Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) of Addis Ababa University (AAU) dealt with Ethiopian Diasporas, Peace Corps members residing in the United States of America.

The team comprised of nine members including scholars and celebrities, representing more than 30 civic organizations.They moved home to support those in needs and to engage in dialogues focused on peace and security issues of the country.

Yonas Adaye (PhD), Director of IPSS, briefed the team about the purpose of establishing the Institute and its overall national, continental and global activities.

According to the Director, IPSS was established in 2007 to search solutions for conflicts that happen following some of sort national agenda like that of the 2005 national election results.

As some similar phenomena like the Ethiopian election were arisen in Kenya and Zimbabwe, the institution was established at the senate level, believing that sustainable scientific research was needed to bring about a lasting solution in Africa and beyond, Yonas added.

IPSS was established, as stated by the Director, based on the premise that we must work for peace and security with four basic pillars; they are: Peace Education, Peace Research, Community Service and Policy Discussion.

While Peace Education focuses on applying indigenous knowledge, Peace Research seeks solutions for conflicts through intensive studies, Social Service aims at applying Peace Education and Peace Research practicable in the community and the Policy Discussion basically targets on foreign diplomacy andas with Pan-African agenda, Yonas clarified.

The Director briefed the team that IPSS currently runs three masters and two PhD programs focusing on regional issues of peace and security, training executive bodies and overall global studies.

Yonas clarified based on the Peace Corps members’ request that IPSS has seen points how to practice the Gamo Fathers’ conflict resolution culture in other areas, the Somali region fast peace restoration, about the plight of our people in the North, about the gallant army sacrificing its life for the peace of our country, etc.

The members stated their excitement for understanding IPSS has been doing a lot on overall peace and security issues and are motivated to work together as they are very concerned to help their motherland, Ethiopia and its people as a whole.

Yonas finally said, “It is commendable that members of the Ethiopian Diaspora living abroad are making a greater contribution to our country than any other government-trained diplomat.Your efforts to build peace and stability in the country should be encouraged and we want you to continue to strengthen.”

By: Abraham Girmay

Photo: Amdualem Aseffa