BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
It is undeniable fact that Ethiopia has been working closely with all civic societies, regional, continental as well as global institutions to ensure a lasting political settlement to the conflict came to happen in the northern part of Ethiopia.
True to its commitment, the government announced the formation of a committee to study existing conditions in detail and negotiate with the TPLF accordingly. The Committee of seven led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, issued a statement recently declaring that it has begun discharging its responsibilities. This has been another positive step towards ending the conflict peacefully. Having met among its members for the first time, the Committee has determined the rule of conduct and procedures for negotiation while establishing sub-committees with different responsibilities as it formally commenced its work lately.
There are some compelling reasons to proceed with this peace process. The fact that the conflict was not something the government has entered into with its free volition but was imposed upon it constitutes the fundamental reason to seek a peaceful resolution. As can be recalled, the federal government tried its best to resolve differences peacefully before and during the conflict. It sent elders, religious leaders, celebrities, women peace group to Tigray State to settle differences peacefully and through dialogue though leaders in Tigray were too reluctant to do so.
Currently, the government taking into consideration the people of Tigray, to end up their sufferings and sustain peace and stability across the nation has announced peace talks with TPLF group to solve the differences through dialogue even though it is not its first initiations.
As part of this effort, it has formed a peace committee under the chairmanship of the Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen.
Following the decision, various entities and global actors are appreciating government’s move including the world-renowned athlete Haile Gebre Selassie.
Comprehending the efforts, the renowned athlete Haile Gebre Selassie and the United States Chargé d’Affaires to Ethiopia, Ambassador Tracey Jacobson in their recent remarks confirmed the government’s courage to ensure peace in various parts of the nation.
According to Haile, the federal government’s initiative to give a peace chance by holding peaceful talks to end the conflict in northern Ethiopia will solidify the existence and interest of the country.
The celebrated athlete, who is widely known for voicing his opinions on national affairs, appreciated the commitment of the government to end the northern conflict peacefully.
“I would like to thank the Government of Ethiopia for the peaceful option it came up with to solve the conflict with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. As for me, I have no problem with settling differences through peaceful means with anyone who wants to discuss.”
He also stressed that Ethiopia’s interest should always be at the center of any peace talk.
“I do not accept peace talks with guns on the one hand and pretending to be the dove on the other. That does not work. Sitting to discuss peace that brings Ethiopia’s interest to the fore is crucial. Ethiopia should always be at the center of any discussion.” According to him, prolonging the conflict would exacerbate the suffering of the already depleted population in northern Ethiopia.
A year ago Ethiopia was under unwarranted international pressure following the conflict. People at the international forum were talking about a failed state and Ethiopia as a country near to disintegration. Not only that, many countries shut down their embassies and tried to move to other countries. But Ethiopia did not and will never fall apart.
Acknowledging that Ethiopia is still going through a very difficult time, Haile hoped that this resilient nation will definitely overcome the difficulties.
The athlete finally urged the international community and Ethiopians to support the effort that the country has been reinforcing to nurture peace and stability.
United States Chargé d’Affaires to Ethiopia, Ambassador Tracey Jacobson for her part noted that the peace efforts initiated by the Ethiopian government are encouraging.
After visiting IDPs at Shimelako Shelter in Dabat City of North Gondar Zone, Ambassador Jacobson said in her statement that the humanitarian support of the US Government has reached more than two million IDPs in Amhara, Afar and Tigray states.
According to her, the peace talks and the peace talks initiated by the Ethiopian government are encouraging.
To make the peace talks effective with the active participation of the community, all the necessary support will be provided, the Chargé d’Affaires stated.
Peace is an important issue for the sustainable resettlement of displaced people, she said, adding that the steps taken by the Ethiopian government to make humanitarian aid accessible to all are encouraging and seen on the positive side. Humanitarian support provided by the US Government through international organizations has reached more than two million displaced people in Amhara, Afar and Tigray states, Ambassador Jacobson reiterated.
According to her, some 660 million USD worth of food and non-food support has been provided so far.
She added that food and non-food humanitarian aid worth more than 180 million USD was available to the people displaced by the conflict in the Amhara State last year alone.
Ambassador Jacobson further stated that efforts have been made to support those affected by the drought in various parts of the country.
The Chargé d’Affaires discussed with IDP representatives at the shelter on how to permanently resettle IDPs; and she said efforts will be made to facilitate job creation programs for them in the stations.
More than 2,000 people displaced from Tigray State are currently sheltered at Shimelako Shelter Station.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 24 JULY 2022
