The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) plays a crucial role in promoting and facilitating peaceful dialogue in Ethiopia. Its primary purpose is to bring together various stakeholders and establish channels of communication to address grievances, conflicts, and issues of national importance. The ENDC serves as a platform for dialogue between different groups, including political parties, civil society organizations, religious institutions, ethnic communities, and Diasporas. It aims to create an atmosphere of trust, understanding, and inclusivity, where all perspectives can be heard and considered.
Conflict resolution is a key aspect of the ENDC’s mission. The commission mediates between conflicting parties and helps them find common ground for peaceful resolutions. It provides a neutral space for negotiation and dialogue, encouraging all parties to actively participate and find sustainable solutions.
Reconciliation is another major role of the Commission. The ENDC fosters reconciliation among different ethnic groups and communities, seeking to heal the wounds of past conflicts, promote social cohesion, and encourage forgiveness and understanding.
The work of the ENDC extends beyond immediate conflict resolution. It focuses on long-term peace building efforts by addressing structural and systemic issues, promoting equitable development, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable peace in Ethiopia.
The Commission upholds democratic processes as one of its core values. It supports peaceful political competition, promotes respect for human rights, and ensures inclusive participation of diverse communities in decision-making processes. Additionally, the ENDC provides policy recommendations based on the outcomes of dialogue and consultations. These recommendations play a crucial role in shaping government policies, laws, and initiatives that address the root causes of conflicts and promote long-term peace and stability in the country.
Building trust is one of the foundations on which the Commission focuses, aiming to enhance the cordial relationship between the government and different segments of society. By creating spaces for dialogue and inclusive participation, the Commission helps bridge the gap between citizens and institutions, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for building a peaceful nation.
Recently, the Ethiopian National Consultation Commission convened a meeting with members of the Diaspora Association at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa. The forum included various programs in which diaspora members from different cities across the country participated. The purpose of the discussion was to raise awareness about the active involvement and support of the diaspora community residing in the country in the national consultation process.
During the discussion, the Commission members provided an overview of the fundamental concept of national consultation, the Commission’s activities, and the legal framework under which it operates to the diaspora communities.
Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya, speaking at the event, emphasized the importance of the active involvement of Ethiopian nationals and diaspora communities in the dialogue. He highlighted that in order to make the dialogue credible, the Commission has held successive discussions with the diaspora community. The role and participation of the Ethiopian diaspora are crucial for national dialogue and consensus. The Commission is actively working to ensure the participation of Ethiopians living abroad and individuals of Ethiopian origin who reside in other countries.
Ethiopian Diaspora Association Chairperson, Kidist Lulseged, expressed at the event that the active participation of diaspora communities living all over the world plays a key role. In this regard, diaspora communities should contribute their part to the success of the dialogue. Captain Solomon Gezau, a board member of the Addis Ababa Diaspora Association, echoed Kidist’s view and affirmed the diaspora’s determination to enhance their participation in the national consultation process to contribute to its success.
During the event, the diaspora participants highlighted the significance of the national consultation as a crucial step towards consensus-building and strengthening national unity. They affirmed their commitment to actively engage in the national consultation process and provide valuable ideas to ensure its success. Furthermore, participants acknowledged the value of the national consultation in encouraging peaceful resolution of conflicts and setting aside differences for the collective benefit. They emphasized that peace is essential for living and working in the country, and they pledged to work diligently to make the national consultation a platform for lasting peace.
The Ethiopian Diaspora plays a vital role in sustaining peace in Ethiopia through various means, including advocacy, financial support, bridge-building, cultural exchange, economic development, knowledge and skills transfer, and remittances. Their contributions have a profound impact on peace-building efforts and the overall development and stability of the country.
The role of the Ethiopian diaspora community is indeed vital in the national dialogue process. As an integral part of Ethiopian economic, political, and social affairs, diaspora communities have been playing a significant role and continue to do so through various means. The organization of cultural events, festivals, and educational programs that promote Ethiopian culture, heritage, and values by diaspora communities is a testament to their active engagement. These activities help build cultural bridges, foster understanding, and portray a positive image of Ethiopia to the wider world, contributing to peace and harmony. Additionally, diaspora communities are seen playing a significant role in Ethiopia’s economic development by investing in businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs, and creating employment opportunities.
Economic stability and development are essential components of sustaining peace, and the diaspora’s contributions in this area are significant. The Ethiopian diaspora serves as a source of financial support for initiatives and organizations working towards peace-building efforts in Ethiopia. They contribute through remittances, donations, and fundraising activities, which aid in funding projects focused on conflict resolution, dialogue, and community development.
Moreover, Ethiopian diaspora communities act as bridges between their host countries and Ethiopia, helping bridge gaps in understanding and fostering dialogue between different groups. They facilitate connections between diaspora organizations, local communities, and institutions in Ethiopia to promote collaboration and exchange knowledge and skills.
Knowledge transfer is another area where the diaspora community contributes to their country. Many Ethiopians in the diaspora have acquired valuable knowledge, skills, and expertise in various fields such as education, healthcare, technology, and governance. They contribute to sustaining peace by transferring their knowledge and skills back to Ethiopia through mentoring, training programs, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborations with local institutions. This exchange of knowledge and expertise contributes to the overall development and progress of the country.
Ethiopian diaspora communities across the globe actively engage in advocacy efforts to promote peace and economic development in Ethiopia. They raise awareness about the issues affecting the country and utilize their influence to advocate for peaceful resolutions to conflicts. The active participation of the diaspora community in the national dialogue will enhance the credibility of the discussions and ensure inclusivity.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2023
