Binyam Tamene
31 August 2008
Addis Abeba — Organized by the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) of the Addis Ababa University in collaboration with British Council, a conference discussed on a multidimensional approach on conflict prevention, resolution, management, transformation in Ethiopia Institute's director Yonas Adaye said the conference was one of IPSS' efforts to reach out to the community and contribute its share in peace building in the country and the Horn as well.
In the conference 12 papers are expected to be presented, from various backgrounds and nationalities including foreigners from Italy, Nigeria, on topics including international political structure and national political stalemates.
According to the Director, the imperative role of religions and traditional mechanisms in conflict transformation in the country will be seen through the paper presented and discussed.
Calling for a thorough delve into on the causes of conflicts in the horn of Africa, Director of British Council, Barbara Wickman, on her behalf said the conference could be used as a springboard "We are beginning to see the fruits of lots of hard work in that the Institute for Peace and Security Studies is becoming a sub regional hub for countries in the Horn of Africa, where unfortunately there have been a number of recent conflicts," said the Director "We have seen these in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia and Sudan. These call for research - why conflict? How do we deal with conflict? How can we prevent violent conflict? ...We believe that this conference is a very good opportunity to reflect on these and other issues".
Speaking on behalf of the House of Federation, which is mandated to settle conflicts among the regional states in Ethiopia, Speaker Degefe Bula said conflicts in the country are mainly related with scarcity of resources.
" , conflicts have their basis in the scarcity of resources and in a low level of democratic traditions and values," said the Speaker.
Scholars from various higher education institutions, civil society, police, National Security and Intelligence Services, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Federal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Parliament, House of Federation, AU, and different embassies in Addis Ababa participated the conference which will be concluded on Saturday.
Institute for Peace and Security Studies of the Addis Ababa University was established three years ago, but formally started offering courses at MA level in Peace and security studies last year.
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