BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
Ethiopians have deep-seated indigenous cultural and religious values that enable them coexist peacefully and harmoniously. These well established and longstanding values have contributed positively in cementing their togetherness. Especially in times of conflict, these values, mainly conflict resolution mechanisms, have helped Ethiopians to address numerous conflicts that may arise between and among the communities to resolve disagreements and build peace.
In this regard, the incalculable and irreplaceable role of Shimagles (elder people) and Aba Gedas is immense in promoting peace and advancing healthy co-existence.
It is true that peace is not delivered by the barrel of gun; rather it could be achieved through productive dialogue and discussions among the interest groups. With this same vibe, currently, Ethiopia is endeavoring to hold peaceful discussion with several entities that are operating within the country, to resolve differences peacefully, and join forces for the common good of the country. To this end it has set plan to conduct national dialogue in the coming months in bid to harvest productive outcome, arrest the citizens’ dilemmas that surrounds the socio economic and political spheres of the nation as well.
In fact, it is time to talk about the common challenges that every Ethiopian faces. And, the political commitment of the incumbent to run the national dialogue that was acknowledged by the parliament as well passed a proclamation to establish a “commission for national dialogue” is good gesture. It is worth to mention, the international community and nations vowed to provide technical and financial support.
However, as many people commented, the national dialogue platform to generate consensus on a number of misunderstandings, yield the intended outcome and bring sustainable peace to the country, should be organized in transparent and inclusive way.
According to Mulatu Gebremariam, a sociologist and a resident of Addis Ababa, the national dialogue is an opportunity to heal the past experiences, and envision a new, more inclusive country that embraces diversity and equality.
There are some kinds of disagreements among fellow citizens mostly with regard to the flag, national anthem, national symbols as well as on the constitution.
“And, in my view, holding national dialogue is a golden opportunity to resolve differences, come to an agreement on such and other differences and work for the common good of the country.”
As he stated, he is optimistic that the national dialogue could solve the political crisis and create a new path for peace, political tolerance, and national unity. All pertinent stakeholders, however, should take care while practicing, from commencing to the last point of finalization.
It is known that Ethiopia in its history has passed through a number of challenging moments; and Ethiopians have been undergoing a number of undesirable grim experiences. They have witnessed ethnic and religious conflicts, unrest, killings of innocent civilians, and displacements.
In the past four years, many innocent civilians were also killed and tortured in broad day light, displaced following the concerted conspiracy of some destructive forces for the reason they are unaware of. The internal displacement and vandalizing public and private properties and ethnic polarization have been common incidents in some parts of the nation, specifically in Amhara and Afar states, he added.
As to him, all the incidents tell that the country should take some kind of measures to arrest all peace and security challenges in more peaceful way, and show the coming generation the light at the end of the tunnel. The national dialogue initiative in this regard paves way to build a community that tries to resolve difference of any kind and misunderstanding through dialogue in conventional way.
“We are witnessing while some elites are attempting to dehumanize elders and spiritual leaders of communities; as well as working to radicalize the youth through toxic rhetoric and labeling other groups to execute their political will.”
Earnestly; all community and spiritual leaders at all level should be part of the national dialogue. Since national dialogue platform is a cost- effective way of ensuring peace, and it opens constructive opportunity to pull out the nation from the vicious circle of unrest, each activity should be well documented and the principle of transparency should be well translated.
“I believe if it is implemented accordingly and in balanced fashion, the national dialogue is a cure to Ethiopia as it paves the way for national consensus and keep the integrity of the country. As well, it could help nation create the circumstances to healing the past, leaving ethnic divisions behind, restore peace and stability and opens new chapter of understanding towards a united, peaceful and prosperous future.”
Emebet Getachew, Country Program Manager at the Life and Peace Institute said that the national dialogue initiative that fosters peace and stability is needed more than ever in Ethiopia. The existing civil society initiatives should not be overlooked. Such initiatives by partners, including the Multi-stakeholder Initiative for National Dialogue (MIND), a coalition of Yehasab Me’ad (Plate of Ideas), Destiny Ethiopia and the Political Parties’ Joint Council, endorsed and supported by the Ministry of Peace can contribute a lot.
Led by civil society, MIND, aims to build confidence in the concept of dialogue among participants. An inclusive national dialogue could help to resolve challenges to peace and security.
The Ethiopian Herald April 17/2022
