By Henok Tadele Haile Ethiopia concluded one of the most consequential weeks in its recent political history with a milestone that drew attention across Africa and beyond: the successful conduct of its 7th General Election. Domestic institutions, international observers, and diplomatic partners alike described the exercise as peaceful, orderly, and well-administered. Beyond the electoral milestone, the week highlighted a nation advancing on multiple fronts, including consolidating democracy, strengthening regional integration, accelerating economic reforms, and deepening international partnerships. Furthermore, Ethiopia continued to pursue ambitious environmental and infrastructure initiatives. Collectively, these developments reflect a country increasingly focused on institutional stability, economic transformation, and regional leadership. Election Marks New Chapter in Democratic Journey The dominant story of the week was undoubtedly Ethiopia’s 7th General Election. In the days leading up to the vote, electoral authorities emphasized the profound choice facing the nation, like ballots over bullets, democracy over authoritarianism, security over instability, and institutionalism over uncertainty. The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) deployed approximately 350,000 election officials across more than 50,000 polling stations to facilitate voting by citizens throughout the country. Besides, the election represented one of the largest democratic exercises in Africa this year, with more than 10,000 candidates from 42 political parties competing for public office. As voting concluded peacefully across much of the country, NEBE announced the successful completion of the electoral process, describing the exercise as orderly and largely peaceful. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission independently characterized the election as peaceful and democratic, providing additional institutional validation of the process. The week’s significance was further amplified by the positive reception from international observers and diplomatic partners. The joint Election Observation Missions of the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) commended Ethiopia’s electoral administration. In their preliminary findings, they highlighted peaceful voting procedures, improved organization, and enhanced institutional capacity, pointing to notable progress in overall election management. This assessment carried exceptional weight given that the observation efforts were led by experienced African statespersons, including former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Vice President of Uganda Dr. Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe. European partners similarly welcomed the conduct of the vote. The European Union Delegation, alongside diplomatic missions of EU member states, formally acknowledged the election and recognized its vital importance to Ethiopia’s democratic trajectory. Japan, Canada, and Switzerland similarly praised the electoral process and welcomed the successful conduct of the election, adding another important international voice to the growing recognition of Ethiopia’s democratic efforts. As the week drew to a close, NEBE reported that most constituencies had already declared results, demonstrating significant progress in vote tabulation and result transmission despite logistical challenges in some areas. Taken together, the domestic assessments, continental observer reports, and international diplomatic responses suggest that Ethiopia’s latest election is increasingly being viewed as an important step forward in the country’s democratic evolution and institutional maturity. Economic Reforms Continue to Gain Momentum While elections dominated headlines, economic transformation remained a central theme throughout the week. Industrial development received a significant boost when authorities announced that local manufacturers would receive four years of free access to selected industrial parks. The policy aims to accelerate domestic production capacity and further strengthen the role of Ethiopian investors, who now account for more than 65 percent of businesses operating within the country’s industrial parks. International confidence in Ethiopia’s economic prospects also remained visible. Norwegian investors expressed growing interest in Ethiopia’s emerging e-mobility sector and green investment opportunities, reflecting increasing international attention toward the country’s renewable energy ambitions and sustainable development agenda. Another notable milestone came with the launch of a new Ethiopia-Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ottawa. The initiative is expected to deepen commercial relations, facilitate business-to-business engagement, and expand investment opportunities between the two countries. Energy Integration Strengthens Ethiopia’s Regional Role Ethiopia’s position as a regional energy powerhouse continued to gain prominence during the week. According to Ethiopian Electric Power, the country maintains a power generation system supplied entirely by renewable sources, reinforcing its status as one of Africa’s leading clean-energy producers. Officials confirmed ongoing studies aimed at expanding electricity interconnection with Tanzania, complementing existing power exports to Djibouti, Sudan and Kenya. The continued development of the Koysha Hydroelectric Project further underscored Ethiopia’s strategy of leveraging renewable energy as both an economic asset and an instrument of regional integration. GERD Remains Symbol of Cooperation During the week, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam remained a focal point of discussions on regional cooperation. Experts speaking during Assosa University’s Fourth International Research Conference emphasized that the GERD is increasingly serving as a catalyst for regional integration, cooperation and shared development across the Horn of Africa. The discussions reinforced Ethiopia’s longstanding position that shared natural resources can become foundations for collaboration and mutual prosperity. Heritage Diplomacy Achieves Important Success The week also delivered encouraging news for Ethiopia’s cultural heritage sector. A collection of sacred Ethiopian crosses was formally returned from Italy, marking another significant achievement in ongoing efforts to recover historical and cultural artifacts. The return was celebrated as both a cultural victory and