Getachew Mekasha
February 1994
What Price Peace And Reconciliation
The long awaited Conference for Peace and Reconciliation in Ethiopia had come and gone. On the face of it nothing that was said or done at the Conference has come as a great surprise. In fact the words and actions of both the opposition groups that convened the conference, and that of the Transitional Government of Ethiopia (TGE) that, with great reluctance, allowed it to be held in Addis Abeba have been very predictable from beginning to end.
However, this does not in any way minimize the importance of the conference itself. Contrary to expectations, the fact of its convening in Addis Abeba as this critical juncture is of historic
significance. The courageous stand taken by the participants in spelling out the problems afflicting Ethiopia today, and their prescriptions for solving them are commendable. Among
the measures they have recommended in their resolutions are:
1.The immediate establishment of an all-inclusive Council of Alternative Forces of Peace and Democracy to collectively address the political, economic and social problems now facing the country and coordinate efforts and resources to bring about lasting peace through a genuine multi-party democratic system.
2. Now that the transitional period allotted to the EPRDF to run the government has come to an end, the time has come for the transitional government as presently constituted to step down, and for the nation to be prepared for another round of transition with the full participation of all political groups and parties operating within and outside Ethiopia.
3. Called upon the transitional government to desist from further hindering and curtailing the democratic process in its bid to consolidate its power to the detriment of the fundamental
rights and interests of the Ethiopian people. Instead, the conference invited EPRDF to follow the path of reconciliation, and be a full participant in rebuilding the democratic process by showing its goodwill and cooperation.
On the other hand, the Transitional Government of Ethiopia (TGE) denies the very RAISON D’ETRE of the conference, i.e. the need for peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia today. To
them since their takeover in May, 1991 “Ethiopia is at peace and democracy reigns throughout the land.” Hence, their boycott and refusal to take part and consort with those whom
they regard only as “a bunch of trouble makers.” From the beginning they fought tooth and nail to block the way and prevent the conference from taking place. It took a lot of pressure, mainly from the international community, for them to relent a bit and allow it to be held in Addis Abeba.
This seemingly positive gesture on their part, however, was soon to be entirely negated when they came out in their true colors by once again displaying to the whole world their woeful lack of self confidence, and their total ineptitude in handling such events. The news of the arrest and imprisonment of opposition leaders on their arrival at Addis International Airport, which was put under extra ordinary tight security, surrounded by tanks and armored vehicles as a show of force, was a clear indication as to the extent to which the government’s very existence
feeds on wide spread paranoia. Among those arrested and imprisoned were seven delegates who had spent many years in exile abroad, and who had returned to their country armed
only with pens and pencils in their pockets, and the burning love of their people in their hearts.
This type of behavior also serves as the standard practice at intimidation and inspiring fear which has become the ballmark of the EPLF and TPLF administration.
As 31 countries are reported to have sent observers to the Conference, it can be said that the international community was fairly well represented. As expected the government controlled media and press devoted very little space, if any, to the activities of the participants; while at the same time the government’s denunciation of the event was given extensive coverage. Ironically, as always in similar situations, most people in the country came to know and appreciate the importance of the event through the gratuitous negative publicity provided by
the government itself rather than anything else done by the promoters of the conference!
The essential message of those gathered at Addis Abeba, as clearly stated in their final pronouncements, is that the “peace and democracy” that the government is talking about do not measure up, and are in fact devoid of any meaning. The government’s definition of peace as the mere absence of war, apart from being incorrect, does not satisfy anybody. There are conflicts of varying intensity all over the country mainly conflicts of its own making. Above all the peace of mind that emanates from ethnic and social harmony must be included in that definition. Similarly, the government’s definition of democracy not as the rule of law, but as the rule of the gun is unacceptable.
For those who are out of work, dislocated, dispossessed and exiled, the peace the government offers is one of deprivation, hardship and starvation no better than the peace of the
grave. For those living under Stalinist tyranny “peace” and “democracy” are mere words which ring hollow.
From the government’s side also the message is equally loud and clear: What they have acquired by force they will only relinquish by force. As long as they persist in this attitude their ears are deaf to any talk of dialogue or negotiated settlement. They are locked in the
pursuit of exercising illegal power indefinitely which makes the very concept of peace and reconciliation anathema to them.
In circumstances like these where the lines are so clearly drawn, looking for help from outside, especially from the U.S. or Europe as so many people seem to do, is utterly useless. The U.S. in particular bears a heavy responsibility for Ethiopia’s present dilemma because of
its imposition and continued support of the dictatorial regime now in power. Whatever its justification for its takeover in 1991, the U.S. should know very well that the justification is no longer valid today, in 1994. Yet it is clear to all that the regime is doing everything possible to prolong its life by clinging to power illegally, in total defiance of Ethiopian public opinion. In view of this, as it has always been in the past, Ethiopia’s salvation must come from the sacrifices of her own sons and daughters. The cost of freedom is always high, and Ethiopians always paid it. It is now up to the present generation to rise to the occasion, and show its mettle by doing its duty as conscience dictates, if Ethiopia is to remain free, united and independent.
The resolutions passed at the conference may not be earthshaking as to deal a fatal blow; but whether the government takes the matter seriously or not, the event has left an indelible mark on the political consciousness of the people. In this sense it can be rightly said that it has driven at least one more nail into the coffin of the government’s pretensions to legitimacy.
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Getachew Mekasha, Ph.D., is Chairman of Moa Anbessa and contributing Editor of ER.