Ethiopia Adopts Transitional Justice Policy to Address Historical Injustices and Foster Peace
Addis Ababa — Ethiopia has taken a significant step toward addressing historical injustices and fostering durable peace by adopting a Transitional Justice Policy. The National Intelligence and Security Council recently highlighted the importance of this policy, which aims to rectify past abuses and foster reconciliation within the nation.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Transitional Justice Policy is part of a broader effort by the Ethiopian government to overcome the country’s legacy of divisive political systems and unresolved issues. Ethiopia, home to 120 million people, has struggled with political stagnation and a lack of material progress, which have perpetuated cycles of violence and human rights abuses.
The government’s adoption of the Transitional Justice Policy represents a commitment to change this trajectory by addressing grievances and preventing further instability and underdevelopment. The policy was developed through extensive consultations, involving 60 sessions with regional stakeholders and 20 national meetings, ensuring its inclusivity and relevance.
Additionally, Ethiopia has made strides in promoting peace through the Pretoria Peace Agreement, which ended the conflict in northern Ethiopia and exemplified the government’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution. This agreement, coupled with substantial governmental investments in rehabilitation and economic development in conflict-affected regions, underscores Ethiopia’s efforts to mend the social fabric and foster sustainable development.
The implementation of the Transitional Justice Policy and the ongoing disarmament process, as stipulated by the Pretoria Agreement, are crucial steps towards achieving lasting peace and stability in Ethiopia. The policy emphasizes the importance of criminal investigations, truth-finding, and the potential for forgiveness and compensation to heal the nation’s wounds and build a just, democratic society.