Wolkite University in collaboration with the Ethiopian Society of Sociologists, Social Workers and Anthropologists (ESSSWA) organized the 17th Annual Conference on “Internal Conflicts and Coping Mechanisms in Ethiopia” today, 18th of March 2022.

The Conference focused on the internal conflicts, their causes and consequences; internally displaced peoples; ethnic based governance systems and indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms; issues of national dialogue and reconciliation; and the role of social sciences in conflict resolution and peace making.

Faris Delil (PhD), President of Wolkite University, stated in his opening remark and welcoming speech that the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) has given due attention to education as a pivotal development sector, and higher education is dully considered to ensure the need for trained and skilled manpower, to produce citizens who believe in peace, democracy and multiculturalism, and to effectively transform demand oriented technology.

Dr. Faris further stated that the Annual Conference is come up with timely concerns and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has established the Ethiopia’s new ‘National Dialogue’ Commission to deliver inclusive peace across the country.

Dr. Faris added that the primary objectives of the Annual Conference are : to promote quality education and research in different fields of study; to enhance the application theoretical perspectives and methods of research ; to create opportunities and knowledge transfer for students at various levels different in the fields of study; to create opportunity for professionals to discuss and debate on their profession related academic agendas; to serve as means for disseminating knowledge, experience, dissemination of latest research findings and scientific outlooks; to create and strengthening national and international partnerships and to create opportunity for problems identification for further research works.

Professor Getinet Tadelle, ESSSWA’s President in his part said that since its establishment in June 1996, ESSSWA has played an important role in tapping its member professionals’ potential and contributed to the country’s social and economic development. Moreover, Professor Getinet is also added that over the last 26 years, ESSSWA has been a forefront runner in social science research and trainings, social service workforce development, social service delivery system strengthening in the development of child welfare and National social protection policy. Furthermore, Professor Getinet elaborated that this year USAID has continued to be strategic and reliable partner of ESSSWA and ''Social Service System Strengthening in Ethiopia (SSSE) ''project is being implemented with the financial and technical support of USAID and in partnership with government partners like the former Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (MoLSA) Ministry of Women, Children, Youth Affairs (MoWCYA), the TVET agency and TVET colleges. Professor Getinet Tadelle is also added that the project is currently operational in four regional states (Amhara, Oromiya, Gambela and SNNPR) and Addis Ababa City Administration. He also stated that the main objective of the project is to improve the well-being of vulnerable citizens particularly of children orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS and their caregivers through social service delivery system strengthening and workforce development interventions.

His Excellency Ato Getachew Bedane has also conducted speech by having delegation from Her Excellency Dr. Ergoge Tesfaye Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and addressed an opening speech for the conference participants. In his remark, he stated that ESSSWA has been made a strong partner with Ministry of Women and Social Affairs and working in close collaboration in various areas including the development of social service work force and social service delivery system. His Excellency Ato Getachew Bedane also said that the selection of the Theme “Internal Conflicts and Coping Mechanisms in Ethiopia” for this Annual Conference, is clearly demonstrates the great concern and commitment of ESSSWA and its professionals for the peace and well being of the Ethiopian people.

Next to the opening speech, two research papers were presented. The first research paper was entitled by “It Only Reopens Old Wounds” Lived Experiences of Amhara Survivors from the Miakadra Massaker in Ethiopia’’ ( by Adugna Abebe(PhD) and the second research paper entitled by “The Reintegration challenges of internally Displaced Persons by Violent Ethnic Conflict in Dembya Woreda: North Western Ethiopia” (by Getu Ambaye( PhD)). After the papers have been presented different questions were raised from the participants and constructive discussions have been made.

According to the annual conference organizers explanation, different researchers and scholars, working at different higher education institutions are expected to present their experiences and findings that indicates facts what problems have so far been observed and solutions recommended in alleviating the problems that our country has encountering in relation with internal conflicts. Following the presentations, different views, questions and opinions will be reflected from the participants of the Annual Conference.

The Annual Conference shall be continued for two days