Negotiation for peace, national consensus

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BY YOHANES JEMANEH

It has been almost over a year and a half since the war broke out in the northern part of Ethiopia in Tigray State owing to the atrocious attack of the TPLF faction on the northern command of the national defense force stationed in Tigray State. The war has taken many lives, destructed various private and public facilities, and displaced countless citizens.

As it has been doing before and after the war, the government of Ethiopia is still endeavoring to reach a consensus with the group so as to resolve the conflict, curtail the protracted war, avert the humanitarian challenges, give a sigh of relief to the people of Tigray in particular; and the rest of the people all over the country in general and to sustain peace.

Since the announcement of the federal government’s preparation for peace with TPLF, by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Ph.D.) during his latest appearance at the parliament, many were attentively following the next moves.

Responding to MPs about negotiation rumors, Abiy had said at the meeting that his government will announce every step of the peace process to the people at any time. The Premier had also told the MPs that his government is working to address the issue in a sustainable manner to maintain peace.

He also added that a committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen was organized to determine preconditions by which a peace deal can be held in a manner that safeguards the national interest.

For Abiy, the people of Tigray have been suffering a lot since the formation of the TPLF. However, he reaffirmed that his government will reinforce its endeavor to build lasting peace as peace is crucial to help the people of Tigray and the country in general.

Accordingly, the ruling party announced during its central committee meeting that it has assigned a body to negotiate with TPLF. The negotiating team from the federal government side chaired by Demeke Mekonnen incorporates Gideon Temotewos (P.h.D), Minister of Justice, Ambassador Hassen Abdulkadir, Coordinator, Prosperity Party’s Democratic System Office, Temesgen Tiruneh, Director General of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), Ambassador Redwan Hussein Security Advisor of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Lieutenant General Berhanu Bekele, Chief of Military Intelligence office (former head of the Republican Guard) and Getachew Jember (Ph.D.) Deputy President of Amhara State.

A committee established by the Executive Committee of Prosperity Party (PP), presented a study report of peaceful options to the Central Committee of PP, which then had extensive deliberation, Gedion who is member of the Team and Minister of Justice said.

He noted that the decision has taken several issues into consideration including the importance of peace to the country’s development and ensuring the successful conduct of the inclusive national dialogue.

Relentless efforts have been made by the government after the conflict was erupted. Halting further human and material losses and prevention of additional bloody conflict, as well as rehabilitating the victims were also issues considered, he said.

As to Gedion, clear guiding principles and frameworks have been put in place by the committee regarding the ultimate goals of the peaceful options. The committee underlined that the talks should be conducted by respecting the constitution of the country.

“It is also decided that both the process and outcome of the peace talk will be conducted in a way that safeguards the sovereignty and national interest of the country,” he said. The peace talks will be carried out under the direction and coordination of the African Union.

According to Gideon, the committee has made it clear that the success of the peace talks will be determined by the efforts of both sides. However, the government anticipates the daunting challenge ahead and the need to be ready for any provocation or attack from the other side so it prepares for scenarios that are far from the best.

The government will also take the necessary measures if there are attempts by the other side to disrupt the peace talks and damage the national interest of the country. To this end, a decision has been made that the Ethiopian National Defense Force be on high alert to take the necessary action. The Party has called on all Ethiopians and other pertinent actors to play a constructive role to the success of the peace alternative.

However, the government will put maximum effort to utilize peaceful options to ensure positive atmosphere. “We are committed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict so that we do our level best to make our agenda for peace success,” the Justice Minister said.

He also underlined that any outcome of the negotiation process should be within the bounds of three principles such as respect for the constitutional order, respect for fundamental national interest and the role of the African Union as the facilitator of the process.

As to Gideon, peace is essential to enhance the reconstruction rehabilitation and reconciliation efforts to the communities that have been affected by the conflict. It is important for the success of country’s political and reform initiatives. It is also crucial to put an end to this tragic chapter in the history of the country so as to move forward. Peace helps the nation to avoid further bloodshed and to end the suffering and misery.

The negotiations and its end goal of achieving peace between the negotiating parties is also an important input to fostering national consensus that the nation is preparing to conduct through a process of inclusive national dialogue.

Therefore, Gideon extended the call of the Central Committee and the Executive Committee of PP as well as for all Ethiopians, the international community and friends of Ethiopia to support this peace initiative and play a constructive role in the process.

Locally, various political analysts and public figures have been calling for the launching of such peace initiatives to end war and ensure the stability of the country thereby restore lives. These individuals were recommending peaceful negotiation to end the humanitarian crisis that was caused by the war and lessen animosity between warring and other groups who indirectly participated in the war. International organizations and governments were also pushing for such peace moves. Therefore, they are expected to play a fair share in supporting the negotiation for the intended goal. They also need to prompt TPLF to play its due role in the process refraining from any provocative action. The negotiation needs also participate all parties engaged in the war so that it possibly avoids grudge and retaliation for being neglected. It is in this way that the negotiation could bear fruit and pave the way for the upcoming national dialogue that the nation craves for achieving national consensus.

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 30 JUNE 2022

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