BY LEULSEGED WORKU
Modern civilization and education has lots of benefits to this contemporary world. At the same time, the role indigenous knowledge can play is immeasurable. Discussion and dialogue are part of this traditional knowledge that our forefathers have been using to avoid conflicts and reach consensuses. The same strategy is being used in the modern world by those people in charge of political affairs.
This is especially true among those political elites who prefer discussion as the only means to void conflicts and maintain peace. After years of conflicts and differences, Ethiopian politicians have now come to the table to discuss their differences, resolve disagreements so as to bring a peaceful solution.
Experts are advising that the application of traditional values and norms in alleviating differences is key towards achieving goals.
In this regard, involving and counseling local elders who know the culture and custom of that particular group, valuing their potential in terms of resolving and preventing violent conflicts, restoring peace, maintaining social ties in the community and society at large is sensible.
Whenever there are political differences or social crises, the application of traditional mechanisms and modern systems are wise moves.
During their interview with the local media, elders in the South Western part of Ethiopia stressed the importance of integrating local knowledge with modern thoughts.
According to them, the government and other politicians have preferred the national dialogue as a means to achieve sustainable peace. In this respect, active involvement of the society and proper integration of indigenous knowledge is a must.
Ethiopia is a land with distinctive indigenous knowledge. This knowledge has kept the society together. Since it is well known by the majority and easily understandable, the masses know how to alleviate their problem and achieve a solution for their problems.
Assefa Gebremariam is an elderly man in Kafa Zone, South West Ethiopia Peoples’ State. According to him, Ethiopia is a land that has its own unique and distinctive indigenous knowledge. Ethiopians know well how to solve their differences. This is a result of an age-old culture of discussion.
“Elders have a better place within the society and they are more respected ones. They have also special capacity with regard to of resolving conflicts. For this reason, whenever the National Dialogue Commission conducts its process it must integrate the existing indigenous knowledge in its activities. The Commission should adhere to indigenous knowledge and traditional value systems. It should perform its task in a balanced manner.”
As to him, the Commission should integrate peoples’ longstanding cultural values with its working system so as to realize the mission it is established for.
He also said, whenever there is a will to discuss and look for solutions for national problems, gathering information from the communities and knowing their concern should get due attention, concurrent to coming up with own ideas.
Underscoring that devising people-centered approach is a must, he said: “In this regard, I am ready to support the commission by any means. Our problem can be solved only by our own wisdom; not with foreign knowledge”
On his part, Captain Jebelo Bula, who is a senior citizen in Konta Zone, said that members of the National Commission are knowledgeable people who understand the cultural values of the society. “Due to this, I believe they will give due attention to national values and indigenous knowledge.”
The Commission, while preparing to solve disagreements and bring about lasting peace, it is expected to apply societies’ history and social values.
According to Captain Jebelo, the commission should also reach out peaceful areas; take their experiences and applied it as a lesson in those conflict prone areas for the reason the former have endured the challenges and remained peaceful while there are conflicts in some parts of the country. “I will also discharge my responsibilities by providing necessary information to the Commission,” he said.
Solomon Koztet, Bench Sheko Zone elder also said, Ethiopia is a land with various indigenous knowledge. This knowledge has been used for centuries in various ways and attested their effectiveness. It is due to this indigenous knowledge the nation preserved its unity.
Discussing differences and reaching at concessions is one part of this wisdom. In this regard, the effort of the commission will be effective to bring about sustainable peace to the nation. He also added that, if the traditional value systems are integrated with the modern ones, the result will be positive.
Mentioning that describing the truth about the national dialogue and supporting its efforts is an expected task from national elders; he expressed his readiness to play his part in this regard.
The Ethiopian Herald June 10/2022