an important step toward preserving Ethiopia’s rich historical legacy for future generations. Environmental Transformation Gains Recognition Environmental sustainability emerged as another major theme. During World Environment Day and the 33rd National Environmental Protection Day celebrations, officials highlighted the growing impact of transformative environmental initiatives launched under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership. The newly opened Entoto-Kechene Riverside Development Project became a showcase of Ethiopia’s efforts to combine ecological restoration, urban beautification and sustainable development. Officials also emphasized the integration of indigenous environmental knowledge, including the internationally recognized terracing practices of the Konso people, demonstrating how traditional wisdom continues to inform modern environmental policy. A Week Reflecting Confidence and Continuity Taken as a whole, the week revealed a country pursuing multiple ambitions simultaneously. The successful conduct of a nationally significant election, growing international recognition of democratic progress, expanding economic reforms, strengthening regional energy integration, advancing environmental restoration, and preserving cultural heritage all pointed toward a broader narrative of institutional confidence and national transformation. While challenges undoubtedly remain, the developments of the past week suggest that Ethiopia continues to build momentum across democratic governance, economic modernization, and regional leadership. For many observers, the message emerging from the week was clear: Ethiopia is not merely managing change, it is increasingly seeking to shape its future through stronger institutions, deeper regional cooperation, and a development agenda anchored in long-term national transformation. This version follows the structure you usually favor for ENA weekly analyses: election first and dominant, then economy, energy, GERD/regional integration, heritage, environment, and finally a broader concluding assessment of Ethiopia's trajectory.

Addis Ababa, June 7, 2026 —The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has announced that the country took part in the 11th BRICS Foreign Policy Dialogue held in New Delhi under India’s BRICS Chairship. In a statement shared on its official page, the ministry noted Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to constructive multilateral engagement and strengthened South-South cooperation through its participation in the forum. The Ethiopian delegation, led by Mekonnen Gossaye, Director General for Strategic Planning and Monitoring at MFA, joined senior foreign policy and planning officials and experts from BRICS member states. The dialogue focused on major global priorities, including resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, providing a platform for exchanging views among participating countries. Mekonnen highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to climate action, particularly through the Green Legacy Initiative spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, which continues to mobilize nationwide efforts to restore ecosystems and advance environmental sustainability. He also outlined Ethiopia’s ongoing economic and digital transformation, pointing to progress in infrastructure development, digital national ID systems, fintech solutions, and e-governance services as part of the country’s broader development direction. Ethiopia further emphasized its dedication to deepening cooperation within BRICS, stressing shared knowledge, green finance, and collective resilience as key pillars for sustainable development and shared prosperity.

Addis Ababa, June 6, 2026 —Out of the targeted 1,138 constituencies, about 825 constituencies have declared election results, according to the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). Briefing the media today, National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) Chairperson Melatwork Hailu said vote counting has continued across polling stations under various constituencies. Distance between polling stations and constituencies, a huge number of candidates, and polling stations are stated among the reasons for the delay in transferring the results. The Chairperson further affirmed that transferring vote counts to constituencies has been progressing well. As the Board has various platforms for complaints related to the election, she said it has acted accordingly to provide urgent and timely responses. The chairperson said the board has resolved various complaints received during the election process based on the nature of the complaints and in accordance with the election law. Melatwork commended the role of local and international election observers and welcomed the constructive recommendations they made. Recall that more than 10,438 candidates from 42 political parties contested for seats in the House of People's Representatives and regional councils, which is described as the largest and most administratively sophisticated exercise of democratic participation in Ethiopia's history. The African Union and IGAD Election Observation Missions to the 2026 Ethiopian election have commended the significant milestone in the country’s democratic and electoral evolution at the joint press briefing of their preliminary findings on Wednesday. The African Union Election Observation Mission, comprising 83 observers from 37 African countries and led by former President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, assessed the election as “conducted within a legal and institutional framework that broadly supports democratic governance.” The IGAD Election Observation Mission, led by former Vice President of Uganda Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe, confirmed in its published preliminary report that ballot boxes were correctly sealed in every station observed, that party agents were present throughout, and that the election represented major institutional, administrative, and technological progress. Following the successful conclusion of the general election, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended his gratitude to every Ethiopian citizen who participated, to NEBE and its more than 350,000 deployed officials, to the security forces who protected the process, and to the African and regional observer missions whose presence affirmed Ethiopia's commitment to democratic accountability.

