Editorial: Rethinking Disarmament and Peace in Ethiopia
In the tumultuous landscape of Ethiopia, marked by entrenched militarized conflicts, achieving lasting peace remains an elusive goal. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration has made Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) a cornerstone of its strategy to navigate the country towards stability from its current crisis. However, this ambitious agenda faces significant challenges that demand a critical reassessment.
The National Security Council's directive to disarm armed forces and integrate them into a reform process overseen by the National Rehabilitation Commission reflects a proactive step towards sustainable peace. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of these efforts is marred by fundamental inadequacies, primarily the absence of comprehensive peace agreements that address the underlying causes of conflicts and the lack of mutual commitment between the government and armed groups.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the regions of Oromia and Amhara, where the Ethiopian government's DDR initiatives have faltered amidst persistent recruitment drives and ongoing hostilities. The failure to fully implement negotiated agreements in Tigray further underscores the skepticism surrounding the government's dedication to achieving a peaceful transition. These shortcomings not only undermine the credibility of DDR initiatives but also perpetuate cycles of violence and instability.
The editorial underscores the indispensable requirement for negotiated settlements in conflict-ridden regions as a precondition for successful DDR and the restoration of civilian life. It advocates for robust international engagement to ensure adherence to agreed-upon terms, thereby enhancing the prospects for comprehensive and sustainable outcomes.
International stakeholders involved in supporting DDR projects in Ethiopia must prioritize accountability and transparency to uphold the integrity of their interventions. By holding all parties accountable to the negotiated terms and fostering an environment conducive to trust and cooperation, international actors can play a pivotal role in facilitating genuine reconciliation and enduring peace.
In conclusion, while Ethiopia's commitment to DDR is commendable in principle, its practical implementation requires a recalibration that addresses the complex realities on the ground. Without holistic peace agreements that address the root causes of conflicts and foster genuine commitment from all stakeholders, the vision of a peaceful and prosperous Ethiopia will remain an aspiration rather than a reality. It is incumbent upon all parties, both domestic and international, to heed this call for a rethink and strive towards a future where peace is not just an ambition but a tangible achievement for all Ethiopians.
Source: Addis Standard Editorial
Original article:
Editorial: Disarmament amidst militarized conflicts, a faltering commitment, and absence of political settlement will not bring lasting peace to #Ethiopia. A call for a rethink!
The current Ethiopian administration under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has prioritized Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (#DDR) as a key policy pillar to transition the country from crisis to peace. The National Security Council mandated armed forces to disarm and engage in a reform process led by the National Rehabilitation Commission for sustainable peace.
However, the success of DDR in Ethiopia is hindered by the absence of crucial factors such as peace agreements addressing root causes of conflict and shared commitment between the government and armed groups. This is evident in the failed negotiations with armed groups in #Oromia and #Amhara regions, where the government's DDR efforts are undermined by ongoing recruitment and conflict.
The lack of full implementation of agreements in the #Tigray region further questions the government's dedication to a peaceful transition. The editorial emphasizes the necessity for negotiated settlements in conflict regions as a prerequisite for successful DDR and the restoration of civilian life. International stakeholders supporting DDR projects in Ethiopia are urged to ensure adherence to agreed terms for comprehensive and effective outcomes.
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