Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov this evening, reaffirming the longstanding partnership between Ethiopia and Russia while exploring new avenues to deepen bilateral cooperation. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and identifying new opportunities for collaboration across areas of mutual interest. "It was a pleasure to meet with Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, and his delegation this evening, during which our discussions focused on bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for cooperation," Prime Minister Abiy said following the meeting.   Lavrov arrived in Addis Ababa on Monday for an official working visit, underscoring the growing diplomatic engagement between Ethiopia and Russia at a time of shifting global geopolitical dynamics. During his visit, the Russian foreign minister is holding a series of high-level meetings aimed at enhancing political dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties, and strengthening cooperation on regional, continental, and international issues of shared interest. Earlier on Tuesday, Ethiopia's Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos also held official talks with Lavrov, where the two sides reviewed the current state of bilateral relations and discussed ways to broaden cooperation across key sectors.   Speaking after the meeting, Gedion emphasized that the enduring friendship between Ethiopia and Russia spans generations and continues to provide a solid foundation for the steady growth of bilateral ties.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 —The forced conscription of youth from schools, religious places, and streets by the extremist and destructive TPLF leaders is an inhumane and malevolent act, Getachew Reda, East African Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister, said today. The Center for Responsible and Peaceful Politics (CRPP), in collaboration with Tigray Broadcasting Service (TBS), hosted a panel discussion titled "Peace, Democracy, and Development in Tigray: The Role of the Mass Media and Activists." The forum was attended by Deputy Director-General of the Media Authority, Yonatan Tesfaye, alongside other senior officials, journalists, and influencers. During the event, the Advisor underscored that this is the time that requires an unwavering commitment to making the peace and stability of Tigray an absolute priority. The vibrant developmental activities sweeping across other parts of the country must be replicated in Tigray, he stressed. The Advisor noted that the resilient and industrious people of Tigray should not remain sidelined from actively participating in socio-economic development because of a handful of extremist TPLF leaders. Getachew warned that these extremist leaders and destructive elements are actively plotting to plunge the people into another cycle of ruin and agony, calling upon the entire community to stand united to reverse this perilous trajectory. The youth, who saved the leadership itself from peril and firmly believe that peace must prevail, are being rounded up from schools, monasteries, churches, and mosques, he disclosed. On his part, Ethiopian Media Authority Deputy Director-General, Yonatan Tesfaye, emphasized that contemporary information dissemination—particularly reporting that amplifies the voices of citizens across various localities—must strictly align with the realities. The Deputy Director-General stated that what the nation genuinely aspires for is peace, democracy, and development; hence, media content must remain mindful of these goals while taking the concrete national and regional geopolitical contexts into account. The General Manager of Center for Responsible and Peaceful Politics, Samuel Abate, extended a call to all media practitioners and community activists to utilize their respective platforms with a profound sense of institutional responsibility. He underlined that any narrative or rhetoric that pushes the youth back into a vicious cycle of suffering must be fiercely resisted. The General Manager concluded by calling on all stakeholders to contribute their holistic share toward reconciliation, truth, democratic engagement, and citizen-centered development.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 — Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos and Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks today. Foreign Minister Lavrov is on an official visit to Ethiopia. On the occasion, Gedion underscored that the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and Russia spans generations and continues to serve as a strong foundation for the two countries' bilateral relations. The ministers exchanged views on current regional and global issues of mutual interest, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Beyond the longstanding political and diplomatic ties between the two countries, the ministers also discussed ways of further strengthening bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, and technology transfer. The two sides further emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation within multilateral diplomatic platforms, including BRICS, and reaffirmed their commitment to closer coordination on issues of common interest.