Regional Reports - the European External Action Service

Peace building 0 3 3 PACT ETH, ACORD, HEKS
Social Welfare 1,602,326 1 1 ECS/SDCO/MMM
WATSAN 1,367,751 1 1 VIS
Total 31,350,656 15 19
Source - based on DPPA and Regional DPP information
The peace building participation is not only limited to the 3 international NGOs (Pact, ACORD
and HEKS). Instead, all the FBOs and the national human rights and research organization (that is
RCCHRE) are involved through the joint framework of Gambella Peace and Development
Council (GPDC). More information is provided on the GPDC under section 5.
4. The dynamics in the sector at regional level
All the three ethnic-based Regional Development Associations (Agnewak, Nuer and Mejenger)
were outlawed from operation in 2005byy the decision of the regional administrative Council.
The decision was taken following the allegation that leaders of one of the Associations were
involved in fuelling the conflict. It looks; the others were banned so as to impart the political
fairness or non-discriminatory nature of the decision made. From the discussion with key regional
actors, there is renewed interest of reviving the RDAs. For example, representatives from
Gambella have started communicating the federal MOJ regarding the reconstitution of the
Mejenger Development Association.
5. Networking
The progress in networking amongst the regional NSA is one of the weakest. No one has
attempted to bring together NSA belonging to the different typologies. International NGOs used
to participate in a monthly status review meetings organized in collaboration with UN
organizations. Issues/queries emanating from such meetings were shared with appropriate
regional authorities for their respective actions.
The initiative taken by the inter-faith groups in establishing the Gambella Peace and
Development Council (GPDC) could be counted as a collective effort or a networked approach.
Founders of GPDC have had important contributions in the arbitration and reconciliation phase.
However, the momentum created is not maintained, and as a result potentials of enhancing role
and participation are being wasted.
ACORD and Pact Ethiopia are renowned NGOs for promoting networking at national level. In
the case of Gambella, both have taken the back-seat in this regard.
6. Dialogue and Cooperation between NSA and Government
The government to some extent has encouraged the emergence and participation of strategically
important regional NSA like GPDC, GIC and EWLA. In the case of GPDC and GIC, the support
extended includes allocation of initial budget and office furniture. The EWLA branch office in
Gambella often depends and gets transport services from sector bureaus for its educational
outreach programmes to rural areas. A specific case arising from Mejenger zone shows that local
government could even endorse informal CBO initiatives for accessing donor support. (Refer
insert below).
Since 2000, a dedicated young-man called Afera Alemu has been coordinating summer literacy
and tutorial classes in rural kebeles of Godere Woreda. The aim of the initiative was to contribute
to contribute to education enrolment and quality. Teachers and other college students were
voluntarily mobilized to implement the programme. Over the years, participating children
displayed attractive performance in academic standards, and this sent messages to key actors:
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