BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
ADDIS ABABA– The upcoming national dialogue would play a vital role in narrowing differences and making Ethiopia’s future bright as the country has been challenged by a lot of controversies, an International Legal and Security Expert said.
The expert Blen Mamo also told local media that: “The national dialogue will also decide our future political trajectory and the candidates should have a capacity to bring pressing issues to round table discussion.”
She further highlighted that the system must be inclusive, clear, and participatory and follows clear principles and process in formulating agendas. The credibility of candidate commissioners and their personal character is also something worth due consideration. “The candidates must be the men of principles and committed for national interest, unity and sovereignty.
Also, they should shun personal interests and be free from political party membership and other forms of affiliations.”
By the same token, the candidates should not only have the knowledge to understand the complexity of problems, but also the capacity to generate solutions. As internal division has been exploited by foreigners, the candidates must understand the implication of this, the scholar elaborated. Inclusivity is the major issue in the national dialogues and the panelists should fairly represent people from all walks of lives and relevant organizations of the nation.
“In my opinion, insurgent groups should not be part of the dialogue as they committed crimes against the state. In principle, it is contradictory with the principle of nation dialogue. If they come to discussion, it will set a dangerous precedent for future generations.”
Still, every idea should be part of the national dialogue as long as it has tangible evidence, Blen recommended.
According to her ,the general public are expected to be actively involved in the nomination of qualified candidate commissioners and to make a meaningful participation in the overall process of the national dialogue.
“The public’s active participation determines the success of the national dialogue and the latter should actively take part in the process especially in nominating candidate commissioners. All Ethiopians have a responsibility to utilize the opportunity to have a constructive involvement in the national dialogue.”
The January 20/2022
