Throughout history, we have witnessed the dissolution of nations due to the inability of citizens and governments to address underlying issues peacefully, while others have remained united despite their diverse populations. Ethiopia, in particular, has grappled with significant internal challenges, including persistent conflicts in various regions, highlighting the urgent need for extensive dialogue and reconciliation efforts to confront deep-seated societal and political divisions.
Recognizing the gravity of these challenges, the Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives approved the establishment of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission on December 29, 2021. The national dialogue initiative aims to tackle historical grievances among communities and pave the way for national consensus and peace among citizens.
Since its establishment, the Commission has been collaborating with stakeholders to identify participants for the dialogue, starting from grassroots villages, in a representative and inclusive manner. The goal is to ensure that diverse stakeholders are included in the process.
Amanuel Eremo (PhD), a lecturer at Kotebe Education University, emphasized the importance of inclusivity and transparency in conducting a productive National Dialogue. He stressed the need to address the root causes of conflicts and underscored the vital role of the National Dialogue in conflict resolution and political transformation. Establishing a culture of dialogue beyond traditional elite decision-makers is seen as essential for steering the country towards a new trajectory.
Ethiopia is currently grappling with significant political turmoil, leading to unrest and conflict. The establishment of the Commission is a wise and timely decision in this context. However, it’s important to recognize that national dialogue should be viewed as a tool to facilitate peaceful political transformation, but it is not a panacea for all challenges.
Conducting national dialogue is a demanding task that requires high moral and professional integrity, as well as the capacity for effective execution. The ultimate aim should be to cultivate a culture of resolving differences without resorting to armed conflict, ultimately leading to a democratic Ethiopia where all citizens can live in dignity. Achieving a productive national dialogue is feasible, but it hinges on all concerned entities across the board fulfilling their responsibilities according to the established standards.
The encouraging progress of Ethiopia’s national dialogue has garnered public support and is seen as a crucial step in resolving the nation’s outstanding differences. The success of the national dialogue depends on the diversity of ideas entertained and the commitment to implement the outcomes according to agreed mechanisms.
Media plays a vital role in ensuring the success of a fruitful national dialogue. Local media outlets should play an indispensable role in raising awareness among the general community about the purpose and progress of the national dialogue, thereby creating informed citizens and garnering support for its accomplishment. The media must serve the interests of the public, rather than those of elite or political groups.
“We are observing that certain local media outlets continue to produce content that advocates the interests of specific political groups rather than serving the common good of the public intentionally. This approach could potentially undermine the outcomes of the National Dialogue.”
Addressing the role of civil society in ensuring the productivity of the national dialogue, he emphasized that civil societies should have a role in providing technical assistance to the national dialogue. They play a significant role in shaping the development and progress of the dialogue by mobilizing active and constructive citizen participation.
Furthermore, he highlighted that civil societies should engage in mobilizing the community to fulfill their responsibilities by advocating for their rights, holding the government accountable, and providing services through activism, research, and public awareness campaigns. It is essential that the government remains responsive to the needs of the people in a peaceful manner.
To ensure the success of the national dialogue, civil societies should further promote social cohesion by bringing together diverse groups within society to participate. They should organize platforms that allow communities to bring their concerns to the discussion peacefully.
The active engagement of civil societies, as reported by the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, fosters understanding, tolerance, and peace among different communities, contributing to a sense of national unity and adding value to the fruitful execution of the national dialogue.
National Dialogue is a significant effort by the government to ensure sustainable peace in Ethiopia. By providing a platform for diverse voices to be heard and for key issues to be addressed through dialogue and reconciliation, the National Dialogue aims to foster understanding, unity, and ultimately contribute to a sustainable peace across the nation. This inclusive approach to addressing underlying grievances and promoting national consensus is a crucial step towards building a more peaceful and harmonious society.
The national dialogue in Ethiopia’s political landscape presents significant opportunities that should not be taken for granted, as it is a platform that could help resolve age-old disputes and frictions at the roundtable and establish common narratives and vision that all should embrace.
Given the dire challenges citizens are facing due to the lack of peace in various parts of the nation, it is crucial to prioritize guaranteeing peace coast-to-coast before conducting the national dialogue. The government, as the primary authority, should continue its peace-building efforts that are currently underway.
The peace-building efforts of the Ethiopian government are indeed worth highlighting. The government’s commitment to fostering peace and stability across the nation is crucial. By prioritizing peace-building initiatives, the government plays a pivotal role in addressing societal divisions, promoting reconciliation, and creating an environment conducive to constructive dialogue and progress. These efforts are instrumental in laying the foundation for a more peaceful and inclusive future for all citizens.
BY MENGISTEAB TEHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER 2023
