Ethio-Eritrea Conflict and the Role of Scholars and Intellectuals in the ‘Stalled’ Peace Process and Reconciliation
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Date
2016-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Ethio-Eritrea conflict is going on with no peace no war scenario after the closure of the Algiers peace agreement and despite the mediation efforts of many local as well as international actors. The conceptual meaning of scholars and intellectuals as outlined by notable academicians including Max Weber, Edward Said and Foucault in relation to their general characteristics and roles in current society; the theoretical aspects of peace and the actors involved for achieving it; reconciliation in particular some of the methods for reaching at are discussed in detail. Moreover, Ethio-Eritrea in historical relation and the causes that brought the war of 1998-2000 is depicted in an overview form. Some Ethiopian as well as Eritrean scholars and intellectuals had been engaged earlier on to resolve the conflict peacefully in various ways. The fundamental hindrances facing them for their limited contribution in dealing with the current stalemate has been identified and discussed in much detail. The most significant are the fierce division that existed among them, their stiff argument charged with „ultra-nationalistic‟ perspectives and financial constraints. They can make possible contributions in the process of making peace and reconciliation between the two countries in the foreseeable future both individually and in group. Their contributions for peace can range from holding peace conferences, policy formulation and writing objectively up to advocating for peace. Reconstruction of the common history of Ethiopia and Eritrea and making a document, establishing reconciliation commission and being effective role models in advancing mutual deep understanding and cooperation can support reconciliation efforts. The peace strategy obtained from the interviewed data and published documents are also scrutinized. The international community particularly the UN, EU, and AU has to put rigorous diplomatic pressure on conflicting parties in order to break the stalemate. This is due to the fact that the incumbent political forces are antagonistic and the animosity among them is so entrenched. Integration among the people of the two countries is important. The previous achievements of scholars and intellectuals can be recognized in creating mutual understanding, dealing with many interlinked issues and their failures in areas of writing history and inability to acknowledge Eritrea as a sovereign nation state. Finally, in conclusion taking the good initiatives and peace activities conducted by different scholars, it is possible to avoid another devastative war and build on peaceful relations.
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Keywords
Ethio-Eritrea conflict, scholars, intellectuals, peace, reconciliation