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 — PM Abiy Ahmed has elaborated on the Pretoria Peace Agreement, emphasizing that the accord represents a heavy price paid to bring sustainable peace to Ethiopia and end the conflict in the Tigray Region. Addressing the House of People's Representatives today, the premier detailed the benefits of the agreement to the inhabitants of the region. He pointed out the establishment of the Interim Administration in the region and the demobilization, rehabilitation, and reintegration of more than 60,000 former combatants. Ongoing efforts to rebuild critical infrastructure and social institutions in the region also continue to yield benefits for the local population, he added. However, the PM said that disruptive actions persist in the region, noting that factions claiming to fight for the people have deprived the population of Tigray of peace, leaving them to bear the brunt of the hardship. "A struggle built on the tears of the people leads nowhere," he remarked, openly stating that certain ongoing disruptions in the Tigray region bear the fingerprints of foreign interference. He exposed that the instigators have secured their own children abroad or in Addis Ababa while actively deploying countless Tigrayan youth into the Sudanese conflict. Despite their repeated provocations to trigger a fresh round of conflict, the government continues to exercise utmost restraint and patience, the premier stressed. Beyond the TPLF, there are actors who believe that destruction in Tigray should have continued; these groups have distanced themselves from us in disagreement, while there have also been attempts among them to cooperate with one another, the Premier pointed out. “Currently, forces in Tigray are carrying out daily provocations that could trigger new conflicts and renewed war. The most painful and concerning issue, however, is that many Tigrayan youths are reportedly being forcibly recruited and sent to fight in the ongoing war in Sudan. These young people are losing their lives in a conflict they neither understand nor have any connection with. The problems within Ethiopia were not enough; the issue has now extended into Sudan as well.” Throughout this process, the people of Tigray are not the creators of the problem but rather the ones bearing its consequences, the Prime Minister noted. “ What has harmed the people of Tigray most and deepened their suffering is the presence of an unseen internal wound, one that is not easily healed. In reality, today there are more people of Tigrayan origin living peacefully and moving freely without fear in places such as Dessie, Gondar, Addis Ababa, and Adama than those living in Tigray itself." Noting that the government is fully aware of the root sources of instability, PM Abiy said that necessary measures will be taken to conclusively neutralize threats at their origin. He assured that the government possesses the absolute capability to safeguard Ethiopia’s sovereignty and maintain durable peace. The nation’s security and law enforcement organs stand in an unprecedented state of readiness, having bolstered their capacity in terms of numbers, training quality, and advanced technology, the Prime Minister confirmed.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has outlined a three-pillar doctrine of strategic self-reliance that he said will guide Ethiopia's foreign policy and national development amid an increasingly volatile global environment. The Prime Minister also underscored that the country will not permit external interference in its sovereign affairs. The Premier presented the framework while responding to lawmakers during the 30th Regular Session of the Fifth Year of the House of People's Representatives, where he addressed questions on the federal government's performance during the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year. PM Abiy said the rapidly evolving global order requires Ethiopia to strengthen its ability to protect its national interests through its own capabilities rather than relying on external actors. "At a time when the world is undergoing undeniable changes, we are pursuing three key principles based on strategic self-reliance to safeguard Ethiopia's national interests, foreign policy, and sovereignty," the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister elaborated that the first pillar is resilience, which focuses on building strong and capable national institutions that can withstand external pressures through Ethiopia's own political, economic and institutional capacity. " This pillar is about strengthening institutional capacity so that Ethiopia can confront external pressures through its own capabilities," he explained. Elaborating the other pillar, he noted that it is leveraging opportunities, the ability to transform challenges and crises into strategic opportunities that advance national development and strengthen Ethiopia's long-term interests. "The second is leveraging opportunities, which means turning every challenge we face into a strategic and positive opportunity for national development," PM Abiy noted. The third pillar is shaping Ethiopia's own path, he revealed that it enable the country to independently define its national priorities while confidently engaging with and influencing developments in regional and global affairs. "This is shaping our path, which allows Ethiopia to formulate its own national agenda and confidently engage with and influence international affairs," he said. Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that these three principles collectively form the foundation of Ethiopia's strategic outlook in an increasingly competitive international environment. "Guided by these three pillars, we will not allow any external actor to interfere in any of our national decisions," the Prime Minister declared. He said the government's approach seeks to strengthen Ethiopia's sovereignty by enhancing institutional resilience, maximizing national opportunities and ensuring that the country's policies are determined by its own interests and constitutional priorities. The Prime Minister's remarks come as Ethiopia continues implementing wide-ranging political and economic reforms while seeking to expand regional cooperation and strengthen its role in continental and global affairs. He finally reaffirmed that strategic self-reliance will remain a central pillar of Ethiopia's domestic and foreign policy, enabling the country to protect its sovereignty, pursue sustainable development and engage with the international community from a position of confidence and national independence.