Peace comes from within

Reading Time: 2 minutes

 Late on Monday night, the Ethiopian Government has announced a decision to resolve the conflict, give a sigh of relief to the people of Tigray in particular; and the rest of the people all over the country in general through peaceful talks. It has also accentuated its readiness to spare no effort to make peace a success.

If truth be told, this is not the first effort the government has exerted to resolve disagreements. Rather, from the very beginning, it has been involving a lot of efforts to deal with differences, settle matters and sustain peace in the State by all possible means. At different times and situations, by employing and sending elderly people, religious leaders, celebrities, women to the State, it tried to resolve the issue before getting out of hand.

Unfortunately, all the appeal and imploration of peacemakers for togetherness and peace fell on deaf ears of the TPLF enterprise. For those leaders who perceive themselves as “best fighters” and preparing to incite conflict, the pleas were trivial and senseless.

Even after the government entered into war following the atrocious acts the TPLF group committed against members of the national defense forces stationed in Tigray State, it has extended its hands for peace prioritizing the people of Tigray and peace.

For instance, on June 28, 2021 the government had declared immediate unilateral humanitarian ceasefire in Tigray State to enable farmers plough their plots; and relief organizations deliver unhindered aid for the people. Sadly, the enterprise, instead of appreciating government’s move and standing for the same purpose, launched war on neighboring areas of Amhara and Afar states taking the decision as a good opportunity. In turn, it sacrificed thousands of Tigrayan youths, massacred and displaced innocent civilians to merely fulfill its own egocentric motives.

The commitment of the government for peace and the people of Tigray did not end there. Recently, with the aim to access unhindered aid for people who are in dire need of humanitarian assistance in the State, the government has declared a humanitarian truce. As a result, relief items, including vital food and non-food items, much-needed medicines and essential nutrients are transporting to Tigray State via road and air transport.

Currently, it has decided to give a chance for peaceful talks, resolve disagreements, halt further human and material losses end the war and bring peace to the country.

The announcement also made clear that the success of the peace talks will be determined by the efforts of both sides; and if there are attempts by the other side to disrupt the peace talks and take actions that will result in damage to the national interest of the country, the government will take the necessary measures.

Understanding the reality, the leaderships of the TPLF group, if they are really working to serve the interests and needs of their public, they should reciprocate the peace efforts responsibly and affirmatively.

The old adage goes, ‘salt for your own sake; keep your own good. Otherwise, they will consider you as a stone and throw you away. Therefore, the TPLF faction, keeping aside their old tricks and refraining from beating war drums, should seize this moment to make the peace alternative a success as peace comes from within; nowhere else.

The Ethiopian Herald June 29/2022

Recommended For You