately fruitful.
As the saying “a trouble shared is a trouble halved,” participation of all segments of the society enables every Ethiopian to sit together; join minds and hands for finding and realizing durable peace in Ethiopia.
Religious institutions, therefore, could play a key role when Ethiopians settle their issues and take the path of peace, forgiveness, tolerance, and solidarity.
BY KFLEEYESUS ABEBE
The Ethiopian Herald March 24/2022
