By Professor Al Mariam (Emeritus & Attorney at Law) “Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives… The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures." Article 21, Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948 (adopted and accepted by all 193 member states of the United Nations.) Ethiopia’s 7th General Election is scheduled for June 1, 2026, with results expected by June 11. The African Union Election Observation Mission plans to release a preliminary statement on its findings on 3 June 2026. Out of the 547 seats in the Ethiopian House of People's Representatives 501 are up for election. It takes 274 seats to form a majority. The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has confirmed the registration of over 54 million Ethiopian voters and 10,934 candidates from 42 political parties and 73 independent candidates. Of these, 2,198 candidates are contesting seats in the House of People's Representatives, while 8,736 are running for various Regional Councils. “Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives…” Provisions of the UDHR have been incorporated into the national constitutions and legal codes and systems of nearly every country in the world, and many of its articles are considered part of customary international law or general state practice accepted as binding law. The universally accepted and civilized rule is to use the ballot (consent of the governed) as the basis for establishing a government. In the last century, Chinese communist leader Mao Zedong proclaimed, “Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.” Mao was dead wrong! The only thing that grows out of the barrel of a gun is death and destruction. Mao mistakenly equated political power solely with the capacity to unleash fear and violence. Regrettably, in Ethiopia today, there are empty barrel relics of the last century who still believe they can gain political power by the barrel of the gun. They have organized themselves into groups of gangsters roaming the countryside robbing, stealing, killing and destroying property in the quest for political power. These gangsters have no political program, plan, agenda or issues. They are nothing more than bandits, criminals, outlaws, mercenaries and marauders. One group of these thugs waged a devastating terrorist war to restore itself to power causing untold deaths and destruction. They bragged they will seize power by means of “mebreqawi” (blitzkrieg) attack. They deployed tens of thousands of child soldiers to do the dying for them. They lost the war and now they are threatening to wage a new war. A second group wages terrorist war claiming to be defenders of Ethiopian national unity. They are waging a terrorist war to overthrow the democratically elected government and restore to themselves what they believe is their historical and divinely ordained birthright to rule Ethiopia. To achieve their objectives, they have closed schools, killed school children and teachers, destroyed schools, heath care facilities and factories and conducted kidnappings for ransom. A third group wages terrorist war to achieve “self-determination and self-rule.” This group attacks civilians, security forces, public servants, teachers, and infrastructure to destabilize the country and seize power. They conduct kidnappings for ransom. All these terror groups share certain things in common: They unleash death and destruction on the very people they proclaim to defend. They are driven by a fanatical desire to create a supremacist ethnonationalist state. They believe they can use terrorism to seize power. 𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲. For well over one-half century, Ethiopia has been led on the path of terrorism. It has suffered Red Terror and White Terror. Ethiopia has suffered the slings and arrows of ethnic apartheid terror. Ethiopia has suffered the state sponsored terrorism of its regional neighbors. Ethiopia has suffered the consequences of global terror. The result has been unspeakable death and destruction. Ethiopia today is on the path of democratic prosperity. It is following a path of democratic governance where citizens express their will and consent by their ballots, voices, choices and participation. They use their ballot to achieve higher standards of living and access essential services including quality healthcare, education, clean water, electricity and decent housing. Over the past months, some people have told me, “I am not interested in politics. I don’t care. I mind my own business.” I am not sure if they are apolitical or suffering from political apathy. I am not sure if their apparent lack of interest or indifference is an outcome of their cynicism over political affiliations, elections, or disagreements over policy. The fact is such apathy or indifference carries a big price. Those who are not interested in politics, those who do not want to use the power of their ballot are surrendering control of their lives to those who are interested. Those who vote will decide the standard of living, access to health care, education and employment opportunities and the rights and freedoms of those who are not interested in politics. It has been observed, “If you don’t vote, you lose the right to complain. Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don’t vote.” The 2026 Ethiopian general election is a referendum on Ethiopia’s path for the next five years. Will the terrorism that has haunted Ethiopia for the last one-half century continue with its wake of fear, intimidation, bloodshed, brutality and wanton destruction? Or will Ethiopia continue to march on its current path of democratic prosperity where the people will decide their collective future through a process of inclusive dialogue, active political participation and engagement and good governance driven by accountability and transparency? 