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 —Ethiopia's guiding principle in diplomacy is to safeguard the country's decision-making sovereignty, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted today, emphasizing that preventing external actors from interfering in matters of national interest remains a paramount priority. Ethiopia is not a nation that succumbs easily to external pressure, he explained, stating that the country's strategic posture on the global stage is anchored upon fundamental pillars. Based on these fundamentals, the country has been building robust institutions and a strong nation, effectively converting emerging challenges into strategic opportunities and formulating and advancing independent agendas rather than being driven by external dynamics, he added. Elaborating on foreign policy and regional dynamics, PM Abiy observed that the contemporary global landscape has become highly fluid, unpredictable, and structurally complex across multiple domains. In such an intricate and volatile global context, relying on a rigid, singular template is impractical, the PM noted, emphasized that the ultimate benchmark must be an agile, action-oriented diplomatic framework centered squarely on the national interest.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has described Ethiopia's National Dialogue process as a historic opportunity to address Ethiopia's long-standing political challenges and establish a new, inclusive national social contract. The Premier also called on all political actors to engage constructively in shaping the country's future. The Prime Minister made the remarks while responding to lawmakers during the 30th Regular Session of the Fifth Year of the House of People's Representatives, where he presented the federal government's performance report for the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year and answered questions on governance, national reconciliation and key policy priorities. Addressing the parliament, PM Abiy said the national dialogue is the product of immense national sacrifice and should be embraced as a rare opportunity to build lasting peace and consensus. "The national dialogue is a historic opportunity secured through the heavy sacrifices of many Ethiopians. It must not be taken lightly, but utilized to its fullest potential," he told lawmakers. The Prime Minister stressed that Ethiopia must move away from a culture of overlooking valuable opportunities only to regret them later, noting that the country should act decisively while opportunities for reconciliation and reform are available. He also emphasized that the dialogue is not being rushed, explaining that the house granted additional time to ensure the process remains inclusive, credible and responsive to public expectations. PM Abiy further noted that the national dialogue is distinguished by its grassroots foundation, having been shaped through extensive public consultations and agendas gathered from communities across the country. "This process originates directly from the people. Because it is built on grassroots participation and public priorities, it represents an important democratic exercise not only for Ethiopia but also as a model for the African continent," he said. The Prime Minister stated that the dialogue seeks to confront Ethiopia's long-standing historical grievances through peaceful deliberation, with the ultimate goal of forging a renewed social contract founded on national consensus, mutual respect and constitutional governance. He underscored that many of the issues under discussion are historical in nature and were inherited over generations rather than created by the current administration. "The challenges before us are deep-rooted historical burdens. They cannot be resolved overnight, but they can be addressed through sincere dialogue and collective national commitment," PM Abiy said. Calling for broad political participation, the Prime Minister urged opposition parties, political leaders living abroad and other stakeholders to move beyond entrenched political divisions. He stressed the need for contributing constructively to the dialogue process. He said resolving Ethiopia's complex national questions requires the involvement of all citizens and political actors committed to peaceful solutions and democratic coexistence. The Premier further explained that the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission will consolidate the recommendations gathered from citizens nationwide and formally present them to the government. He pledged that the government would carefully consider the Commission's recommendations and work with relevant institutions to adopt reforms capable of building lasting national consensus and strengthening democratic governance. The Prime Minister's remarks come as Ethiopia prepares for a major milestone in the reconciliation process, with the country's principal National Dialogue Forum scheduled to convene on July 15, 2026. The forum is expected to bring together representatives from diverse sectors of society to deliberate on key national issues and lay the groundwork for a shared vision of Ethiopia's future. Prime Minister Abiy reaffirmed that genuine and inclusive dialogue remains the most sustainable path toward overcoming historical divisions, strengthening national unity and building a peaceful, stable and prosperous Ethiopia for future generations.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said conflicts among communities have declined significantly in recent years as the government has expanded public dialogue and citizen engagement. The Prime Minister described inclusive consultation as one of the country's most effective tools for strengthening peace and national cohesion. The Prime Minister made the remarks today while responding to lawmakers during the 30th Regular Session of the Fifth Year of the House of People's Representatives, where he presented the federal government's performance report for the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year and answered questions on security, governance and national development. Addressing Parliament, PM Abiy said Ethiopia has made notable progress in reducing community and interfaith tensions by creating broader platforms for dialogue, allowing citizens to peacefully voice concerns and participate in addressing national challenges. "Conflicts that once frequently emerged among communities have become increasingly rare because people are choosing dialogue over confrontation," the Prime Minister told lawmakers. According to Abiy, he has personally led more than 225 public dialogue forums involving diverse sections of Ethiopian society, while the ruling Prosperity Party has facilitated over 4,000 dialogue forums at national, regional and local levels.   