Who are you? What motivated you for this purpose? What is your main goal?
- Hope for Peace is a collective effort spearheaded by Ethiopians and individuals of Ethiopian origin from both the Amhara and Tigray communities. Our group was born out of deep concern by the escalating antagonism and conflict between these two brotherly peoples. Our mission is to address the alarming hostility that has developed between the Amhara and Tigray communities which, unresolved, will have severe consequences to the two peoples, as well as the country, and the region as whole. In this effort, we would like to emphasize that we represent no one, but ourselves.
- Our aim is to help resolve the conflict between the two peoples peacefully, through legal means, and by dialogue and negotiations. We would also like to help lay the foundation, so no conflict of this nature materializes in the future.
Why is your focus limited to Amhara and Tigray only?
- Our current focus is on these two groups because of the continued animosity and conflict between these communities who share a long history of intertwined existence, culture, and religious practices. The animus has gone from conflicts between the elites of both communities to touch the lives of ordinary people. Further, we believe the conflict is being exploited by internal and external forces who stand to gain out of continued animosity and conflict between these two peoples. We also believe that if this conflict remains unresolved, it will have severe consequences on national and regional peace and stability as never before.
- Our aim is not to exclude other Ethiopian communities, but to help solve this crisis which, we believe, will contribute to the overall peace, stability, and security of the country. We would like to make clear that our initiative is different from concepts such as “Oromara” in both style and substance. Although to a lesser magnitude, there are also other burgeoning conflicts elsewhere in the country that currently need attention. We encourage other groups like ours to form and tackle them before they go out of hand.
Why, how, and by whom did this conflict start?
- We believe there are no fundamental reasons between these two communities that could have led to war. These two communities have lived side by side for centuries and are intertwined on so many levels.
- Like any two neighboring communities, these two peoples have had their share of minor conflicts in the past. However, these arose mainly out of misunderstandings rather than anything fundamental. Further, we believe, both the current and prior conflicts were invariably initiated and sustained by the political elites of both communities.
- Successive government have contributed to the current state of animosity between the two communities. The conflict was also greatly exacerbated, complicated, and compounded by internal and foreign forces who stand to again from such a conflict.
How can this conflict be solved peacefully? What tools and methods will you use to solve it?
- We believe we can solve our problems peacefully if all political forces believe in democracy, equality, and justice for the benefit of all peoples. Many countries the world over have solved complex problems peacefully and avoided wars. We believe we can do the same.
- We plan to help bring about peace and reconciliation between the two communities using tools and methods we discussed in some depth and agreed upon within our group.
- You can help. Make a tangible impact on peace and reconciliation efforts by joining Hope for Peace as a volunteer. Contribute your time, skills, and passion to bridge communities, foster dialogue, and work towards a peaceful region and a more united Ethiopia. Together, we can create a future filled with harmony and understanding.
- Please contact us by email at contact@H4Peace.org or by filling out this form. Please provide us your contact information and specify in what way you can help our initiative, including any skills, resources or interests you can bring.