Addis Ababa, June 5, 2026 — Beyond securing a reliable energy supply for neighboring states, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) serves as a vital catalyst for cementing regional integration and fostering cooperation across the Horn of Africa. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) stands out not only as a cornerstone for regional energy security but also as a powerful instrument for deepening cooperative diplomacy among neighboring nations, stakeholders underscored. This perspective took center stage at Assosa University’s 4th International Research Conference, which convened under the thematic focus of leveraging the infrastructure masterpiece to catalyze regional synergy and ensure the sustainable development of the Nile Basin.   In his scholarly presentation at the conference, Ambassador Zerihun Abebe, Director General for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the flagship project transcends domestic utility. He noted that the dam is uniquely positioned to bridge energy deficits across borders, establishing a shared destiny rooted in mutual growth. Ambassador Zerihun further called upon the academic community to scale up rigorous, evidence-based research to safeguard Ethiopia’s legitimate, equitable right to utilize the Nile waters. He stressed that scholars carry a profound responsibility to counter unfounded allegations and misinformation campaigns with objective truths and scientific realities. Given its strategic proximity to the project site, Assosa University must champion these academic endeavors. The institution is uniquely situated to articulate the multifaceted dividends of the dam, demonstrating how Ethiopia's green energy hub will lift the wider region toward collective prosperity. Yared Mulu, President of Assosa University, highlighted the localized impact of the project, stating that concerted efforts are underway to ensure that communities residing near the dam directly benefit from the socio-economic transformations sparked by this historic development.   The high-level conference featured virtual presentations from prominent African and European researchers. The international platform facilitated a rich exchange of global best practices in transboundary water management and basin development, reinforcing the narrative of the GERD as a model for equitable and sustainable resource utilization.

Addis Ababa, June 5, 2026 — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has successfully concluded a Human Resource Development Reform training program on situational analysis, trend analysis, and crisis diplomacy delivered both virtually and in person for more than 60 diplomats. It was noted that the training was designed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies of diplomats, enabling them to effectively safeguard Ethiopia’s national interests amid the rapidly evolving global political and diplomatic landscape.     Speaking at the closing ceremony of the training program, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, underscored that contemporary diplomacy requires the profession to be guided by scientific approaches and modern methodologies. He emphasized the importance of continuously strengthening professionals through ongoing training, knowledge enhancement, and skills development to ensure the effective promotion and protection of the country’s interests.     He further noted that similar training programs will, in the future, be extended to all employees of the Ministry. State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye, noted that the training forms part of the Ministry’s three-year capacity-building program. He explained that the initiative is aimed at developing employees’ professional competencies and skills while establishing a sustainable human resource development system aligned with the country’s priorities and national interests. Ambassador Berhanu further noted that the training program seeks to strengthen the Ministry’s institutional capacity and cultivate a highly competent workforce capable of effectively carrying out diplomatic responsibilities and upholding professional standards and ethics. At the conclusion of the program, certificates were awarded to participants who successfully completed the training.