He added that the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission has also conducted extensive consultations involving more than 100,000 participants across Ethiopia and among members of the Ethiopian diaspora. The Prime Minister said the growing culture of dialogue has substantially reduced conflicts between communities and religious groups, describing it as a major achievement in Ethiopia's democratic and peacebuilding efforts. While acknowledging that security challenges remain in some parts of the country, PM Abiy argued that many of the current conflicts are driven not by genuine public grievances but by armed groups backed by actors seeking to destabilize Ethiopia. "The conflicts we are witnessing today are not driven by clear national objectives or the public interest. They are the result of a profitable conspiracy," he said. He further alleged that both domestic and foreign actors continue to provide financial and logistical support to armed groups in an effort to undermine Ethiopia's peace and stability. Despite these challenges, the Prime Minister said the government's approach will continue to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation while strengthening the capacity of national security institutions. Ethiopia's security institutions have made considerable progress in personnel development, operational capability and technological modernization, enabling them to respond more effectively to evolving security threats, he noted. The Premier further noted, however, that many armed groups increasingly rely on unconventional tactics, making cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies essential to preventing violence and safeguarding communities.   Reflecting on Ethiopia's political history, Prime Minister Abiy said decades of fragmentation have left enduring challenges that require sustained national dialogue rather than military solutions alone. "We must create spaces where people can freely raise their grievances and discuss them. This is essential to preventing recurring divisions and building a stronger democratic order," he said. The Prime Minister further stressed that expanding democratic participation and maintaining continuous public engagement remain central to the government's long-term peace strategy. "When we hold more discussions and deepen democracy, conflicts will continue to decline," he stated. Prime Minister Abiy concluded by reaffirming that inclusive dialogue, strengthened institutions and active citizen participation are laying the foundation for lasting peace, national unity and democratic stability across Ethiopia. He also emphasized that the government's commitment to consultation will remain at the center of its efforts to resolve remaining security challenges.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 —Ethiopia's recent general election has demonstrated the growing political maturity of the people, revealing that the widespread public participation defeated coordinated efforts to undermine the democratic process, Prime Minister Abiy said. The Prime Minister made the remarks today during the 30th Regular Session of the Fifth Year of the House of People's Representatives, where he presented the federal government's annual performance report and responded to questions on national security, economic reforms, governance and Ethiopia's political future. Addressing the House of People's Representatives, PM Abiy described the recent election as a defining democratic milestone that carried important lessons for political actors both inside and outside the country. "This year's election carries a profound message for anyone willing to learn from it. It reaffirmed the social and political consciousness of the Ethiopian people," he told the lawmakers.   The election unfolded amid extensive campaigns intended to discourage voter registration and suppress turnout. Those efforts ultimately failed as millions of Ethiopians exercised their constitutional right to vote across more than 50,000 polling stations nationwide. "The objective was not merely to oppose one political party," he noted, but "attempt to weaken the electoral process itself and undermine Ethiopia's democratic institutions. The Ethiopian people refused to allow that to happen." The PM said citizens from every part of the country delivered a unified message in favor of national unity, constitutional order, and peaceful democratic participation. He praised the determination of voters, noting that elderly citizens, patients, grieving families and mothers carrying infants all participated in the election, describing their participation as an expression of confidence in Ethiopia's future.   "The Ethiopian people demonstrated that they reject extremism and division," the premier stressed. The people voted to strengthen their country and have entrusted the newly elected government with a significant national responsibility, he added. The Prime Minister further stated that the outcome represents not only electoral success but also a renewed mandate for the government to accelerate ongoing economic reforms, institutional modernization and national development initiatives. Turning to political reform, PM Abiy said the ruling Prosperity Party had taken deliberate steps to broaden democratic participation by voluntarily leaving parliamentary constituencies uncontested to encourage greater competing party representation. "Within the Prosperity Party, we made the strategic decision to voluntarily refrain from contesting 15 percent of the parliamentary seats, leaving them entirely to competing political forces to ensure that diverse voices are represented in the legislature," he revealed. Recall that the ruling Prosperity Party secured 438 seats in the House of People's Representatives, while the remaining seats went to competing parties and independent candidates. In what could become one of Ethiopia's most consequential constitutional reform proposals, Abiy announced that the Prosperity Party has submitted a proposal to the National Dialogue Commission to constitutionally limit terms of leadership to a maximum of two.   