BY ADDISALEM MULAT
Despite facing difficult obstacles created by those who distort the positive actions of Ethiopia’s federal government, the country remains dedicated to achieving long-term peace in the northern part of the country where a two-year conflict has occurred.
Apart from representing an important milestone in the government’s efforts to foster unity and reconciliation, the peace implementation marks a significant step towards a more peaceful Ethiopia.
Over the past two years, Ethiopia has gone to great lengths to counter misleading narratives of the discredited international media outlets and resolve its internal problems independently. In the same way, the country’s unwavering dedication to maintaining peace across the country has been evident in the face of quite a lot of obstacles.
The country has been able to achieve significant developments in its peace process in a relatively short period. Regardless of the fact that initial expectations did not anticipate such a quick resolution to the country’s challenges, the Federal government has proven a firm stance to make peace a reality across the country.
The government’s commitment to peace has been remarkable, as it has managed to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges to pursue its goals of promoting unity, stability, and reconciliation. Despite the odds, Ethiopia’s government has remained resilient, with an unwavering spirit toward achieving peace.
Needless to say, the AU-brokered peace deal has been instrumental in pressing forward Ethiopia’s peace-building process by providing a unique opportunity for the country to foster national unity. It is unanimously agreed that the peace agreement has given Ethiopia hope for a brighter future and inspired optimism in every nook and cranny of the country.
The continental bloc-brokered peace deal has been instrumental in advancing Ethiopia’s peace-building process by providing a unique opportunity for the country to redress its
longstanding conflicts and foster national unity. The peace agreement has given the people of Ethiopia hope for a brighter future and inspired optimism throughout the country. Intending to improve the living conditions of people and create a more harmonious and cooperative society, the government has been taking active steps toward restoring peace.
Since the peace agreement was signed, the federal government has been taking extraordinary steps to create lasting peace and stability across the country and these efforts have garnered recognition and appreciation from both Ethiopians at home and abroad, and the wider international community.
The government’s efforts have been successful with a smooth flow of aid materials being delivered to the region, reaching those in need. The restoration of social infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and other essential services, is also being carried out with great efficiency and positive results are already being seen. The incumbent has been relentless in its pursuit of peace, working tirelessly to create a harmonious environment across the country.
Through effective coordination and implementation, the government has sustained expediting the provision of humanitarian assistance and accelerating the restoration of critical social infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.
There is no denying the fact that the government’s efforts toward reconciliation bolster the prospects of Ethiopia reaching new heights and greater prosperity in the shortest possible time.
The decision to establish transitional justice measures is a significant move towards promoting peace and stability across the country in this regard. In fact, this move has been widely welcomed by diverse communities throughout the country with the general public expressing renewed hope for a brighter future.
As the implementation of transitional justice mechanisms is essential for ensuring accountability and promoting reconciliation, the federal government has been attaching significance to it.
It is believed that the measures will provide an avenue for victims and survivors of past conflicts to have their voices heard and for justice to be served. In actual fact, the process will also offer an opportunity for all parties involved in the conflicts to have their grievances addressed and help promote social cohesion.
The incumbent’s resolve implementation of transitional justice mechanisms is significant in building a basis of confidence and fostering solidarity within the nation. It is widely known that holding perpetrators accountable for human rights abuses is an essential aspect of transitional justice in post-conflict societies like Ethiopia.
Transitional justice mechanisms not only promote justice for victims and survivors but also provide an opportunity for perpetrators to take responsibility for their nefarious deeds. By acknowledging guilt and apologizing, perpetrators can help close the chapter of past conflicts and contribute to the healing process of the affected communities. This process can also foster a sense of accountability among government officials, soldiers, and other groups involved in the conflict.
By providing a platform for victims to seek justice and for perpetrators to be held accountable for their actions, Ethiopia can begin to heal the wounds of the past and move towards a more democratic and peaceful future. The establishment of transitional justice mechanisms will help to build trust between the government and its citizens.
The government also has reiterated a firm commitment to investigate allegations of human rights violations and pledged to hold nationwide consultations on transitional justice.
During the 36th Meeting – 52nd Regular Session of Human Rights Council, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations, Ambassador Tesfaye Yilma recently said that the Ethiopian government has been working actively on the full implementation of the signed peace agreement.
“The agreement had stopped the conflict and all forms of hostilities. Its implementation has brought about a significant increase in humanitarian aid and restoration of services.”
Taking the opportunity, he called on the International Commission Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) not to repeat inflammatory reports and unfounded allegations. The Ambassador also urged the commission to take extra care on the submitted final report and not to repeat inflammatory reports and unfounded allegations contained in its preliminary report with the potential to undermine peace accord, stability, and durable peace.
Indicating the measures that have been taken to consolidate the work of the inter-ministerial task force implementing the joint recommendation of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOCHR) and Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), Ambassador Tesfaye said that at the request of the government, both parties are supporting nationwide consultations on transitional justice and will jointly deploy human rights monitors to conflict-affected areas.
At the event, EHRC Commissioner Daniel Bekele (Ph.D.) urged the Human Rights Council and the international community to support and coordinate efforts towards the proper designing and effective implementation of a genuine human rights complaint, holistic and victim-centered transitional justice policy for Ethiopia
“We are further encouraged by the launching of national consultation in the country on the transitional justice policy options. This is fully in line with EHRC and UNOCHR joint investigation and recommendations on transitional justice.”
Speaking to local media, Valerie Arnold stated that the process of transitional justice should be transparent and participatory. The effort is commendable and helpful to address the rifts created through the conflicts, and Ethiopia is on the right track in framing transitional justice.
She further noted that transitional justice should be structured following the spirit of inclusiveness as well as the protocols of international human rights. At the same time draw an important lesson from countries that have experienced the process to curtail political and social traits of the societies.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 6 APRIL 2023