Addis Ababa, June 5, 2026 — On the morning of 1 June 2026, before the first light had broken over the highlands, Ethiopians were already queuing. In Jimma, in Dire Dawa, in Hawassa, in Bahir Dar, in towns and villages whose names will never appear in international newspapers, men and women stood in line to do something that is simple and profound. They voted. More than fifty-four million of them registered to do so. That number, larger than the entire population of many nations, is the first answer to anyone who questions whether this election was real. The will of the Ethiopian people The National Election Board of Ethiopia confirmed that more than 50,188 of the 52,000 polling stations opened on time and processed voters throughout the day. Over 10,438 candidates from 42 political parties contested seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives and in regional councils. This was, by every measurable standard, the largest and most administratively sophisticated exercise of democratic participation in Ethiopia's history. The African Union Election Observation Mission, comprising 83 observers from 37 African countries and led by former President of Kenya H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, assessed the election as “conducted within a legal and institutional framework that broadly supports democratic governance.” The IGAD Election Observation Mission, led by former Vice President of Uganda H.E. Dr. Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe, confirmed in its published preliminary report that ballot boxes were correctly sealed in every station observed, that party agents were present throughout, and that the election represented major institutional, administrative and technological progress. The IGAD Mission designated these elections an Election of Many Firsts. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission confirmed it observed no human rights violations during the voting process. The Coalition of Civil Society Election Observers (CECOE) which deployed 65,299 observers nationwide, through 55 organizations accredited by the National Election Board, reported that it was able to observe activities without obstruction at 99 percent of polling stations. These are the assessments of credible national and continental institutions delivering their honest judgements. They are not the voices of institutions hostile to Africa or those that measure African democracy against external templates. Certain international commentators in a flurry of haphazard articles have described this election as a coronation and its outcome as a foregone conclusion. The Office of the Prime Minister categorically rejects these characterizations as factually inaccurate, analytically uninformed, and disrespectful to the millions of Ethiopians who exercised a free and deliberate democratic choice. A predetermined result does not require 83 independent observers from 37 African countries, 65,299 domestic civil society monitors, or 1,100 accredited international journalists. The Prime Minister extends his gratitude to every Ethiopian citizen who participated, to NEBE and its more than 350,000 deployed officials, to the security forces who protected the process, and to the African and regional observer missions whose presence affirmed Ethiopia's commitment to democratic accountability. On Ethiopia's development As Ethiopians cast their votes on June 1, 2026 they did so with the conviction of firmly anchoring their country in a genuine democratic culture. At the same time, the people have expressed their desire for Ethiopia to continue advancing a culture of rapidly realizing the comprehensive development that its immense potential and blessings make possible. Ethiopia's economy grew by 9.2 percent in 2024/25, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Building on this momentum, the economy is projected to grow by 10.2 percent in 2025/26. Growth has been broad-based, with agriculture, industry, and services all contributing significantly to economic expansion. Increasingly, however, industry is emerging as a major driver of growth, reflecting the government's sustained focus on manufacturing, industrialization, value addition, and export-oriented production. These outcomes are not projections alone; they are the result of deliberate, accountable governance tracked through the Prime Minister's 100-day performance review system. Total Exports are projected to reach 20 billion US dollars, an increase of nearly 50 percent since 2024. Inflation has continued its downward trajectory and is now approaching single-digit levels, a significant improvement from the double-digit inflation that weighed on households and businesses in recent years. This progress has been achieved despite external pressures, including recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have affected global energy markets and other strategic commodities. The government has not entered any new commercial loan agreements from foreign sources since the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda began, materially easing the national debt burden. Behind these numbers is physical change that Ethiopians can see and touch. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is generating electricity for Ethiopian households, businesses, and neighboring countries. It was financed by Ethiopians, built by Ethiopian engineers, and completed in the face of sustained external pressure. Alongside hydropower, Ethiopia is expanding renewable generation through projects such as the Aysha II Wind Power Plant in the Somali Region and the Assela Wind Farm in Arsi Zone, strengthening the resilience of the national grid while advancing regional energy cooperation. The Bishoftu International Airport project, one of the largest single infrastructure investments in continental African history, has broken ground. These are not aspirations. They are facts. In agriculture, the government's food sovereignty agenda is producing structural rather than seasonal results. The partnership signed with Aliko Dangote's group to construct the Gode Urea Fertilizer Plant in the Somali Region stands as one of the defining industrial investments of this period. With a planned annual