Community leaders play a crucial role in building and maintaining peace in rural Ethiopia. As respected elders, they bring different ethnic groups together to resolve disputes and promote peaceful coexistence. As a community leader focused on peacebuilding, one would work to establish relationships between groups, facilitate dialogues to address grievances, and promote equitable management of scarce resources to address the root causes of conflicts. To be effective, a community leader must be a trusted, impartial figure who understands community culture and can navigate social dynamics tactfully. Their efforts are essential for mediating conflicts, fostering understanding, and creating a peaceful environment where diversity is celebrated.

1. 1
Community leader’s role in peace building in the
rural Ethiopia.
Belayneh Zelelew Negash
Rotary Peace Fellows
Ethiopia is a diverse country with more than 80 ethnic
groups, each with its own culture, language, and histo-
ry. This diversity has created a history of conflicts and
tensions between different communities, particularly
in rural areas. In these areas, many people live in pov-
erty and rely on local resources to survive, leading to
competition over land, water, and other basic needs.
In such situations, community leaders play a crucial
role in building and maintaining peace. They are the
ones who bring different groups together, resolve con-
flicts, and promote peaceful coexistence. A commu-
nity leader is often a respected elder or traditional au-
thority figure, chosen by their peers to represent their
interests and resolve disputes.
In the village of Ethiopia, a community leader on
peacebuilding would have many roles and responsi-
bilities. They would work to establish and strength-
en relationships between different groups, promoting
communication and understanding. They would also
facilitate community meetings and dialogues, encour-
aging people to express their grievances and identify
common ground.
Youth Peace Ambassador
January , 14,2023 , Addis Ababa

2. 2
Additionally, a community leader would work to address the root causes of conflicts, such as resource scarcity
or historical grievances. They would promote equitable resource management and advocate for justice and
reconciliation. Through their leadership, they would help create an environment in which people can live
peacefully and cooperatively, with a shared sense of purpose and responsibility.
To be effective, a community leader on peacebuilding must be a trusted and impartial figure, able to listen to all
sides and act in the best interests of the whole community. They must also be knowledgeable about the commu-
nity’s culture, history, and traditions, able to navigate complex social dynamics and resolve conflicts tactfully.
Youth Peace Ambassador

3. 3
In conclusion, a community leader on peacebuilding is a vital figure in the village of Ethiopia. Through their
efforts, they can help mediate conflicts, promote understanding, and create a peaceful environment for all
community members. Their role is essential for building a better future for Ethiopia, one in which diversity is
celebrated and differences are resolved peacefully.
Youth Peace Ambassador

4. 4
“Youth engagement is important in
creating a culture of peace. I think
that youth engagement can help
to create a more peaceful society. I
hope that you will continue to en-
gage youth and help to create a more
peaceful society.”
Belayneh Zelelew Negash
Rotary Peace Fellows
Youth Peace Ambassador

5. 5
I think community leaders can be a powerful force for sustainable peacebuild-
ing. I think that community leaders can help to create a sense of community
and shared responsibility, which can help to create a more peaceful society.
I hope that you will continue to be a community leader and help to create a
more peaceful society.