On Friday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his democratic reforms and peacemaking efforts with Eritrea. Under Abiy, Ethiopia’s government has released thousands of political prisoners, ended restrictions on previously banned opposition groups and committed to having free elections in 2020.

In this context, the opportunity to reconcile Ethiopia’s ethnic tensions has rarely been this attainable. But the battle for peace and democratic change is not over yet: Abiy is facing a number of complex challenges, and this opportunity could still slip away if he decides to pursue authoritarian measures.

Ethiopia’s political terrain has been difficult for Abiy to navigate since his 2018 appointment. His rise has further exposed deep historical divisions within Ethiopia’s nine constitutionally mandated ethnic federal states. These divisions have been marked by violent conflict among ethnic groups, insurgents and the military; some groups have even made demands for secession. As of 2019, 2.9 million people had been displaced by ethnic violence, with deadly clashes over territorial disputes and political representation.

To defuse ethnic tensions and take steps toward lasting peace, Abiy and Ethiopia should invest in the country’s newly established national reconciliation commission, similar to that set up after the end of apartheid in South Africa. In February, prominent figures, including politicians, faith leaders and intellectuals, were appointed to this commission, accountable to Abiy and tasked with determining the root causes of Ethiopia’s conflict. The power of a truth and reconciliation commission lies in its opportunity for restorative — versus solely retributive — justice. Allowing Ethiopians to take part in the creation of a historical account of harms could play a key role in placing the country on the path toward democracy.

Read the rest of the piece at the Washington Post here.