Practices of Conflict Early Warning System and Police Timely Response in Selected Areas of Ethiopia

Abstract

The practices of conflict early warning and police responses system in Ethiopia has not been captured and displayed in the landscape of the field. These and the escalating nature of violent conflicts in the country initiated the research project. This study investigated the system of conflict early warning and the timely responses of police focusing on multiple cases that happened in conflict hot spot areas of the country. The study employed qualitative research approach and exploratory research design. A purposive sampling was employed to select informants who were from Ministry of Peace, Police, regional peace and security bureau, and public Universities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, focused-group discussions, and document review. The collected data were analyzed and interpreted thematically. As a result, the study found that the CEW structure mandated to own pre-conflict activities is not uniform throughout the country. In terms of its practice, it is also found to be different across regional states and city administrations of Ethiopia. Despite the differences, identification of indicators of conflicts, conflict incidents and situation analysis, pre-conflict assessment by field monitors and focal persons assigned for this intended purpose are some of the CEW activities implemented in different areas of the study. Furthermore, police’s response as per CEW information is found to be minimal and different across regions and city administration. Establishing a uniform and clear CEW structure is a recommended mechanism to alleviate the challenges of the sector. Likewise, sufficient attention should be given to active participation and consultation of communities towards the implementation of CEW system.