Jigjiga (HN24) – For many years, Somalis in Somali Regional State have faced recurring security challenges, including attacks, armed confrontations, displacement, destruction of property and loss of innocent lives. These attacks towards Somalis in Somali Regional States come mainly from other ethnic groups in the Ethiopian neighboring regional states. These repeated attacks have remained a serious concern, raising important question; are Somalis in Somali Regional State’s commitment to peace taken as a lack of capacity?
Somalis in Somali Regional State have innate inclination toward harmony and peaceful co-existence, so their love for peace should never be misunderstood. Their neighbors need to understand that the Somalis choosing peace is not a sign of weakness, helplessness, or an inability to defend their territory or property. It is a conscious decision they made because they understand the value of human life, the importance of stability, and the responsibility of building a better future for generations to come. Therefore, Somalis in Somali Regional State’s commitment to peace is a choice, and not a lack of capacity.
The Somalis in Somali Regional State and their leadership underlined time and again that they are willing to engage in dialogue to resolve any existing disagreements with their neighbors and develop relationships based on mutual understanding. However, peace must be reciprocal. It requires respect from all sides, accountability for wrongdoing, protection of civilians, and a genuine willingness to address the causes of conflicts in the first place.
Peace cannot be sustained when it is always the Somali Regional State that of which is expected to make sacrifices while its neighbors disregard its rights to live peacefully in its own territory. Because of this, Somalis in Somali Regional State will only pursue peace with dignity, mutual respect, and a clear understanding that lasting stability benefits every ethnic group in Ethiopia.
Somalis in Somali Regional State have experienced many years of recurring attacks from ethno-territorial expansionists and endless insecurity. Yet, despite these difficulties, they continue to demonstrate resilience, patience, courage, and a desire for peaceful coexistence.
Ethnic groups in Ethiopia stand at a critical crossroads. They can continue investing their energy in historical rivalries, ethno-territorial expansions and useless confrontations, or they can choose a different direction built on cooperation, economic development, mutual respect, and lasting stability.
In conclusion, every ethnic group in Ethiopia must understand one important thing: Somalis choosing peace does not mean they cannot defend themselves and their territory. Rather, it demonstrates their strategic thinking, and their understanding that the future of the different ethnic groups in Ethiopia cannot be built on endless confrontation. Therefore, when the leaders in Somali Regional State call for a dialogue over violence they are demonstrating their ability to control their emotions, manage difficult circumstances, and prioritize long-term interests over temporary satisfaction.