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲. International leaders and institutions are fully supporting Ethiopia’s homegrown economic reforms. The World Bank is supporting reforms to transition Ethiopia into an inclusive, private-sector-led economy. The IMF is providing significant loans to support Ethiopia’s debt restructuring and market liberalization. The European Union has restored full confidence in Ethiopia’s economic reform agenda, evidenced by the resumption of direct budget support in April 2026 after a five-year suspension. Just this month, Ethiopia and the US signed the “Bilateral Structured Dialogue (BSD) Framework” to work cooperatively in three areas: economic prosperity, trade and investment; defense and security; and regional peace and stability. Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform program launched in 2019, has driven a historic transformation from a state-led model to a private sector-led, market-oriented economy. The government floated the birr and relaxed foreign exchange controls, opened key sectors including banking, telecommunications, and real estate to foreign competition. Over the past few years, export revenue has surged from under $3 billion to $10 billion supported by a 10.2% expansion in industrial production capacity. Ethiopia has generated nearly $15 billion in import-substitute goods over four years. Ethiopia has shown strong performance in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, with gold exports rising sharply to account for 42% of export revenue. The completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the largest in Africa, and Koysha Hydro Dam soon to come online and be the second largest in Africa is expected to earn an estimated $1 billion annually from electricity exports. Ethiopia is expanding its energy base into new hydro projects, solar, wind, thermal and nuclear. Ethiopian Airlines, widely recognized as Africa’s largest and most celebrated airline in Africa, recorded earnings of nearly $8 billion in 2025. Work is already underway on the largest airport in Africa. Addis Ababa, the home of the African Union and the third diplomatic capital of the world, has undergone massive urban transformation driven by the Corridor Development Project and Riverside Initiative. Addis today is a modern, green, and globally competitive diplomatic and business hub. The city has seen rapid physical changes, including wider roads, dedicated bus lanes, pedestrian walkways, and cycling routes. New public amenities include streetlights, parks, playgrounds, fountains, and the Chaka Smart City mega-project. Ethiopian Police have adopted advanced technology to prevent, detect and investigate crimes contributing to the safety and security of all in the city. 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲. 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 For every Ethiopian regardless of ethnicity or creed Ethiopia holds all that we want and possibly need. With hard work and tender love, we can create a land of prosperity A land of unity, security, sovereignty, dignity and equal opportunity. We can create the Ethiopian dream if we join hands and work as a national team. Nothing will stop Ethiopia’s march to the promised land of prosperity so long as we maintain our unity and work together with integrity, sincerity and in the spirit of fraternity. ከአሁን በህዋላ የኢትዮጵያ ችግር መፍቻ አይደለም ጡንቻ አይደለም ርግጫ አይደለም ሳንጃ አይደለም ጠመንጃ ብቻና ብቻ ነፃ እና ፍትሃዊ ምርጫ ብቻ ! 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐄𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐀 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘!

Addis Ababa, May 30, 2026 — Electoral materials are being distributed to 2,266 polling stations in the Sidama Regional State, and 297 rural and urban polling stations in Dire Dawa City Administration. The upcoming 7th General Election, scheduled for Monday across the nation, features 54,057,861 registered voters set to exercise their constitutional rights. In accordance with the electoral calendar of the National Election Board of Ethiopia, comprehensive logistical preparations are being finalized, with the dispatch of voting materials currently being distributed across designated stations. According to the Sidama Regional Branch Office of the National Election Board of Ethiopia, election materials are moving forward across the region's polling stations. The localized logistics operations are targeting all 2,266 polling stations operating under the 19 constituencies of the Sidama Region to ensure each voting center is fully equipped. Data from the branch office further stated that 464 of these polling stations are located within the two main constituencies of Hawassa City. An on-site assessment conducted by ENA reporters in Hawassa today confirmed that the transportation and delivery of voting materials to the respective polling areas are progressing well. Meanwhile, Dire Dawa Administration Election Branch Office Head, Ziad Yasin, told ENA that all necessary arrangements have been completed to ensure that the 7th General Election is democratic, fair, free, and credible. He confirmed that the ongoing distribution covers all the 297 designated voting centers located across both the urban and rural localities of the administration. Election executives have already received the necessary training, and measures are in place to guarantee that the materials are transported securely to their final destinations, the Head added. Constituency One Head in the administration, Kedir Sultan, also stated that activities are underway to properly deliver the required voting materials across the 4 rural clusters. He said the distribution, which commenced early this morning, has been highly successful, with truckloads of supplies steadily reaching remote voting centers before midday. Similarly, the rural Aseliso Cluster Polling Station Coordinator, Mohammed Yusuf, stated that the election materials required for Monday's ballot are being delivered safely and on schedule.

