BY MENGESTEAB TESHOME
National dialogues, which have been serving as means to ease political transitions in diverse contexts are hardly a new phenomenon. Throughout the globe where holding national dialogue is important, countries have been exercising it as an instrument to resolve political crises and differences between and among parties, to pave way for political transitions and maintain sustainable peace. Many countries, including African countries, as a way out from the vicious circle of conflicts and unrest thereby create favorable consensus among elites, held national dialogues though the outcome differ from countries to countries and from situations to situations.
In cognizant of the aforementioned realities, Ethiopia is preparing to conduct national dialogue to address differences among various groups and resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner.
It is to be recalled that the Ethiopia has established National Dialogue Commission with this same objectives- to resolve challenges through dialogue and reaching national consensus and to work for the same goal.
While talking in connection to the initiative, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that the national dialogue will create a great opportunity to build a better Ethiopia, with the participation of its citizens, so as to hand over the prosperous peaceful Ethiopia to the next generation.
He also said that the National Dialogue Commission, which was established to carry out activities on this same matter, will start to discuss on some of the issues on the agenda in the first quarter of the upcoming Ethiopian fiscal year as it is entering the main preparation phase after completing the pre-preparatory works.
National Dialogue Commission Chairperson, Professor Mesfin Araya in his recent remark said that the Commission has completed its preparatory works and is entering the main preparation phase in order to hold dialogue in the second and third months of the next Ethiopian year.
“We hope that in the second and third months of the next Ethiopian budget year, the National Dialogue Commission will begin to discuss some of the issues on the agenda,” the Chairperson said.
The Commission, which was established by the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) proclamation, officially entered into the preparatory work after the appointment of the chairperson and leadership of the commission, it was indicated.
As a result, the Commission thus far met with government officials, chief administrators of states and leaders of religious institutions, political parties, as well as various segments of the society.
As to him, the Commission has now completed the preparatory works and entered the preparation phase. It will finalize the budget and strategic plan in the coming few days and submit them to the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) for approval. Then the selection of moderators and identifying participants will continue.
The Chairperson also stated that consensus will be reached on the implementation of the National Dialogues with the moderators and participants.
Pointing out that training and outlining of duties with the various stakeholders and reaching consensus will be done; Mesfin indicated that the preparation phase could be completed in the first months of next year.
The Chairman urged Ethiopians to resolve differences and overcome problems through dialogue in more civilized and peaceful manner, reach consensus and pass on a good legacy to the next generation.
Meanwhile, in the beginning of this week, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had a productive dialogue with leadership and members of the National Dialogue Commission.
During the occasion, National Dialogue Commission Chairman, Professor Mesfin Araya presented the activities carried out by the Commission over the past four months.
Professor Mesfin said the Commission has undertaken various tasks in its preparatory phases.
During the discussion, Prime Minister Abiy underscored that the national dialogue provides a great deal of opportunity to build a better Ethiopia with the participation of citizens and pass it on to the future generations.
The Premier also reaffirmed his government’s commitment with regard to the independent and inclusive dialogue process and to provide the necessary support so as to enable the Commission accomplishes its mission successfully.
“It is a great honor and opportunity to play our part in the ongoing efforts of building a better Ethiopia, by ensuring peace and unity of the country. Your task will establish a national system that will benefit your grandchildren,” the Premier said adding that the fruits of the Commission’s work will benefit the future generations too.
He said the government is ready to discuss on agenda items and moderators of the dialogue, which will be presented by the National Dialogue Commission.
Professor Mesfin also said that the Commission has completed its preparatory works and is entering the main preparation phase.
Academicians as well as nations across the globe are commending the efforts and showing willingness to work on it along with the public. The stakeholders from various back ground underlined that the National Dialogues should provide an inclusive, broad, and participatory official negotiation framework, which can resolve political crises and lead countries into political transitions.
With giving mandates that include political reforms, constitution-making, and peace building, national dialogues should also be convened to address issues of national concern, typically longstanding causes of conflict that have been brought to the fore by political protest or armed insurrection in various parts of the country.
From the inception, the national dialogues have clear structures as well as defined rules and procedures for dialogue and decision-making it is up to the leadership as well the stakeholders to show high commitment in translating it to the ground.
It is crystal clear that national dialogue usually is typically accompanied by broader societal consultations designed to communicate the results of negotiations and channel people’s demands into the process.
These all may take the form of consultations, commissions, high-level problem-solving workshops, and/or referendums. It is believed that large scale inclusion of society within a national dialogue helps to generate constructive outcome, demonstrate commitment, create ownership of its outcomes and enhance the sustainability of implementation.
It clear, relying on a mix of plenary sessions and working groups, could help to ensure citizens participation and build confidence on the outcome that lasts.
Photo PMO
The Ethiopian Herald 10 July 2022