If adopted through Ethiopia's constitutional process, the proposal would establish formal term limits for the country's highest executive office, marking a significant institutional reform aimed at strengthening democratic governance and leadership transition. The Prime Minister also underscored that the renewed public mandate carries heightened responsibility for the government to improve governance, strengthen public institutions and intensify efforts to combat corruption. He said the administration would continue working to enhance transparency, accountability and institutional integrity while implementing policies that promote sustainable development, preserve national sovereignty and consolidate Ethiopia's democratic transformation. PM Abiy concluded by reaffirming that the government remains committed to translating the confidence expressed by Ethiopian voters into tangible improvements in governance, economic progress and national unity, describing the latest election as an important step in the country's evolving democratic journey.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 —Members of House of People's Representatives are directing a wide-ranging series of questions to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, seeking detailed responses on the country's economic performance, national security, governance reforms and long-term development priorities. The question-and-answer session followed Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appeared at the parliament to present the federal government's performance report for the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year to the House of People's Representatives. The MPs raised issues spanning virtually every major national policy area, reflecting both public concerns and the country's strategic agenda as Ethiopia advances its reform program and prepares for the formation of a new government administration. Among the key issues presented to the Prime Minister were peace and security, economic growth, access to the sea, fuel distribution, housing, healthcare, clean drinking water, energy access, implementation of mega infrastructure projects, national dialogue, governance, and the security situation in northern Ethiopia. Members of Parliament also acknowledged what they described as the government's achievements under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's leadership, particularly efforts that have contributed to sustaining economic growth despite global and domestic challenges. A significant focus of the session centered on Ethiopia's strategic pursuit of equitable and reliable access to the sea. Lawmakers requested an update on the government's diplomatic and policy efforts regarding the issue, describing maritime access as a matter of vital national interest for the country's long-term economic development. The members also questioned the government on fuel distribution, asking what measures are being implemented to ensure fair and transparent allocation of fuel imports, which continue to receive substantial government subsidies, while addressing corruption and malpractice within the distribution system. On national security, lawmakers sought clarification on the government's strategy to achieve sustainable peace and stability across the country, including the role citizens can play in supporting ongoing peacebuilding efforts. They also requested updates on initiatives aimed at consolidating peace and improving security in the Tigray region. Housing affordability emerged as another major concern, with MPs asking about new policies and partnerships designed to address growing housing shortages in Ethiopia's expanding urban centers. In the health sector, legislators pressed for concrete measures to improve the availability of medicines and medical equipment while enhancing the quality and accessibility of healthcare services nationwide. They also sought assurances that clean drinking water projects would be completed within their planned timelines. Lawmakers further requested updates on the implementation of unfinished infrastructure projects, asking the government to outline strategies for completing delayed developments while advancing planned investments that have yet to commence. Economic pressures on households also featured prominently in the discussions. MPs asked what additional measures are being prepared to cushion low-income citizens and public servants from the rising cost of living, while seeking insight into the priorities of the incoming government administration. The parliamentary session also examined governance and social policy issues, including proposals to strengthen student feeding programs, reinforce institutional accountability, and address abuses of public office through improved transparency and internal reform. Regarding the Ethiopian National Dialogue, lawmakers requested details on the logistical, political and institutional support the government will provide to ensure the dialogue process proceeds according to schedule and achieves its objective of fostering lasting national consensus. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is expected to respond to the questions during the ongoing parliamentary session, outlining the government's position on the issues raised and presenting its roadmap for addressing Ethiopia's key political, economic and development priorities in the coming fiscal year.

