BY LEULSEGED WORKU
The issue of peace is something that could not be delayed or postponed for another time. It is not also a matter to be compromised. Peace is an urgent agenda. Since it is the backbone for every activity, discussing major causes of conflict and identifying solutions is the role and responsibility of every individual and institution.
Lately, taking the issue seriously, The Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) had organized the 8th Edition of the panel discussion in Dessie Town, Amhara State to deliberate on the shared values of Ethiopians along with participants drawn from various segments of the society with the aim to further strengthen unity and solidarity among the people.
Presenting his paper on the issue, Ustaz Abubeker Ahmed said that Ethiopians’ well established social and traditional values should get special attention so as to sustain peace and stability across the nation.
According to him, Ethiopians have a good culture of respecting their social values and norms. Because of these great people who gave more value to their social norms and identities, the nation was elevated to a better position. Unfortunately, these values have been eroded in many ways. However, this does not mean that we have lost all our values and social norms. We still have numerous social values that can be converted into an asset.
Ustaz Abubeker, who compared the common values of Ethiopia with that of the common values of Americans, said that “Americans say they have six national values and most of their value systems have centered on individual freedom. However, when it comes to Ethiopia, the national and common interest comes first before individual’s freedom and interest.
“Most of the people of Ethiopia are religious. This value is one of the most important pillars that sustain the nation. Using this common value, it is not impossible to preserve the true identity of Ethiopia.”
He further said: “We Ethiopians have a common value of living together and helping each other. This well-established, century old culture is a true manifestation of Ethiopians. This is our unique identities that we should restore and preserve it.”
According to him, because of various reasons, these value systems are being eroded and are in trouble. For this very reason, every Ethiopian has a responsibility to restore, preserve our value systems. “If not us then who?” asked Ustaz Abubeker. We should use our age-old value systems as one of the essential ingredients to move ahead.
He said that we should not only boast about the works of our ancestors. While following their path, the new generation has also a responsibility to play his/her role in areas of peace and unity.
Ustaz Abubeker said that we, Ethiopians are people of Ethiopia, its name is mentioned repeatedly both in Bible and Quran. We should value this fact. In Islam, the Prophet Muhammad has testified Ethiopia as a country of justice and peace. It is a country that has religious freedom and equality. This is a great testimony for us. For this and other reasons we should value what we have in hand and work for the good of others – to create a better nation and to ensuring better lives for future generation.
Ethiopians are hardworking people who would not be bribed or manipulated. This is one of the shared social values of this great nation. According to him, these priceless values should be preserved and protected by the new generation and transferred to the generation to come, Ustaz Abubakar remarked.
In his call, Ustaz Abubakar has urged the public to preserve all the good value systems of the country and work for unity and tolerance.
In addition to Ustaz Abubeker, Dr. Wodajeneh Meharene, Prof. Mesfin Areaya presented papers focusing on this same issue.
Meanwhile, at a forum held months ago, The Ministry of Peace urged scholars to play their role in ensuring that the country’s social values and norms are deployed for peace and nation building.
At a forum organized by Ministry of Peace in collaboration with Madda Walabu University under the theme”Opportunities and Challenges of the National Dialogue”; and held in Bale Robe, Oromia State, Peace Building sector State Minister with the Ministry Taye Dendea has urged scholars to contribute their share in areas of peace
According to Taye, intellectuals, by deploying the social values of the people, expanding opportunities and narrowing differences, can play greater role in peace and nation building. Especially, with regard to developing Ethiopians’ indigenous social values, and applying them for the effectiveness of the peace talks, intellectuals’ role is immense.
Taye added that the culture of togetherness which is the other side of Ethiopian identity should be nurtured and used for unity and peace building processes. In this regard, scholars have to support the effort through their study and research. According to him, our social values should be given special attention and used as an input for national consultation.
University President, Ahmed Kalil (PhD), on his part said that the conference creates opportunity to exploe opportunities and challenges for the university’s scholars to in order to achieve inclusive national consultation.
He said that the university is conducting need-based researches and community-wide services through its academicians to ensure that the community’s age-old rich cultures can be used for the purpose of nation’s peace and prosperity.
Among the scholars taken part in the conference, Assistant Professor Amin Mohammad said that a peace-loving and change-oriented society is helpful for the peace talks.
He also said that external pressure and gaps witnessed in ensuring law enforcement could be challenges for the peace talks. Thus undertaking activities that takes into consideration the gaps is expected.
Assistant Prof. Abeba Adugna, also said that peace related problems that are erupted in some parts of the country are the result of absence of proper utilization of our social values.
Prof. Abeba also stated that scholars play constructive role in terms of exploiting and applying the diverse conflict resolution mechanisms that have been exercised by nations and nationalities not only to resolve conflicts and sustain peace, but also for national development.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 11 AUGUST 2022
