Abstract

In Ethiopia, security and development are often in conflict with each other, as certain development policies may harm human security and vice versa. This article aims to examine the security and development nexus in Eastern Wallagga Zone, an area that has faced various challenges related to conflict, displacement, and lack of basic infrastructures. Qualitative research design is used. Key person interviews, focus group discussions, and non-participant observations were used to collect data from primary sources and wide range of materials, such as books, academic articles, government reports, newspaper articles, and online databases were used as secondary sources. The findings show that security and development are closely linked and conflict can have a significant impact on development outcomes. Since the area is affected by conflict, development efforts were disrupted or delayed, and the human and economic costs of conflict were significant. Hence, it is important for development programs to be sensitive to the local context and to engage with local communities to ensure that their needs are met and that they are involved in the decision-making process. In other words, development programs can also play a role in promoting peace and reducing conflict by fostering dialogue and reconciliation, building trust and social cohesion, and addressing the root causes of conflict in the study area. The study recommends a holistic approach that prioritizes conflict prevention, peacebuilding, inclusivity, resilience, and cooperation, that might be possible to promote peace, stability, and prosperity and promote sustainable development and reduce the risk of insecurity the area.

Key words: Conflict, development, Eastern Wallagga, peace, security.