Editorial Page

Abstract

Editorial

Ethiopia has been familiar with conflicts and wars for many years. Conflicts have been emerging constantly among groups contending for power in the form of resistance. In recent years, however, all conflicts are tied to narrowly conceived politics - driven by ethnically politicized elites. The misunderstandings among political elites caused in- stability in the country. The highly sought-after commodity that is stability-----must be maintained by the government in order to administer varied population with civili- ty. Here, civility is an outlook that attempts to do justice to multiple interests, holding them in check to maintain the intrinsic value of plurality.  To maintain stability and peace, trustworthy relationships among varying communities are required. All Ethiopian must work in tandem to promote unity and peace throughout Ethi- opia. The Ethiopian intellectuals including priests, pastors, imams, and ministers also have to become assertive not only in defense of their churches/mosques but in defense of the popular sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity of Ethio- pia. They should promote understanding, forgiveness, detente, and peaceful coexis- tence among diverse communities. However, these religious leaders ought to remain sensitive to the wisdom of diverse communities throughout Ethiopia. Having diverse social groups, and advancing egalitarian policies that presume equality of condition, outcomes, and rewards for all communities are needed. Various voices have to be mediated by accommodation, tolerance and mutual respects while the ambivalences coming with centrifugal tendency must be continually mitigated by centripetal forces. However, divisive, nagging and ani-Ethiopian forces should not be left unchallenged. The Ethiopian government has recently promised to hold a national dialogue to pro- mote and strengthen peace and conflict resolution mechanisms. The proposed policy also indicated the utilization of traditional conflict resolution that relies on identifying wrongdoing as such and holding wrongdoers accountable. This also allows for repara- tion of harm, restitution, and the healing of broken relationships through forgiveness. Establishing stable and lasting peaceful coexistence among rival sides requires the construction of a culture of peace through the processes of peace-making and recon- ciliation.

Busha Taa, PhD

Editor - in- Chief