The Ethiopian government is working to reinstate the provision of basic services in the Amhara State and protect innocent civilians. Discussions are being held with the public to ensure law and order in the region.

The government continues working for a peaceful resolution of tension in the state with the involvement of elders, religious leaders, intellectuals, youths, women groups and other sections of the society. It is a farming season, the government will make sure that vital agricultural and other economic activities in Amhara continue unhin­dered.

DPM, FM, Demeke Mekonnen, said while briefing the diplomatic community on the State of Emergency (SoE) declared in the Amhara State.

 There are elements which try to defame the Defense Force that is safeguarding the country’s sovereignty. Organized armed groups have tried to make the region a center of crisis which has caused human and material losses, disrupted normal activities and resulted in economic damage.

If any group has political questions or demands, it can be addressed through peaceful ways, not through havoc. It is irresponsibleness to start war at a time when farmers are carrying out agricultural activities; it obstructs the supply of seeds and fertilizers to the farmers. The Defense force has proved it is the protector of the people by creating peace and stability in the region. The people of the region are working to bring lasting peace and stability in collaboration with the defense force.

Sema Tiruneh, Amhara Region Deputy Chief Administrator

 Indigenous values are pillars for national consensus. Hence, the Ethiopian National Dialogue will use indigenous knowledge, traditional practices and values so as to make the dialogue effective.

In its process, the national dialogue starts from the grassroots level, by discussing with the societies. During the discussion at grassroots level it gives priority for religious leaders, elders and clan leaders. From these discussions, we got important indigenous knowledge, traditional values and practices from each society and will use them as inputs to the national dialogue. We will use these indigenous knowledge and traditional values in the national dialogue.

Yonas Adoye (PhD), Ethiopia National Dialogue Commissioner

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 19 AUGUST 2023