By Staff Writer Addis Ababa, May 30, 2026 —More than half a century ago, young Uhuru Kenyatta witnessed one historic moment landing at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport with his father, the quintessential pan-Africanist Jomo Kenyatta, who served Kenya as the first president upon independence. As a teenager, Uhuru Kenyatta witnessed Ethiopia’s last emperor Haile Selassie I welcoming his father. An iconic photo shows the young boy standing just behind the emperor during that historic moment.   On May 29, 2026, the former Kenyan president, Uhuru Kenyatta arrived at the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport at the head of the African Union’s Observation Mission to the Ethiopia’s 7th Parliamentary and Regional Council elections slated for this coming Monday, June 1. Uhuru Kenyatta’s journey as a leader is profoundly marked by his deep-rooted attachment to Africa, a relationship that transcends political boundaries and embodies the spirit of Pan-African solidarity. His connection to the continent is not merely diplomatic; it is personal, cultural, and symbolic of Africa’s collective quest for unity, peace, and progress. As Kenya’s fourth President and a prominent figure in continental politics, Uhuru reflects a common vision for Africa’s future. From his childhood, Uhuru Kenyatta’s exposure to Ethiopia’s rich history and its pivotal role in African liberation movements fostered a sense of kinship. Growing up in a family that played a vital role in Kenya’s independence, Uhuru was often immersed in stories of leaders who championed African sovereignty, many of whom found inspiration in Ethiopia’s resilience. The towering figure of Emperor Haile Selassie, who stood as a symbol of African independence and resistance against colonialism, resonated deeply with Uhuru’s family’s ideals. These stories instilled in him a sense of pride and responsibility—an understanding that the continent’s liberation was a collective struggle, one that required unity and unwavering dedication.   Arriving in Addis Ababa on Friday to oversee Ethiopia’s 7th General Elections, Uhuru emphasized the importance of Ethiopia’s stability not only for its citizens but for the entire continent. His remarks at Bole International Airport resonated with a deeper understanding of Ethiopia’s central role in Africa’s political landscape. He highlighted that Ethiopia, as the host of the African Union headquarters, bears a special responsibility for fostering peace and democracy across the continent. His call for a peaceful electoral process and respect for the democratic will echoed his lifelong belief that Africa’s strength lies in its unity and shared values. He stressed that the vote carries continental significance because Ethiopia hosts the headquarters of the African Union and serves as one of Africa's most influential diplomatic centers.   “Ethiopia is home to the continental organization, the African Union. Therefore, elections here in Ethiopia are important not only for the country but also for the entire continent,” he said. Kenyatta noted that the African Union delegation was honored to witness Ethiopians exercising their democratic rights, expressing confidence that citizens would make wise choices that would enable Ethiopia to “grow from strength to strength.” His remarks reflected a broader belief that Ethiopia's democratic progress contributes directly to the stability and advancement of Africa as a whole. Ethiopia’s history of overcoming internal conflicts and external pressures mirrors Kenya’s own journey toward nationhood. Both nations have faced challenges related to ethnic diversity, governance, and development, and Uhuru’s leadership philosophy has often emphasized the importance of unity amidst diversity. His visits to Ethiopia, participation in regional summits, and personal interactions with Ethiopian leaders underscore his respect for Ethiopia’s sovereignty and his commitment to fostering regional cooperation. Furthermore, Uhuru’s presence in Ethiopia carries a symbolic significance for Kenya and the broader East African region. Ethiopia’s strategic location, economic potential, and role as a regional leader make it a vital partner in development initiatives. Uhuru recognizes that the strength of East Africa depends on collaborative efforts—whether on trade, security, or infrastructural development. His engagement with Ethiopia demonstrates his vision of Africa’s future—one where nations work together to overcome common challenges and capitalize on shared opportunities. This personal stance is also rooted in a broader Pan-African consciousness. Uhuru Kenyatta’s childhood experiences, combined with his diplomatic pursuits, reflect a leader who sees Africa as a family bound by history, culture, and destiny. His admiration for Ethiopia’s pioneering role in African independence movements and his respect for Ethiopian leaders’ resilience and vision symbolize his belief that Africa’s progress depends on collective effort and mutual respect.   