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Some practical Steps toward normalization |
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By Semere T Habtemariam -
Apr 22, 2002
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Now that the Hague ruling has been endorsed by both governments in Eritrea and Ethiopia, and the likelihood of another unnecessary bloodshed seems remotely possible, it is important that both leaders take some practical steps toward normalization. We all need to realize that peace is not the absence of war. Since both governments have signed the Cessation of Hostilities, there has been virtually no active fire exchange or military build up, but the level of misunderstanding and grudge among the belligerents is at all time high. Although this temporary respite was a source of great comfort and hope for those of us who saw the whole tragedy as a lose-lose situation, the residue of medieval-like vengeance is alarming and could jeopardize this tenuous but promising ruling. It is there fore crucial that some practical steps of normalization are taken and encouraged. On demarcation and de-mining: Both governments have to fully and unconditionally cooperate with the UNMEE and other concerned parties in de-mining the areas affected by the war. Ensuring the de-mining process is not only a pre-requisite for demarcation, but, a life-and-death concern for those residents who have to earn their living by farming the land. Some progress has been made in this endeavor but more needs to be done. Both governments have expressed their eagerness to shift their focus on economic development and reconstruction, but, this can not be realized with out fully and completely closing this conflict that has incurred exorbitant human and material costs on both countries. The demarcation needs to happen on time or before time and any unnecessary obstacles must not be tolerated. Peoples' diplomacy: Although many have questioned the timing and sincerity of the role of the religious leaders, it is yet, a welcome development. The role of peoples' diplomacy is of crucial importance in fostering understanding between the two countries and people. There is a lot of work that needs to be done in reconciling some fundamental misunderstandings and differences between the two countries. The religious leaders have to continue working for peace. The Hague ruling marks the beginning not the end of their journey. I was dismayed and appalled to see our sacred institutions joining the forces of destruction by beating the drums of war and singing the chorus of nationalist fanaticism. I thought dissension from evil and steadfastness for righteousness was the natural prerogative of our religious leaders. I expected our religious leaders to elevate the bar of morality much higher through their deeds and words, but unfortunately, they were not immune to the insanity of fanatic nationalism that engulfed both countries. Be as it may be, it is better late than never. I hope the devastation and tremendous human loss is their rude awakening. I hope they learn from the Vatican council of the 60s that made social justice an integral piece and parcel of a religious life. The religious leaders must do what they should: work for peace, justice and human rights. They need to tell us and show us that as people created in the image of God, we should not only aspire for life but for a good life. The religious leaders must be accompanied by many other civil organizations. The Ethiopian and Eritrean scholars and academicians can play an important role in leading they way for peoples' diplomacy, since by virtue of their training, they are in a much better position to tackle thorny and sensitive issue. POWs and detainees: As a gesture of good will, both governments must immediately start releasing POWs and detainees. They need to disclose the exact number of POWs and detainees and provide a reasonable time-frame by which they would accomplish the release of all of them. Deportees: Both governments have to immediately grant the deportees the right to return to their homes to see their loved ones and take care of their properties. Those deportees that have lost property must be compensated. On gained and lost territories: The people affected most by the Hague decision are those that live in the territories that will change hands between the two governments. It is imperative that some extra measures are taken to facilitate the transition. The people deserve an opportunity to decide what they want to do. The options they have must be communicated clearly to them. I hope the options will not only include the choice to either be Eritrean or Ethiopian but simultaneously be both. Both governments and concerned parties must provide enough counseling and assistance. The Eri-Ethiopian good neighborliness and friendship Association: For the last five decades, the Eritrean and Ethiopian people have suffered tremendously due to the misguided policies of the regimes that were in power. If this cycle of violence and its concomitant abject poverty are to be broken, the peoples of Eritrea and Ethiopia have to decide their own fate and destiny. The system that empowers people is democracy and hence the new era should be the era of democratization in both countries. As a practical matter, however, there is a need for the establishment of a joint organization entrusted with fostering good neighborliness between the two countries. Ethiopia and Eritrea have nothing to gain from conflict, but everything from cooperation. The bedrock of this cooperation will be mutual understanding and respect and the realization of a common destiny and interest. |