production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes of urea, the plant will place Ethiopia among the world's largest fertilizer producers. As the Prime Minister stated during a visit to the construction site on 17 May 2026, “the project represents a strategic investment in agricultural transformation, food security, industrial growth, and economic self-reliance.” For Ethiopian farmers, long constrained by unreliable and costly fertilizer supplies, its significance is immediate and tangible. When the Prime Minister stood at the inauguration of the Negele Borena Geda Airport on 27 May 2026, just days before this election, the symbolism was not lost on the people of Borena. Not long ago this zone carried one meaning internationally: drought. Three consecutive years of failed rains had killed millions of livestock, forced families to walk dozens of kilometres for water, and reduced communities that had sustained themselves across these rangelands for centuries to recipients of emergency food assistance. That is the Borena the world knew. The Prime Minister's May visit told a different story. He reviewed water and irrigation infrastructure now supplying clean water to pastoralist communities and their livestock, visited cluster farms on land that was dust only a few years ago, inaugurated a cultural centre in Yabelo, and opened an airport that provides year-round connectivity to a region once isolated by seasonal conditions. Manufacturing tells a similar story of transformation. At the 4th Made in Ethiopia Expo in May 2026, the government presented the results of four years of sustained industrial expansion. Manufacturing input supply has risen from nine million to more than fifteen million tonnes annually. Production capacity utilization has increased from 47 percent to 67 percent, manufacturing growth has climbed from 4.8 percent to 10.7 percent, and financing for small and medium enterprises has expanded from 8.1 billion birr to more than 50 billion birr. These gains are increasingly reflected in domestic production. Twenty days after the Expo, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Grandeur Ceramic Manufacturing facility in Mojo, a major industrial investment completed in just nine months and sourcing more than 80 percent of its raw materials locally. Ethiopia, once dependent on imported ceramic products, is now preparing to end ceramic imports altogether and expand production for export. In technology, the government is positioning Ethiopia as an early adopter of artificial intelligence and Industry 5.0 frameworks, recognizing that modern development is increasingly defined by data, innovation, and digital systems. The rejection of extremism as politics The Prime Minister, on behalf of the Government of Ethiopia, extends his deepest condolences to the families and communities in Arsi Zone who have suffered the loss of loved ones, injuries, and the destruction of homes as a result of recent attacks carried out against civilians, including those targeted in their places of worship by OLA - Shene insurgents. These attacks are not isolated incidents. They form part of a broader effort to create instability, undermine public security, and disrupt Ethiopia’s democratic processes. In preparation for the 7th National Election, the Government devoted unprecedented attention and resources to ensuring that the electoral process would be conducted fairly, inclusively, and peacefully. Extensive preparations were completed more than a year in advance to safeguard citizens’ constitutional right to vote and to ensure that the election could proceed without security disruptions. At the same time, destructive forces, acting in coordination with foreign actors hostile to Ethiopia’s interests and local armed groups, undertook extensive preparations aimed at preventing the election from taking place. Before and during the electoral period, these groups mobilized their resources in an effort to obstruct citizens’ freedom to vote, incite unrest and violence, terrorize communities through attacks, restrict movement through ambushes and road blockades, and target vulnerable civilian sites. In the Amhara Region, this included the provision of weapons, fighters, and logistical support to carry out provocations in border areas adjacent to Southern Tigray, as well as terrorist activities targeting civilians and major urban centres, including Bahir Dar, Gondar, Debre Birhan, and Woldia. In Addis Ababa, clandestine cells were organized to conduct attacks in selected locations; however, through effective intelligence and security operations, these plans were largely thwarted. Similarly, in the Oromia Region, the OLA- Shene terrorist group, working in coordination with the extremist Fano armed group, sought to disrupt movement and public life by blocking roads and creating insecurity in various areas. Strong and timely action by security forces prevented these objectives from being realized. Unable to achieve their broader aims or withstand sustained security operations, these groups shifted their focus to softer civilian targets. In Arsi Zone, including Asko and surrounding areas, they carried out attacks intended to inflame ethnic and religious tensions and deepen social divisions. Despite these efforts, the situation has been brought under control, and coordinated security operations against those responsible remain ongoing. The coordinated nature of these campaigns, combining violence against civilians with information and media efforts designed to amplify fear, division, and mistrust, has been significantly disrupted through the Government’s intelligence and security measures. The Government will continue to respond proactively to such threats and has already successfully foiled similar plots in many parts of the country both before and during the electoral period. The Government wishes to state with complete clarity: those who carry out violence against civilians, regardless of the political rhetoric used to justify their actions, are not advancing a cause. They are committing crimes! Political grievances can and should be addressed through Ethiopia’s constitutional framework, the National Dialogue process, and democratic institutions. Extremism, however, has no place in Ethiopia!

