The Role of Parliament in Peacebuilding in Ethiopia

This paper examined the role of parliament in peacebuilding and major causes of conflicts using qualitative research approach. Data is collected through document analysis and from the observed facts. The right to peace is not ensured by the government bodies. Based on these premises, the conflict and violence is common Ethiopia and resulted in loss of human life and destruction of property. Conflict is inevitable, normal and even healthy or unhealthy part of peoples relationships particularly in the control of political power and resources like land. After all, two or more groups of people can’t be expected to agree on everything at all times so peoples need to change the way they understand and deal with the conflict. When conflict is mismanaged, nor resolved, not prevented, and not transformed, we can’t build peace. A parliament have greater role in peacebuilding through resolving grievances on time, reducing the repressive nature of the government, making clear of separation of power to reduce the domination of the executive in the management of state affairs, realizing the resource based early warning and response mechanism to manage conflicts related to land ownership, and boundaries. However, the involvements of Ethiopian parliament in such types of peacebuilding issues are very poor. The parliament should support the local units by enhancing synergies between formal and traditional mechanisms on conflict prevention and peace-building.