Ethiopia

Please provide us with your views on the state of peace in the country you will represent at the One Young World Summit. 

Ethiopia has been for a number of years the biggest contributor to peacekeeping in Africa. It is also one of the founding members of the UN and of the Organization of the African Unity (OAU), which is now called the African Union (AU). My country is a hub for various international organizations, NGO’s and diplomatic representations, which undeniably demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to the peace and security of the world. Ethiopia has also endorsed the SDGs, among which the principle of maintaining peace and collective security has been given a paramount importance. As a result of this principle, Ethiopian forces were engaged in several UN peacekeeping and humanitarian missions throughout history. It has participated in peacekeeping missions in Korea, Congo, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, Burundi, Liberia, Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia. It currently contributes 8297 troops, police and military experts to UN peacekeeping operations in the world and holds the position of the second highest UN peacekeepers contributor. It is the top African contributor and supplies around 8% of the UN peacekeeping force. Moreover, I am also proud to say that my country is currently a leading contributor of female peacekeepers to UN missions. Ethiopia also significantly contributes to the AU peacekeeping force in Somalia (AMISOM).

Yet last year, there was political unrest in some parts of the country which made the headlines. The issue that initially led to protests was the absence of clarity over the status of the draft Joint Integrated Master Plan of Addis Ababa and the Oromia Special Zone. Unfortunately this allowed some elements, both in Ethiopia and outside, to highjack peoples’ legitimate concerns that regrettably caused the loss life and destruction of property.  The government has expressed regrets for any deaths that have occurred during that time, and expressed condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives or who have been injured in the demonstrations.  In addition, the government has also made a pledge to maintain and preserve the law and order and prevent violence and destruction. Equally, they have urged those protesting to refrain from violence. With the declaration of a state of emergency and the government’s strong commitment to hold the violators responsible, the situation has returned to normal.

How do you think your work and/or activism contribute to a sustainable peace?

I am diplomat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. As a result I believe diplomacy plays a crucial role in the promotion of sustainable peace. With conflicts causing political instability and human suffering in many parts of the world, there is a need for diplomats to play a significant role in preventive diplomacy which stops the outbreak, relapse or escalation of organized violence. Frontline diplomats like me have potentially crucial roles to play in early preventive efforts. Currently I am also a PhD candidate in Peace and Security Studies and on a part-time basis I volunteer to teach students about sustainable peace. This and other commitments of mine can significantly contribute to sustainable peace.