Asmara, 04 October 2024 : – Ms. Fauzia Hashim, Minister of Justice, held meetings with village elders and reconciliation committees from the 12 sub-zones of the Southern Region. The meetings took place on 24 and 26 September in Mendefera and Dekemhare, and on 1 October in Dubarwa.
During the meetings, Ms. Fauzia emphasized that preventing behaviors contrary to noble societal values is a collective responsibility. She noted that establishing reconciliation committees would significantly contribute to strengthening public participation, ensuring the continuity of societal values, and preserving traditional ways of resolving misunderstandings. These efforts, she said, are crucial in ensuring lasting peace and stability.
Ms. Fauzia also explained that the mission of the reconciliation committees is not to assign guilt, but to resolve conflicts peacefully. She urged the committees to bring peace and harmony, drawing on the wisdom and knowledge passed down from previous generations.
The participants, in turn, acknowledged that the reconciliation process, based on traditional justice, has the potential to bring about lasting resolutions. They encouraged all members of society to adopt this approach. Ms. Fauzia also called on all Government institutions to support the reconciliation committees in their efforts.
Mr. Habteab Tesfatsion, Governor of the Southern Region, emphasized that resolving conflicts through reconciliation is the best approach in the judicial process. He urged respect for and adoption of this practice.
In the Southern Region, 1,160 village elders and reconciliation committee members have been selected across 232 administrative areas.