Ethiopia – Importance of dialogue and reconciliation

This roundtable discussion is one of a series planned throughout the year to address the current political impasse in Ethiopia. The purpose is to facilitate discussion, dialogue and discourse among stakeholders with divergent views. It is hoped that this process will begin, in the short term, the culture of tolerance, civility, respect for opposing views, and commitment to dialogue, which are essential elements of a democratic process.

The principle of tolerance, dialogue and respect for differing views – essential tenets of democratic process – was put to test when a few members of the Ethiopian community chose to protest against this forum. Instead of ignoring and dismissing the protestors, in the spirit of tolerance the organizers instead chose to extend invitations to the protestors to be part of the roundtable discussion. As a result, three of their representatives actively participated in the entire forum. This gesture by itself is worth having this roundtable discussion.

In an attempt to clarify the facts underlying the current political impasse in Ethiopia, the forum began with a “backgrounder” summarizing the political history and events leading up to the current situation. While Ethiopia has made progress in recent years as an emerging democracy, the aftermath of May 15 an election has been marred by serious upheaval. The polarization has escalated, with grave allegations made and divisive actions taken on both sides. Political protests leading to loss of life and imprisonment of opposition leaders have caused great concern around the world. Calls have come from many quarters for both sides to exercise restraint and to seek dialogue and compromise to resolve issues as fairly as possible in a nonviolent way.

This forum was an effort to clarify issues as objectively as possible, promote a process of discussion and dialogue, and consider recommendations on how the crisis could be defused in a fair and nonviolent way. It included representatives with diverse perspectives on this political impasse: from the US State Department, from the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, from numerous Ethiopian organizations as well as from the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, DC, and the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) which is one of the main opposition groups. Unfortunately, the invited CUD representative was not able to attend. The discussion was substantive, meaningful and frank, and brought out critical issues and concerns that can be the basis for ongoing dialogue.

The violence and intolerance that have characterized the post election period and the corollary insecurity are serious challenges to the progress that Ethiopia has made toward democratization, peace and stability. How this crisis is resolved will also directly affect the serious efforts needed to improve the quality of life for the Ethiopian people – poverty reduction, economic development, education, health care, etc. It is critical therefore, that stakeholders and concerned leaders seek to resolve this impasse in ways that respect democratic principles and fundamental human rights, putting the good of the nation and its people above political advantage.

We are persuaded that a culture of dialogue and tolerance will build our nationhood more than violent confrontation, No matter how divergent our schools of thought may be, or how egregious the wrongs some may have suffered, we believe that the solutions must be found through nonviolent means. Emotion must give way to reason again, and Ethiopians, mindful of our rich history and diversity, must work together to address problems and build a brighter future for our people. It is in this spirit that the partners organized this roundtable discussion and embarked on this important endeavor.

About the Sponsors of the FORUM

Ethiopian Voice of reason (EVOR)

Ethiopian Voice of Reason is an offshoot of Ethiopian International Center for Public Advocacy established in 2000. The post election events precipitated a particular attention to the need of galvanizing the silent majority that is marginalized from the discussion; of the promotion of rational and constructive discourse, to the searching of a mechanism for bridging the political gap through dialogue. Above all, EVOR promotes the ideals and social practices of democracy. Since its establishment EVOR has taken the lead in promoting tolerance, constructive dialogue and respect for divergent views.

Email: [email protected]
Letter: P. O. Box 13154
Alexandria, VA 22312

Partnership for Peace, Democracy, and Prosperity in Ethiopia (PPDPE)

An independent and nonpartisan group located in the United States, PPDPE’s central vision is engendering a tolerant and informed community, and encouraging the Ethiopian Diaspora to promote the nation’s interests amongst Ethiopians and their host communities. In advancing its mission, the group will work diligently to eradicate ignorance, fear and disinformation amongst Ethiopians and the international community.

Website: www.ppdpe.org
– Email: [email protected]
– Letter: 8639-B 16th Street #364,
– Silver Spring, MD 20910

Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace (IIFWP – USA)/ Ambassadors for Peace Initiative

IIFWP is a global movement established in 1999, led by a worldwide network of Ambassadors for Peace from all professional fields. Ambassadors for Peace strive to transcend barriers of race, religion, nationality and culture, pursuing lasting peace for all humanity, through a life of service to others. To date, over 70,000 Ambassadors for Peace have been appointed in over 185 nations. IIFWP works in primarily four program areas: good governance, human development, peace initiatives, and UN renewal. IIFWP sponsors a wide range of programs that include educational seminars, service projects, publications, sports activities and educational projects.

Websites: www.ambassadors4peace.org www.iifwp.org
Email: [email protected]

Voice of the Patriots

Voice of the Patriots is a Global Multicultural Broadcasting Network serving multicultural communities across the world towards win-win synergistic partnerships of inter-dependence. We provide win-win synergistic partnership for common shared value of interdependence among all communities. We broadcast weekly every Sunday between 8:00 and 9:00 pm on WZHF 1390 AM from Rockville MD to metropolitan Washington DC and Global communities across the world. We believe in freedom of choice, liberty and patriotism that honors self, family and the community by promoting win-win synergistic partnership of inter-dependence. We operate by developing win-win strategic partnership that share common value and vision. We focus on 3Es that is the harmonious synergy of Education for human development network, protection and enhancement of life sustaining Ecology and enterprises for sustainable Economy for balanced and holistic development.

– Telephone: (703) 933-8737
– Email: [email protected]

World Media Association

The World Media Association is an international consortium of media professionals and opinion leaders who envision a more peaceful world that values a high standard of personal ethics, intercultural and interracial cooperation and the active participation of all people in shaping the twenty-first century. We provide a forum for media professionals and opinion leasers dedicated to advancing the highest standards of journalistic ethics.
Furthermore, we believe that, as ones whose profession is communication, we have a special obligation to use the full extent of our abilities to encourage these pursuits in order that each generation may bequeath to its children a better, safer world than it has known.

– 3600 New York Ave. NE, 3rd Floor
– Washington, DC 20002, USA
– Phone: (202) 636-3124
– Fax: (202) 635-9227