In recent years, Uhuru has actively engaged in Ethiopia’s affairs on the continental stage, advocating for peace initiatives and regional integration. His support for Ethiopia’s peace process in conflict zones and his calls for dialogue and reconciliation further exemplify his commitment to the continent’s stability. These efforts are driven by a conviction that Africa’s future hinges on unity—an ideal rooted in shared history, struggles, and aspirations. Uhuru Kenyatta’s attachment to Africa is a testament to his understanding of the continent’s interconnected history and destiny. As Africa continues to navigate complex political and economic challenges, leaders like Uhuru Kenyatta demonstrate that our strength lies in unity, shared values, and a collective commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous continent. His journey, shaped by childhood memories and reinforced by ongoing engagement, reminds us all that Africa’s future depends on the bonds we forge today—bonds rooted in history, respect, and a common vision for a better tomorrow. Kenyatta's words in Addis Ababa echoed the very principles that have shaped his public life and his relationship with the continent. His message was not merely about observing an election; it was about affirming confidence in Africa's ability to chart its own democratic future. By emphasizing that African countries can create and replicate their own best practices rather than "copy and paste" solutions from other regions, he reinforced a core Pan-African ideal: that Africa's challenges are best addressed through African leadership, African institutions, and African solidarity. In this sense, his return to Addis Ababa—more than half a century after accompanying his father, Jomo Kenyatta, on a historic visit to Ethiopia—carries powerful symbolism. It links generations of African leadership committed to unity, self-determination, and the belief that the continent's future will be shaped by cooperation among its people and nations. As Ethiopia conducts one of Africa's largest elections, Kenyatta's presence serves as a reminder that the country's democratic journey is closely intertwined with the broader aspirations of the African continent.

Addis Ababa, May 30, 2026 —The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) is intensifying the deployment of electoral materials across constituencies nationwide as the country makes final preparations for its Seventh General Election scheduled for Monday, June 1, 2026. Election officials reported that the distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials is progressing smoothly in multiple constituencies, ensuring polling stations are fully equipped ahead of voting day. Speaking to ENA, Adama Constituency No. 1 Coordinator Debele Worku said the deployment process is advancing as planned. He noted that electoral materials were successfully distributed to 90 polling stations yesterday, while efforts are underway to deliver materials to the remaining stations today. According to the coordinator, the distribution process is being conducted securely across all 202 polling stations within the constituency.   Debele also praised security institutions for their close cooperation and support in facilitating the timely and safe delivery of election materials to polling stations. Likewise, Adama Constituency No. 3 Coordinator Abebe Kemiso said electoral materials are currently being distributed to 82 polling stations under the constituency. He explained that the distribution began today and that intensive efforts are being made to ensure all essential materials reach polling stations on schedule, including those located in Wonji Woreda and 25 rural kebeles administered under Adama Woreda. In Oromia Region’s West Wollega Zone, distribution activities are also gaining momentum. Gimbi Constituency Coordinator Kebede Bekele said electoral materials have already been delivered to 84 polling stations since yesterday. According to Kebede, ballot boxes, ballot papers, and other essential election materials are being transported to the remaining polling stations, with officials working to complete the process within the planned timeframe. The ongoing nationwide deployment forms part of NEBE’s comprehensive logistical preparations for what is expected to be one of the largest democratic exercises in Ethiopia’s history.   The Seventh General Election will see 42 political parties compete for seats, while more than 54 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots across the country. NEBE has indicated that key logistical preparations have been finalized, with polling scheduled to commence early Monday morning. The Board has also reaffirmed that the nationwide distribution of electoral materials is proceeding in accordance with its operational timetable and is expected to be completed as planned, ensuring that polling stations are fully prepared to welcome voters.   With the distribution of election materials nearing completion across constituencies, Ethiopia is entering the final stage of readiness for the June 1 vote, a landmark electoral exercise set to engage more than 54 million citizens in shaping the country’s democratic future.

