The unfolding peace talks in Dar es Salaam between the Ethiopian government and the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) signal a pivotal moment in Ethiopia’s quest to resolve long-standing conflicts. However, this beacon of hope is shadowed by a conspicuous omission: the Amhara community, a group that has borne the brunt of the OLF’s military campaigns since the group’s resurgence from Eritrea, remains excluded from the dialogue table.
Historically, the OLF’s arrival in Eritrea marked the beginning of a tumultuous era for the Amhara, who found themselves victims of ensuing conflicts. The Pretoria agreement, hailed as a milestone, fell short of inclusivity, sidelining key stakeholders such as the Afar and Amhara. This grave oversight precipitated a resurgence of hostilities, underscoring the fragility of agreements crafted in partiality.
As the second round of talks commence with OLA’s Commander Kumsa Diriba at the helm, it’s critical to reflect on past missteps. The Pretoria agreement’s failure serves as a stark reminder that peace procured without comprehensive representation is ephemeral. By excluding the Amhara, the government not only perpetuates a cycle of incomplete resolutions but also sows seeds for potential discord.
The repercussions of this exclusion extend beyond immediate peace efforts; they strike at the very heart of national unity and stability. Sustainable peace is not achieved through selective engagement but through an unreserved commitment to addressing the grievances and aspirations of all communities. The Amhara’s absence from the peace talks not only delegitimizes the process but also jeopardizes the prospect of lasting reconciliation.
It is imperative that the Ethiopian government and its international partners heed the lessons of the past. Inclusivity is not a mere idealistic principle but a pragmatic requisite for enduring peace. The government must broaden its diplomatic embrace to include the Amhara, ensuring that their voice and concerns are integral to the dialogue.
In conclusion, as the Ethiopian government seeks to navigate its way out of conflict, it must not repeat the oversights of the Pretoria agreement. The exclusion of the Amhara from the peace talks in Dar es Salaam is not simply a matter of oversight; it is a critical flaw that endangers the whole peace process. A truly comprehensive and representative approach is the only pathway to a peace that is both equitable and lasting. The call for an inclusive dialogue is not just a demand for fairness; it is a plea for a future where all Ethiopians can coexist in harmony.
Hey kids!
It is enough with war of bloodshed and destruction. Peaceful and stabilized society is the civilized way of living. Enough with the stupidity that has caused the deaths of so many young and other innocent people!!!
In one way, this shows how the world is changing. Back in the 1960’s and 70’s, to hold talks with groups you call ‘terrorists’ was unthinkable. When talks were held between the Eritrean fronts and the then Ethiopian governments, it was pretty evident that the fronts never engaged in targeting civilians. We can all say the Eritrean fronts used to take extra precaution to avoid civilian casualties. But our ‘fronts’ of these days seem not care about the consequences of their military actions on civilians. In fact, it is abundantly discernible that these fronts go after civilians or civilian quarters and in the process murdering and maiming tens or hundreds in a single raid. They do that when they are starving for publicity. They do that because they never achieved any military success on the battle fronts. If they ever tried to engage government forces, they were licked in one clash after another. Then they take their anger out on innocent civilians falsely accusing them of government agents/lackeys. This has been working for them like a charm. How is that? You may ask. It got them a trip to a glitzy resort in Zanzibar, didn’t it? Now, who knows where it took them this time around. May be now it is time to another exclusive Four Seasons Resorts Villas in Seychelles. They will talk and bust their moves at the dance hall. Then at the end of ‘grueling’ talks they will tell us the usual that they could not arrive at a ‘truce’ but they have agreed to meet again. Jal and his ‘indomitable’ warriors will go back to their usual chores of murdering poor farmers and low wage-earning civil servants and the government will go back honing its skills in the use of drones raining bombs on innocent civilians. That is called a ‘country’, folks!!!
I am writing this from my ever-standing conviction that there is no reason for any kind of armed struggle in any region in that country. None whatsoever!!!!! Take that to the bank! If some of you war mongers don’t like my unflinching stance on stupid armed struggle, you can jump to your death from a high rise building or jump in the deep end a lake near you. No one will shed tears. Good riddance!!!!!