Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – As Ethiopia navigates its path towards national unity and reconciliation, a recently published policy brief underscores the pivotal role of customary institutions (CIs) in this complex process. Commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and authored by Eyasu Yimer, Tessema Getahun, and Markos Debebe, the report highlights the potential of these ancient mechanisms to contribute significantly to Ethiopia’s national dialogue and reconciliation efforts.
Customary institutions in Ethiopia have long served as crucial platforms for conflict prevention and resolution, focusing on restoring peace within communities rather than solely punishing offenders. These indigenous mechanisms, rooted in principles of restorative justice, emphasize mending social relationships through forgiveness and compromise. In a country marked by ethnic and political polarization, the legitimacy and local acceptance of CIs provide a strong foundation for their integration into broader national processes.
The policy brief advocates for leveraging the strengths of CIs to enhance the national dialogue process initiated in 2021. By incorporating traditional practices and wisdom, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) can foster more inclusive and effective reconciliation efforts. The study, conducted across the Somali, Amhara, Oromia, and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ (SNNP) regions, reveals that CIs possess significant potential to contribute throughout various stages of national dialogue and reconciliation.
- Conflict Resolution and Management: CIs are well-positioned to resolve community-level conflicts through participatory and restorative justice practices. Their involvement can increase the legitimacy and acceptance of the reconciliation process among local communities.
- Truth and Reconciliation: CIs can play a vital role in uncovering the truth behind historical grievances and human rights violations through traditional methods such as rituals, oaths, and testimonies. This process is essential for addressing deep-seated issues and fostering genuine reconciliation.
- Social Justice: With their close ties to local communities, CIs can ensure that the needs and concerns of individual victims are addressed, promoting social justice and sustainable peace.
- Implementation of Recommendations: CIs can facilitate the implementation of reconciliation outcomes by using their influence and legitimacy to disseminate and enforce agreed-upon recommendations within their communities.
Despite their potential, CIs face several challenges that must be addressed to maximize their effectiveness. These include political interference, awareness gaps, lack of infrastructure, and issues related to inclusivity, particularly the exclusion of women, youth, and minority groups. Ensuring that CIs adhere to human rights standards and addressing their limitations are crucial steps towards their successful integration into the national dialogue process.
To harness the full potential of CIs, the policy brief provides several recommendations:
Government Support: Government entities should protect CIs from manipulation and provide necessary support, including training on human rights standards and formal recognition of their contributions.
Enhanced Participation: The ENDC should ensure meaningful participation of CIs at all stages of the dialogue process, from agenda setting to the implementation of recommendations.
Legal Framework: Establishing a clear legal framework to empower CIs and regulate their relationship with the formal justice system can enhance their effectiveness and legitimacy.
Capacity Building: Investing in the capacity building of CIs, particularly in areas such as infrastructure and awareness, will strengthen their role in national reconciliation efforts.
Inclusivity Measures: Addressing gender and youth exclusion within CIs and promoting broader participation can ensure that the reconciliation process is truly representative of all segments of Ethiopian society.
Conclusion
The integration of Ethiopia’s customary institutions into the national dialogue and reconciliation process offers a promising avenue for achieving lasting peace and unity. By recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by CIs, and leveraging their strengths, Ethiopia can build a more inclusive and effective framework for resolving conflicts and fostering national harmony. As the country continues its journey towards reconciliation, the contributions of CIs will be invaluable in bridging divides and building a cohesive society.
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