Addis Ababa, August 5, 2025 (FMC) – Senior officials attending the ongoing Ethiopia’s fourth National Peace Conference in Harar have emphasized the crucial role of religious institutions in sustaining peace, encouraging dialogue, and fostering national solidarity.
Speaking during the second day of the Fourth National Conference of Ethiopian Religious Institutions—held under the theme “Religions for Peace, Unity, and Solidarity”—State Minister of Peace Mr. Keiredin Tezera praised the longstanding contributions of faith institutions to Ethiopia’s peacebuilding process.
He urged religious leaders to continue their work in advancing sustainable peace at the grassroots and national levels.
Keiredin Tezera (PhD) also highlighted the need to institutionalize the national peace conference as a permanent platform for collaboration between government and religious communities, saying it serves as a vital mechanism for reinforcing national cohesion.
Echoing these sentiments, Harari Regional State Deputy Chief Administrator Ms. Roza Oumer called on religious leaders to deliver stronger messages of peace to their congregations.
She stressed that dialogue and consultation must be the foundation for resolving conflicts and fostering unity, noting that peace and development are deeply interlinked.
Secretary General of the Inter-Religious Council of Ethiopia (IRCE), Liqe Tiguhan Qesis Tagay Tadele, underscored that the Council has held numerous dialogues aimed at conflict resolution and reconciliation.
He called on all stakeholders to deepen their commitment to peace, mutual understanding, and forgiveness.
He further affirmed that the religious community’s role is not only to pray for peace but also to work for it actively, describing the national conference as a unifying force for Ethiopians of all faiths.
The Harar conference continues to bring together religious leaders, government officials, peace and security bureau representatives, and community members, reinforcing collective responsibility for national peace and stability.