Addis Ababa, May 30, 2026 — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) announced that it has deployed 26 election observers to various locations across the country to monitor Ethiopia's upcoming seventh general election. Commander Abebe Muluneh, Director of the Peace and Security Division at IGAD, told ENA that the official observer team has already been deployed on the ground to monitor the electoral process. The deployed mission comprises 26 skilled electoral experts drawn from both the IGAD Secretariat and its respective member states. The director noted that the observers operate in strict compliance with the African Union guidelines for election observation missions, collaborating closely with member states' electoral boards, civil society organizations, and youth and women's associations. Accordingly, these specialized professionals, who include experienced electoral board officials and experts, have been strategically stationed across designated observation areas for the historic vote. Highlighting IGAD's ongoing commitment to regional democratic processes, Abebe recalled that the bloc has observed elections in Uganda and Djibouti this year alone, and is now actively monitoring Ethiopia's seventh general election. He further explained that the mission officially commenced its duties after successfully fulfilling the mandatory criteria set by the National Election Board of Ethiopia, completing the formal registration process, and taking the oath of office. The National Election Board of Ethiopia granted the official accreditation after providing the observers with comprehensive training on the nation’s electoral laws and operational regulations to ensure a smooth and standardized monitoring process.

Addis Ababa, May 30, 2026 —The distribution of both sensitive and non-sensitive electoral materials is progressing across polling stations nationwide as Ethiopia finalizes preparations for Monday’s Seventh General Election. Reports from Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) correspondents indicate that election materials are being delivered and verified at polling stations in various parts of the country, including the Bahir Dar City Constituency in the Amhara Region and Jinka and surrounding areas in the South Ethiopia Region. The election, scheduled for Monday, is expected to be one of the largest democratic exercises in Ethiopia’s history, with 42 political parties competing and more than 54 million registered voters set to cast their ballots.   The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has completed key logistical preparations, with voting expected to begin early Monday morning across the country. In the Bahir Dar City Constituency, the distribution of election materials is underway at all 164 polling stations. Representatives of polling centers have begun receiving and verifying the materials assigned to their respective stations to ensure full readiness before voting day. The ongoing deployment forms part of NEBE’s nationwide effort to equip polling stations with all necessary materials and facilitate a smooth and efficient voting process. Meanwhile, electoral material distribution is also advancing as planned in Jinka and surrounding areas of the South Ethiopia Region. ENA correspondents on the ground observed that materials are being transported and delivered to designated polling centers through an organized and secure process.   According to information obtained from local election officials, all 61 polling stations under Bako Gazer Constituency No. 2 have successfully received their election materials, marking another important milestone in the election preparations. Speaking at a press briefing yesterday, Melatwork Hailu, Chairperson of the National Election Board of Ethiopia, said the nationwide distribution of electoral materials is proceeding smoothly and in line with the Board’s operational timetable. She noted that the distribution process is expected to be completed within the planned schedule, ensuring that polling stations across the country are fully prepared to welcome voters when polls open on Monday.   With logistical preparations nearing completion, Ethiopia is entering the final phase of readiness for its Seventh General Election, a nationwide exercise expected to engage more than 54 million registered voters across thousands of polling stations.

