It has been more than a year since the federal government and TPLF signed the Pretoria Agreement that ended the two years of bloody war in the northern part of the country. Since then the quick and full implementation of the agreement has been a top priority agenda. Ethiopians are eager to see lasting peace, development as well as justice restored across the breadth and length of the country.
The Pretoria agreement provides that the two sides, after immediately ceasing fire, should proceed to engage in disarmament, demobilization as well as rehabilitation (DDR) works so as to address difference and heal the consequences of the devastating war.
The Federal government and the Interim Administration of Tigray have been doing many activities to restore peace, justice in the war torn regions. Accordingly, the country has managed to return normalcy in Tigray and the nearby affected areas. Most services resumed such as banking, telecom, electricity, air and land transport connection, education and health.
Considering the gravity of the destruction incurred in the region, the federal government and the Tigray interim administration need to further continue their efforts until it is possible to fully recover the region and nearby areas.
Especially the restitution of justice, peace and stability needs the concerted efforts and relatively longer time. Hence the two sides should think of synchronizing the efforts of ensuring peace, justice in the country along with the efforts of implementation of the Pretoria agreement. For instance, the ensuring of justice can go along with the ongoing national efforts of transitional justice in the country while maintaining the special consideration that should be made as per the Pretoria agreement.
The mechanisms of lasting peace are already in place. The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) has been working to furnish the conditions for a dialogue so that consensus will be reached on major national issues. So far, from 679, Woredas of ten administrative regions and two city administrations, around 12,294 people are identified to take part in the national dialogue process. It is work in progress, the effort will continue. On the other track, to bring about healing and ensure justice through a transitional justice system, a number of stakeholder forums were held both at regional and national levels. Finally, Ethiopia has effectuated a national justice policy.
The two different but complementary processes are decisive instruments to ensure the reigning of lasting peace in Ethiopia.
Despite the ups and downs that the country underwent during the past couple of years, the two sides are doing their best to implement the agreement. Yet as estimated at the end of the destructive war, the overall rehabilitation work needs some 26 billion USD. It is important to note that for a country that has been struggling to overcome the economic challenges, such huge amount of money is a challenge.
The commitment displayed by some friendly nations and international organizations to support the peace and justice ensuring process in the northern part of the country is encouraging. Other countries and organizations should also take into consideration the rapidly progressing process of implementing the Pretoria Agreement and extend their kind contributions for its success.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD 25 APRIL 2024
