The Role of Parliament in Promoting Peacebuilding in Ethiopia

Abstract

This conference paper examined the role of parliament in promoting peacebuilding and major causes of conflicts using qualitative research approach. Data is collected through document analysis and from the observed facts. The right to peace is not ensured by the government at all levels of administrative unities. Based on these premises, conflict and violence is common in Ethiopia and resulted in loss of human life, forced displacement and destruction of property. Conflict is inevitable, normal and even healthy or unhealthy part of people’s relationships, particularly in the control of political power and resources like land. After all, two or more groups of people can’t be expected to always agree on everything, so people need to change the way they understand and deal with the conflict. When conflict is mismanaged, not resolved, not prevented, and not transformed, we can’t build any types of peace. Parliament have greater role in promoting peacebuilding through resolving grievances on time, reducing the repressive nature of the government, making clear separation of power to reduce the domination of the executive in the management of state affairs, realizing the resource based early warning and response mechanism at all levels of administrative unites to manage conflicts like political ethnic based, land ownership, and administrative boundaries. However, the involvements of Ethiopian parliament in such types of peacebuilding issues are very poor. The parliament should support all of the administrative units by enhancing synergies between the regional, zone, woreda and Keble councils/representatives. Furthermore, the parliament should provide the possible support to strengthening the formal and traditional mechanisms of peacebuilding.