Addis Ababa: By Haile Henok Tadele
Ethiopia’s tumultuous past, characterized by human rights transgressions, has left an indelible mark on the nation’s collective consciousness. Those who have hitherto assumed political power condemns and punishes others by shifting the blame on others it considered as transgressors. Such approach will never promote the prevalence of justice. It would only produce regrets, and escalation of revenge. This is the major reason why a vicious circle of the desire for vengeance, revenge and unforgiving have prevailed in the country. The implementation of a transitional justice is therefore a viable strategy to break the dichotomy between the transgressors and the victims. As the country ushers in an era of democratic reforms and national reconciliation, the implementation of a comprehensive transitional justice framework emerges as a cornerstone for achieving sustainable transformation and long-term economic prosperity.
Belayhun Yirga, Ethiopia’s State Minister of
Justice, affirmed the government’s dedication to an impartial and professional transitional justice process, eschewing any intervention that might compromise its integrity. This approach encompasses a spectrum of judicial and non-judicial measures designed to address the legacy of past atrocities and human rights violations, aiming to ensure accountability, provide redress for victims, foster reconciliation, and establish the foundations for a more equitable, peaceful, and prosperous society.
Previous attempts to resolve human rights violations, conflicts, and abuses in Ethiopia have fallen short, failing to implement universal transitional justice principles based on truth, reconciliation, mercy, and justice.
Recognizing this shortcoming, a new Transitional Justice Policy has been developed to manage and implement the process in a cohesive, integrated, and effective manner at the national level. A multidisciplinary panel of ten highly qualified experts from academia, the legal profession, and other relevan
t fields has been assembled to craft this policy.
The State Minister revealed that this independent taskforce has conducted over 60 public workshops and consultations nationwide, culminating in a comprehensive “green paper” policy framework endorsed by the council of ministers. The objective was to devise a policy grounded in Ethiopia’s realities by involving all stakeholders, including victims, women’s groups, civil society organizations, regional states, the federal government, and the general public.
Central to Ethiopia’s transitional justice journey is the establishment of a truth-seeking process, such as a truth and reconciliation commission. This systematic investigation aims to illuminate past human rights abuses, identify perpetrators, and uncover the circumstances surrounding these atrocities. By acknowledging victims’ suffering and confronting the nation’s history, this process can foster a shared understanding and pave the way for accountability and justice.
The government seeks to pursue transi
tional justice through a reconciliation process tailored to Ethiopia’s unique context. While drawing on global best practices, the State Minister emphasized the need for a reconciliation process fundamentally rooted in Ethiopia’s diverse regional and communal situations. As part of the policy implementation, several institutions will be established, including a truth and reconciliation commission, special attorney general’s office, and dedicated courts.
A comprehensive transitional justice framework must prioritize a robust system of reparations and victim support, potentially involving compensation, rehabilitation services, and symbolic gestures such as official apologies or memorials. By addressing victims’ needs and restoring their dignity, these measures can contribute to healing, reconciliation, and societal cohesion – vital prerequisites for sustainable economic development.
Sustainable transition and economic growth in Ethiopia necessitate reforming key institutions. This may involve vetting public o
fficials, implementing human rights training, and establishing independent oversight mechanisms. Such reforms can prevent future human rights abuses, rebuild public trust in democratic institutions, and create a stable, predictable environment conducive to investment and business growth.
In addition to formal mechanisms, Ethiopia will strive to explore community-based approaches to reconciliation, leveraging traditional conflict resolution systems and creating platforms for inter-community dialogue. By fostering grassroots reconciliation and empowering marginalized groups, these initiatives can complement top-down processes, contributing to national healing and unlocking the full potential of Ethiopia’s human capital for inclusive economic development.
A draft roadmap delineating detailed activities for the policy’s implementation phase has been prepared. Key elements under consideration include accountability mechanisms, procedures to investigate abuses, provisions for amnesty and reparations, institutiona
l reforms, incorporation of customary justice systems, and clear delineation of federal-regional state roles.
The government aspires for this reconciliation process to foster lasting peace, accountability, and healing in Ethiopia. “By establishing a robust accountability system, we aim to deliver a genuine sense of justice to aggrieved parties,” the State Minister affirmed.
As Ethiopia stands at this critical juncture, the international community, civil society, and the Ethiopian people must collaborate to ensure an inclusive, transparent, and victim-centric transitional justice process. Only through such concerted efforts can the country progress towards a future marked by justice, reconciliation, enduring stability, and shared prosperity.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency