Ethiopia is one of the most diverse countries in Africa where a multitude of ethnic groups each have their own distinct history, culture, custom, religion, language and way of life coexisting together. These differences apart from reflecting the country›s rich history and unique culture have helped to develop a culture of tolerance among diverse societies and build strong sense of community and co-exist peacefully. However, over the past two plus decades, these values have been eroded and challenged for various reasons resulting in inconveniences, grudges and conflicts in some parts of the country and challenging its path towards development.
Seeing this as a threat, currently, the government is deploying various means including the establishment of the National Dialogue Commission and Transitional Justice Policy, to address the challenges, correct the unfortunate incidents, reach national consensus and bring about lasting peace and reconciliation.
It is obvious that national dialogue provides a platform for different ethnic, religious and political groups in Ethiopia to address historical grievances; promote understanding, foster trust among communities and to work for the common good of all. Through allowing holding open and inclusive discussions, national dialogue can heal the wounds of past incidents, reduce tensions and promote social cohesion.
As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) recently posted on his social media page, Ethiopia has missed several opportunities in previous times for not properly cultivating peaceful dialogue as a means to resolve differences and avert all forms of conflicts. However, now, there is an opportunity to use national dialogue, which is one way to discuss major challenges and resolve problems in an amicable way.
According to him, the ongoing national dialogue has a key role in addressing major challenges facing Ethiopians. “We have gone through war and we were able to solve some of our problems through holding peaceful dialogue. We have repeatedly experienced revolution and we were able to solve some of the problems. However, there is one way both revolution and war failed to address- dialogue, a path which we never tried.”
The Premier said that both war and revolt were not effective by themselves to bring expected results. Through instigating both war and uprisings, no one benefits as there is no winner or loser. Whenever one side loses the battle, it always looks for another opportune time to take revenge on the other group. However, in dialogue, all parties will discuss and be winners.
The Premier also indicated the three outcomes expected from national dialogue. According to him, if not all, the dialogue will solve major challenges faced by the nation. The other expectation from the dialogue is it will cultivate the culture of discussion at the expense of war. Lastly, the dialogue will bring groups with different interests more closely and understanding, which in turn create a good opportunity for future discussion.
Urging Ethiopians not to waste this opportunity, the Prime Minister said, “I ask not to miss this opportunity to achieve a comprehensive victory.”
In related development, the Ministry of Peace urged scholars in higher education institutions to have common consensus and understanding so as to contribute their share for the success of the national dialogue.
At a consultation forum organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and held at Madda Walabu University with scholars from higher education institutions, the Ministry of Peace highlighted the role scholars in higher institutions can play to sustain the peace and stability of the nation.
Speaking at the forum, Representative for CEO of Nation Building in the Ministry of Peace, Gezahegne Tilahun said that scholars should play a leading role in national issues to have common consensus and understanding among the society.
According to him, all citizens, in the area of work they may engage in, should contribute their share for the national interest of the country and its development with integrity because it is a timely call with greater reason. He also stressed the role of scholars in creating awareness among the society about the concept of the national dialogue, building a common consensus and shaping the generation through conducting research works.
The Ministry is also working closely and committedly with higher education institutions. In this respect, the discussion held along with scholars is a good manifestation, Gezahegne added.
Speaking on his part, University’s Administration and Development Vice President, Isa Hassen, said that, concurrent to its learning-teaching activities, the University is conducting research works on areas of national issues. He said that the forum the University held with the Ministry of Peace is part of its commitment for national causes. He also reflected the inputs gained during the discussion with regard to common identity, values and national interest.
Lecturer at the University and participant of the forum Hussa Allo also said that cultivating the culture of such kinds of discussion forums with scholars is much helpful in the learning and teaching activities and research works to address national challenges.
At the discussion forum, scholars, Abba Gedas, Hada Siinqes, religious leaders and stakeholders participated.
These days, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, which was established by Proclamation No. 1265/2014, is taking important steps to carry out its final assignment and fulfill its mission through conducting inclusive national dialogue on fundamental national issues to build better national consensus.
Recently, the Commission has launched a nationwide agenda setting consultative forum which is part of the consultative phases. The consultative process, which Addis Ababa has taken the lead, started on May 29, 2024 and conducted for seven consecutive days; finalized successfully.
According to National Dialogue Chief Commissioner of the Commission, Prof. Mesfin Araya, the process held over the past 7 days demonstrated that Ethiopians can address their differences through discussions. The representatives of communities, associations and institutions, political parties and influential individuals as well as the three government organs discussed and identified agendas in five groups. The participants have exerted efforts to identify issues that they believe are the causes of the problems the country is facing, he added.
Prof. Mesfin also revealed that agenda settings consultations will be conducted in all of the 12 states and the Dire Dawa City Administration as well as at federal and diaspora levels.
The National Dialogue process is expected to address the enduring inconveniences and grievances of Ethiopians, lead to consensus and advance the country’s development. However, to make it a success, the active participation of all is vital. Keeping aside differences and standing for the common good is of critical importance.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 11 JUNE 2024
