Since the past few years, Ethiopia has been undertaking a number of reforms in the political and economic arenas aiming to achieve substantial change in all aspects, to accelerate growth and development, ensure peace and security, and bring about positive impact in the lives of citizens. As a result, it was possible to witness encouraging results though there are some peace and security challenges in various parts of the country due to various reasons.
Indeed, keeping peace and security and preventing the cases that lead to the outbreak of conflict is the responsibility of everyone, and every citizen has a role in restoring peace and security throughout the country. However, the role of the elites in this regard is unparalleled for a number of reasons. Many people agree that elites take the lion’s share in upholding and supporting sustainable peace-building efforts.
Elites can utilize their influence, resources and networks in a bid to contribute to productive dialogue, reconciliation, inclusive governance, education, economic development, and the promotion of human rights rather than armed conflicts. Their commitment to fostering peace and unity can inspire positive change and help build a harmonious and prosperous Ethiopia.
In relation to this, The Ethiopian Herald had a short stay with Asrat Asale, Corporate Communication Director at the Ethiopian Roads Administration; and received his Master’s Degree in Peace and Security studies to have his say on the role of Ethiopian elites in ensuring peace and security and influencing through providing profound solutions that could serve as bedrock for nation building.
According to him, building sustainable peace and ensuring security is a complex and ongoing process that requires long-term commitment and collaboration among many stakeholders and the community at large. As peace and stability is core in offering a number of opportunities to personal growth, and an instrument to let people pursue their goals and aspirations, and enjoy a sense of safety, nurturing it through constructive fashion is fundamental.
As to him, peace is not simply the absence of conflict though the absence of conflict is certainly part of peace. True peace encompasses more than just the absence of violence or war. Peace is a state of harmony, tranquility, and mutual understanding among individuals, groups, or the community.
Peace involves resolving conflicts in a nonviolent and constructive manner, addressing the root causes of disagreements, and promoting cooperation and empathy. It requires the establishment of justice, equality, and human rights. Peace also involves fostering cultural understanding and respect, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring access to basic necessities such as food, water, and healthcare.
According to him, there are negative and positives peace ideals. Negative peace is the absence of direct violence or overt conflict. It is characterized by the absence of war, physical aggression, or open hostilities between individuals, groups, or nations.
Whereas positive peace goes beyond the absence of violence and seeks to address the root causes of conflicts, promote justice, and build sustainable peace. It involves creating the conditions that foster social harmony, cooperation, and the well-being of individuals and communities.
A number of nations around the world experienced negative peace ideals through using power but none of them can realize sustainable peace and stability. He underlined the crucial role of the government, the elites and the general public in safeguarding peace and security rather than spending time applying negative ideals.
“The government of Ethiopia has the responsibility to create an enabling environment and implement policies that foster peace, justice, and security among societies,” he accentuated. Ethiopia should detach from the vicious circle of conflicts through promoting peace and harmony among each community. In this regard, the elites should come to the forefront in supporting peace building, according to him.
Elites should encourage open and respectful dialogue among conflicting parties and strive for better understanding and ground. In this regard, the National Dialogue Commission could be the best platform that differences could be entertained through peace talks and skirmishes resolved peacefully.
He further noted that, conflicts could often arise due to differing perspectives, interests, or needs, what matters most is the way we are engaging to undo the problem. “In our context, most of Ethiopia’s elites are passive and even some are involved in the form of activists. This harms the peace effort and creates a hindrance to build a longstanding peace. It is high time to bring productive approaches to ensure peace and security throughout the nation.”
The government should also enhance efforts in terms of creating favorable platforms to constructive discussions, and all relevant stakeholders should have to play the role by serving as mediators to find common ground and resolve disputes peacefully.
Because Ethiopia has been unwillingly entered into armed conflict, it has suffered a lot. Ethiopians have also experienced significant human sufferings and loss of life aside from property destruction, which cause long-lasting negative consequences.
To alleviate the problem and maintain sustainable peace across the country, elites should take courage in promoting inclusive governance systems that ensure the meaningful participation of all segments of society, including the marginalized groups as well as minority communities. The elites can use their influence to advocate for workable reforms that promote equal representation and accountability, as well as transparency, which are essential for sustainable peace.
What is more, they should support the reconciliation processes by promoting forgiveness, understanding, and healing among communities affected by conflicts. At the same time, promote truth-telling, acknowledge past wrongs, and encourage the rebuilding of trust and relationships.
Finally, dialogue is the best means to address differences, though it can face challenges and may not always yield immediate results so the elites should stick to developing the culture among the academies. Elites should opt, considering a more constructive and sustainable approach compared to armed conflict. Armed conflict could not produce sustainable peace and security.
Elites should support reconciliation processes by promoting forgiveness and understanding, addressing the caused harm and facilitating healing among the communities affected by conflicts. At the same time promote truth-telling, acknowledge past wrongs, and encourage the rebuilding of trust and relationships.
“Dialogue is the best alternative to address differences though it can face challenges and may not always yield immediate results. Thus, the elites should stick to exercising the culture of dialogue. They should opt for peaceful talks considering more constructive and sustainable approach is the only option; rather than armed conflict; because armed conflict could not produce sustainable peace and security.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 18 AUGUST 2023
