The Role of Ethiopian Reconciliation Commission (ERC) for Restorative Justice: Challenges and Prospects
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Date
2021-12
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study assessed the prospects and challenges of the Ethiopian Reconciliation Commission
(ERC). Also, it explores the need for reconciliation in the context of Ethiopia and major rational
that necessitate the establishment of the commission. A qualitative research methodology
employing an exploratory research design approach was used in the study. In-depth interviews
with key informants were deployed as a major source of data collection. Three basic categories
of the society from different profession and political affiliation were enrolled as key informants;
namely, academicians, politicians and government officials and members of the Ethiopia
Reconciliation Commission. A purposive sampling technique was deployed. The study explored
those historical narratives, historical injustices, and ethnic extremism are important national
issues in Ethiopia that necessitate the establishment of the reconciliation commission. Although
efforts were made to clarify and consolidate the ERC’s institutional and legal frameworks, and
to implement some key activities, it was found to be unsatisfactory as it was still grappling with
several challenges. The ERC faced several challenges with respect to standard parameters like
institutional setup, legal framework, and composition of commissioners. For the betterment of
the commission in its future endeavor, the current mandate of the commission should be more
specific, and its institutional setup and member composition has to be revisited, and its powers,
capabilities and independence must be enhanced.
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Keywords
Reconciliation, Historical injustices, Ethiopia.