Ethiopia
Our programme in Ethiopia
Ethiopia finds itself in a new horizon of hope, uncertainty and still-unfolding chapter of its history following 2018’s ascent of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) into the helm of power. Since taking office, the Prime Minister has embarked on a comprehensive and rapid reform agenda, included important legal and institutional reform measures. In February 5, 2019 a new CSO Proclamation was passed replacing the one that preceded it. The new law amended the funding restrictions on national CSOs and enabled them to ‘operate in the areas of human rights protection, promotion of equality, conflict resolution and advancement of the efficiency of justice and law enforcement services.
With a visibly turbulent transition phase, Ethiopia faces enormous and urgent conflict prevention and peacebuilding opportunities and needs. This new landscape necessitates new and thoughtful, while at the same time bold, engagement.
Partners are key to our success
LPI deems it critical to deepen its partnerships with its current civil society and academic partners in Ethiopia:
Peace and Development Centre (PDC)
one of the oldest local peace organisations in the country, partner of LPI since its foundation in 1989. PDC is one of the very few local NGOs allowed to work on peace; and has access to top political leadership and entry points for work with elders – nationally and at grassroots level. Since 2013, PDC and LPI have partnered in implementing the SD project in Jimma and Haramaya Universities. And in 2018, PDC and LPI have also launched the 'Strengthening Capacity for Conflict Sensitive Land Administration' (CSLA) project.
Interreligious Council of Ethiopia (IRCE)
formed in 2010 by full consensus of top leaders of the seven member religious institutions as an independent inter-religious house of peace, registered with former Ministry of Federal Affaris and Pastoral Development, whose function currently replaced by the Ministry of Peace, to promote peaceful co-existence among believers of various faiths and to promote culture of dialogue and mutual respect and dignity of all human beings.
a long established CSO in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa and a long-time civil society partner for CEWARN. IAG works on peacebuilding, democratization processes and sustainable development through research and creating spaces for dialogue.
Government Universities
Haramaya University Jimma University Ambo University Bahir Dar University University of Gondar
Established following the 2018 election to ensure equitable development in emerging regions through coordination and integrated effort of Federal-Regional bodies; to ensure sustainable peace and security; to uphold and ensure good relations among different religions and beliefs; and to serve as a focal point of good federal-regional relations. LPI had previously signed an MoU with MoP’s predecessor – the Ministry of Federal and Pastoral Development Affairs.
Our work
Our 2017 – 20 programme aims to contribute to reducing negative relational social patterns and support a culture of trust and collaboration between otherwise segregated or conflicting social groups in Ethiopia. To do so, the programme sets out to facilitate dialogue and action at a local level, and to work with local partners to engage relevant decision-makers and policy implementers to enhance structural conditions for peace.
Our decade long focus has been working with universities in conflict sensitive areas to engage students from different ethnic backgrounds through Sustained Dialogue.
As Ethiopia goes through this transition and experience revitalized institutions working on peace, an expanded civic space, an increased youth agency, and a rise in interest in supporting Ethiopia’s journey towards peace, LPI will leverage ongoing programming for transformative youth engagement, will engage in critical assessment and participatory analysis to guide its roadmap, lay the foundations for a vibrant and diverse peace building civil society, and promote youth-responsive policies and actions for the prevention of violence.
Approaches and methods
Sustained Dialogue SD is a powerful five-stage process designed to transform relationships and to create inclusive communities. University students in small groups from diverse backgrounds meet regularly to build relationships and develop informed strategies to improve student relationships.
Strengthening Capacity for Conflict Sensitive Land Administration CSLA aims to address the underlying causes of land related conflicts.
Listening Tour LPI will also deploy a country-wide Listening Tour with the aim to contribute for the foundations of a vibrant civil society and promoting youth inclusive policies. The methodology is used to listen to diverse voices of communities and consider their opinion, perspectives and experiences in Ethiopia’s reconciliation, peacebuilding, non-violence activism and peaceful election process as well as best transformational solutions to address the long-standing peace problems. The voices will also provide evidence that inform inclusive policy discussions and programming decisions. The LPI Ethiopia collaborative listening tour methodology training also provided answers on how the methodology would contribute to policy discussions to promote greater understanding and representation in peace building and reconciliation processes.
Our donors
Swedish Mission Council
Read more about LPI's founders on the funding/finance page.
Related articles & resources
Ethiopia - Addis Ababa
LPI’s regional programme and work in Ethiopia is administered from the office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Postal Address
P.O. Box 20002/1000, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Visiting Address
Bole Road, behind Dembel City Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Phone + 251 (0) 115 579049