Exploring Peace and Security Dynamics in the East Gojjam Zone: Challenges and Opportunities for Community Development
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025-05-01
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study explores peace and security trends in East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional State, on the backdrop
of increased socio and political tensions in the region. Using a qualitative study design, the study explores
the attitudes, experiences, and peace building activities among local communities after the armed conflict
and political polarization. Data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant
Interviews (KIIs) with government officials, representatives of civil society organizations, religious leaders,
elders, and youth.
The findings unveil a sharp fall in peace and security, bearing much fuel from political exclusion, ethnic
federalism, marginalization of youth, and demilitarization of regional forces. People experienced widespread
psychological and material suffering, epitomized by terror, forced displacement, livelihood loss, and social
breakdown. Conventional indigenous mechanisms of conflict resolution that were the hallmark of communal
life hitherto have been eroded by politicization and distrust. And yet, concurrently, state responses were
generally perceived as militarized and reactive, and civil society movements struggled to convincingly
engage rural populations.
In spite of this adversity, the research reveals strong domestic desires for peace and processes of recovery
and reconciliation at the local level. Solutions ranged from inclusive talk, reform of the constitution, job
opportunities for youth, to hybrid justice mechanisms that combine customary and formal systems. The
research has addressed few theories such as Conflict Theory, Structural Violence and Community-Based
Peace building paradigms, emphasizes the imperative of an inclusive, grassroots approach to sustainable
peace building in East Gojjam Zone of Amhara regional State.
The study concludes that enduring peace in East Gojjam Zone of Amhara regional state will not only require
a cessation of violence but also re-established trust, justice and representative government. It offers
recommendations to government, civil society, religious institutions and international organizations to
support people-led peace processes attuned to the knowledge and resilience of the most impacted groups.
Description
Keywords
Exploring Peace and Security, East Gojjam Zone, Challenges and Opportunities, for Community Development