Challenges and solutions of the peace process of armed conflict in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region

The views, statements and opinion in the article reflects that of the writer’s , NOT borkena.com ‘s 

By Desalegn Oulte

Efforts are being made to resolve the conflict in the Amhara region, which has been going on for a year and has claimed many lives and disrupted economic activity, through peaceful and political means. Both the government and armed faction (FANO) are showing interest in resolving the conflict peacefully. Of course, pushing to achieve political will by force is not effective, it harms both the group and the government. Armed struggle could only hurt the people and  the development of the country. It will take a long time and great sacrifice to overthrow the government through force. Even if it succeeds, it is impossible to be sure of the possibility of achieving their political goals in Ethiopia, which is a divided society.

Despite the willingness by both parties, it is necessary to see what challenges the peace process will encounter:-

1. The challenge of bringing the armed forces into a single negotiating force 

The fighting factions are divided  politically and militarily into four factions, the Fano of Showa, the Fano of Gondar, the Fano of Gojam, and the Fano of the East (Wolo). Bringing these factions together and negotiating with the government is a challenging task.

2. The complexity of the political demands of the armed groups

The questions of the armed Amhara forces are linked and complicated with the history, state and neighboring regions and the issues raised after the current reform:  demanding to  bring the Amhara to state power, the question related to  “Amhara lands” under different regions, the disputed Wolkait Raya provinces ,  the release of imprisoned activists and politicians, the issue of the Amhara natives who were attacked in Welega and other areas, the withdrawal of  Federal defense and security forces from  the region and managing the region, accountability  for war crimes. The patience, political readiness, and resources required to negotiate and resolve these complex issues are not something that can be seen lightly.

3. The idea of ​​whether the peaceful negotiations should be at the regional level or at the federal level

The Peace Facilitation Committee is working at the regional level. However, as some questions are related to the federal government and neighboring states, it is a matter that needs to be carefully considered at what level the negotiations will take place.  At the same time, finding mediators who are independent and acceptable to both parties is an important question.

4. The demands of the diaspora and of the exile positions

Diaspora and exile politicians played a significant role in the conflict in the Amhara region. They  have their own interests, whether positive or negative. By supporting the armed conflict with finance, propaganda etc they played a crucial role. It is clear that they still play a negative or positive role in the peace process. It is necessary to answer what should be done so that they can play a positive role in the peace process.  Similarly, the fact that most of the social media campaigns that play a negative role in the conflict are operating from abroad and are not subject to domestic laws and regulations, making it difficult to establish accountability.

5. Peace Process Spoilers 

There are domestic and foreign forces that do not want the peace process.  Acknowledging the conspiracy of these parties and facilitating the peace process requires an organized, informed and united effort. 

Despite these challenges, if the steps listed below are taken, it is possible to bring peace in both the Amhara region and Ethiopia:-

• Learning from past mistakes
  
  Negotiations with the armed groups must be concluded through an agreement that is transparent to the public and the international community. The process should be attended by international and local observers. It can be noted that the efforts made to bring peace with the OLF, which was in armed struggle in Eritrea before the reform, did not end accordingly and led to another round of conflict. So It is necessary to learn from this failed settlement.
  
• The complicated political demands need to be resolved according to the principle of international armed conflict resolution and the existing constitutional arrangements of the country.
  
  • The government and the armed groups should settle their political dispute with a civilized trade that foresees security of the public and the existence of the country.
    
  • The international community should consider the role played by exile politicians and the diaspora in exacerbating the conflict and punish those who hinder, the encouragement of those who are partners in the peace process.
    
• The role of the international community specially the US and AU in conflict resolution is not negligible. The international community’s financial, technical and observational contribution will have a great impact on the peace process. 

Editor’s note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com


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