Addis Ababa, May 30, 2026 —Chief of General Staff of the Armed the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, stated that it is impossible to ensure development and growth without reliable continental and regional peace. Field Marshal Berhanu Jula held talks with a delegation led by the Gen Júlio dos Santos Jane, Chief of the General Staff of the Mozambican Armed Forces (CGS), aimed at elevating the bilateral military cooperation agreement previously signed between Ethiopia and Mozambique to a higher level. During the discussions between the top military leaders of the two countries, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula stated that Ethiopia and Mozambique are countries with long-standing historical relations.   He noted that the historical relationship between the two nations is founded on the principles of Pan-Africanism, unity, and resilience. Indicating that the relationship between the two countries has recently transitioned to a higher level, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula emphasized that strengthening the friendship-based relations between the two countries plays a significant role in maintaining regional peace and security, and must therefore continue to grow. He explained that sustainable economic growth and prosperity cannot be achieved without peace and security, highlighting the need to stand together to ensure continental and regional peace by collaborating closely in the fight against terrorism, cyber security, and similar areas of cooperation. For his part, the Chief of General Staff of Mozambique, General Jûlio dos Santos Jane, stated that the two countries working together in various fields of military cooperation has a significant benefit in ensuring continental and regional peace. General Jûlio dos Santos Jane added that collaborating with Ethiopia across multifaceted fields of military cooperation would enable them to gain extensive experience and expertise in education and training.   Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of the Defense Foreign Relations and Military Cooperation Directorate, stated that the bilateral forum translated the previously signed military cooperation agreement into action and set directions for future collaborative frameworks. According to information obtained by ENA from Defense Online Media, he also indicated that due to Ethiopia's commitment to ensuring regional peace and development, many countries, including Mozambique, are showing a strong interest in cooperating with Ethiopia in various military sectors.

Addis Ababa, May 30, 2026 —The head of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), Uhuru Kenyatta, has underscored the importance of Ethiopia’s upcoming general election not only for the country itself but for the African continent as a whole. Speaking upon his arrival in Addis Ababa ahead of Monday’s vote, Kenyatta noted that Ethiopia occupies a unique place in Africa’s political landscape as the host of the African Union headquarters. “Ethiopia is home to the continental organization, the African Union. Therefore, elections here in Ethiopia are important not only for the country but also for the entire continent,” Kenyatta said. The former Kenyan president is leading the AU’s election observation mission, which has been deployed to monitor Ethiopia’s seventh general election. The mission comprises observers from 30 countries across Africa, including election experts, diplomats, civil society representatives, youth leaders, media professionals, and governance specialists. Kenyatta said the AU delegation was pleased to be in Ethiopia “among our brothers and sisters” to witness citizens exercising their democratic right to choose leaders and shape the country's future. “When Ethiopians are wisely making their choices, Ethiopia can grow from strength to strength,” he said. The election is one of the largest democratic exercises on the continent. More than 54 million Ethiopians have registered to vote, while tens of thousands of polling stations have been established nationwide. Voters are expected to elect members of the federal House of People's Representatives as well as representatives to regional councils.   Beyond its domestic significance, the election is being closely watched across Africa because of Ethiopia’s geopolitical importance. As Africa’s second-most populous nation and a founding member of the African Union, developments in Ethiopia often carry broader regional implications for governance, stability, and democratic development. Kenyatta emphasized that the AU’s role in election observation extends beyond monitoring polling day activities. He described it as part of a broader effort to strengthen democratic institutions across the continent through mutual learning and the sharing of experiences among African countries. “The African Union observes and monitors elections across the continent with the objective of deepening democracy by learning from each other,” he said. According to Kenyatta, African nations can develop solutions tailored to their own political and social realities rather than relying solely on external models. “Our situations are unique. We do not have to copy and paste from other parts of the world. We can create and replicate best practices across Africa as part of African solutions to African problems,” he said.   The AU observation mission will assess the electoral process in line with continental frameworks, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. Its findings are expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic practices and electoral credibility across Africa. For many observers, Ethiopia’s election represents more than a national political event. As the seat of the African Union and one of the continent’s most influential countries, Ethiopia’s democratic trajectory is increasingly viewed as a test of Africa’s growing capacity to manage and strengthen its own democratic institutions through homegrown reforms, regional cooperation, and African-led oversight.