Addis Ababa, June 5, 2026 — South Sudan is keen to further strengthen its bilateral relations with Ethiopia, according to South Sudan’s Deputy Head of Mission to Ethiopia, Ambassador Boutros Thok Deng. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador Deng said Ethiopia and South Sudan continue to enjoy strong and steadily growing ties founded on a shared history, regional cooperation, and longstanding people-to-people connections. He noted that the two neighboring countries have maintained close relations and are committed to deepening cooperation across various sectors. Ambassador Deng further elaborated that the relationship between the two neighboring countries is deeply rooted in their common regional heritage. Describing the two nations as “one blood,” the diplomat noted that the bond extends beyond formal diplomatic engagement and reflects longstanding familial and cultural connections between their peoples. He recalled Ethiopia’s support during critical periods of South Sudan’s history, stating that the Ethiopian people played a significant role in providing protection and assistance that contributed to South Sudan’s path to independence and the peace it enjoys today. According to the ambassador, Ethiopia and South Sudan work closely together as partners in promoting regional stability and development, describing Ethiopia as a key pillar in the region. Ambassador Deng added that the two countries are currently focusing on major areas of cooperation including road infrastructure development, power connectivity, aviation, and business engagement. He explained that ongoing efforts include road projects linking Ethiopia’s Gambella region with South Sudan, electricity interconnection initiatives, support for the development of South Sudan’s aviation sector, and expanded economic cooperation through business partnerships. “Road development starting from Gambella toward Fagak, power connectivity between Ethiopia’s Gambella region and South Sudan, the establishment of South Sudan’s airline, and economic cooperation through business engagement are the four priority areas of collaboration,” he said. The ambassador also revealed that a business exhibition bringing together entrepreneurs and investors from Ethiopia and South Sudan is scheduled for July, with the aim of strengthening trade and investment relations between the two countries. Furthermore, he noted that the four-day diplomatic training program that commenced today in Addis Ababa for South Sudanese diplomats will help deepen bilateral cooperation and enhance diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

Addis Ababa, June 5, 2026 —Ethiopia has launched a specialized four-day diplomatic training program for South Sudanese diplomats in Addis Ababa, aimed at elevating bilateral cooperation and sharpening the diplomatic capabilities of the two neighboring nations. The comprehensive curriculum delves into the historic triumphs of Pan-Africanism, its enduring role in fostering African unity, and the intricate arts of negotiation and strategic networking within contemporary African diplomacy. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs Executive Director Jafar Bediru, emphasized that this milestone initiative mirrors a deeply rooted history of partnership, peace-building, and profound regional solidarity.   Jafar underscored that Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan have walked hand in hand through pivotal regional milestones, most notably the historic 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and South Sudan’s dawn of independence in 2011. He noted that Ethiopia’s unwavering support for South Sudan through its defining historical moments has forged a relationship anchored in mutual trust and enduring neighborly devotion. The Executive Director beautifully linked the training to the ongoing transformative infrastructure projects between the two nations, highlighting the ambitious development of cross-border transport and energy corridors. He noted that Ethiopia and South Sudan are passionately building vital connectivity routes designed to foster trade, seamless services, and resource accessibility, effectively liberating both nations from dependency on a single external trade pathway. Amidst the backdrop of shifting regional dynamics and the ongoing conflict in Sudan, Jafar stressed the paramount importance of proactive diplomatic engagement. He elegantly urged regional diplomats to embrace peace-building as a responsibility dedicated to the well-being of the communities closest to the affected areas. “Building strong diplomatic ties today can shape relationships for decades,” Jafar stressed. Echoing these sentiments, South Sudan’s Deputy Head of Mission in Ethiopia, Ambassador Boutros Thok Deng, hailed the training as an invaluable sanctuary for refining diplomatic finesse and professional excellence in an era where global affairs grow increasingly complex. Deng remarked that,“modern diplomats are not only responsible for representing their countries, but also for contributing to peace-building efforts, conflict resolution, regional integration, and economic cooperation.” Expressing profound gratitude to the Government of Ethiopia and the Institute of Foreign Affairs, Deng described it as a magnificent privilege for South Sudanese diplomats to receive such structured, high-caliber training in Addis Ababa. He inspired the participating diplomats to immerse themselves fully in the sessions, absorb the wisdom of the facilitators, and nurture lasting relationships that will continue to anchor the unbreakable bond between Ethiopia and South Sudan.