It is an adjoining memory that Ethiopian lost some 26 billion dollars during the northern conflict. Those who incite violence must come to their senses and should preclude another round of conflict in the country. Of course, the government would ensure law and order while showing readiness to peaceful ways of dealing with problems.
Strictly, as Ethiopia won’t afford loss of life and destruction of property, all peace-loving Ethiopians at home and in the diaspora should speak in union as “enough with vicious circle of conflict”.
No one can come and act accordingly to ensure peace and security in Ethiopia other than its citizens, undeniably. The peace and security can be restored via holding close talks and amicable dialog.
It is advisable to stop conflict as upheaval has been causing serious economic, social and humanitarian damage across the nation peculiarly in the northern part.
To put the situation under control, the government declared a six-month state of emergency with a view to preclude further chaos in the country.
Ethiopia is located in a complex region. The Ethiopian National Defense Force has vigilantly been protecting the nation from its enemies. Any attack against this force is intolerable. The force not only defends the interest of Ethiopia, it is also a dependable and indomitable wing in protecting international peace.
Ethiopia, which was once synonymous with famine, has made a remarkable stride in slashing poverty and declaring economic sovereignty. This positive stride is instrumental in pushing the country steps forward and has to be coupled with peace and security, indeed.
Most importantly, this progress and stability should not be in a state of peril due to recurrent conflicts in various parts instead every ounce of peace has to be nurtured and well taken care of thereby coming up with stable nation and economically muscled one.
Notably, no one benefits out of destruction except conflict entrepreneurs and those who have been doing so far not to see prosperous Ethiopia. So long as Ethiopia is a great nation accommodating all citizens, including the government and fighting groups, have to quickly discharge their respective responsibilities to build lasting peace.
Not only does close talkvalidate other’s viewpoint but it also soothes the tension created between the two bodies. In so doing, it would be easy to help citizens breathe a sigh of relief and come to normalcy.
Basically, the effort to ensure lasting peace in the country should not be left only to either the government, bodies with queries, as it highly requires the combined effort of all. Here, religious fathers, opinion leaders, civic society organizations and even the public at large do have a role to play along this line. As upholding peace and security is not a linear path, every citizen is duty bound to act upon and end conflict.
There is no real solution that would be sought through conflict. The silver bullet to do away problems of any sort is making dialogue; the fight must be in a round table.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 8 AUGUST 2023