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 —Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in Addis Ababa on Monday evening for an official working visit, highlighting the growing diplomatic engagement between Russia and Ethiopia amid an evolving global geopolitical landscape. Upon his arrival at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Lavrov was welcomed by Ambassador Meles Alem, Director General for European and American Affairs at Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visit is expected to feature high-level discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade and economic cooperation, and deepening collaboration on regional, continental, and global issues of mutual interest. It also underscores both countries' commitment to further advancing their longstanding diplomatic partnership. Lavrov's visit comes as Russia continues to expand its engagement across Africa through political, economic, and security cooperation, with Ethiopia regarded as one of Moscow's key partners on the continent.   Recent diplomatic exchanges indicate that Ethiopia and Russia are further strengthening their close and multifaceted relationship, characterized by robust political dialogue, growing economic cooperation, and shared priorities for peace, development, and multilateral engagement. Ethiopia has emerged as one of Russia's strategic partners in Africa, with bilateral relations extending beyond trade and investment to encompass cooperation in diplomacy, international affairs, education, science, and other areas of mutual interest, it was learned.

Addis Ababa, July 6, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will be appearing at Parliament on Tuesday to present the federal government's performance over the just-concluded Ethiopian fiscal year and respond to questions from lawmakers on key national issues. According to an announcement issued by the House of People's Representatives today, the Prime Minister will deliver his report during the House’s 30th regular session on July 7, 2026, providing an assessment of the implementation of the federal government's 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year development plan. Members of Parliament are expected to question the Prime Minister on the government's overall performance, policy implementation and other national priorities, including the proposed federal budget for the 2019 Ethiopian fiscal year. The parliamentary session forms part of the House's constitutional oversight responsibility. Under Article 55(17) of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, together with Article 81(1) and (3) of the House's Rules of Procedure and Members' Code of Conduct, Parliament has the authority to summon the Prime Minister and other senior federal officials to account for government activities, while exercising its mandate to examine, monitor and oversee the executive branch. In the same sitting, lawmakers are also expected to review the report and recommendations submitted by the House Standing Committee on Planning, Budget and Finance regarding the draft federal budget for the 2019 Ethiopian fiscal year. Following deliberations, Parliament is anticipated to approve the federal budget proclamation, paving the way for implementation of the government's spending priorities in the new fiscal year.

Addis Ababa, July 5, 2026 (ENA) -The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) has announced that it has completed all logistical, security, and technical preparations for the National Dialogue Main Conference, scheduled to begin in Addis Ababa on July 15. Speaking at a press briefing, Chief Commissioner Prof. Mesfin Araya said the Commission has already finalized eight key national agenda items that will guide the discussions during the conference. He explained that the agenda was compiled and consolidated from proposals submitted by various segments of Ethiopian society through the nationwide consultative process conducted during the preparatory phase. According to him, all participant accreditation procedures and travel arrangements have been completed. He added that intensive training sessions are already underway for delegates arriving from different regions to help ensure informed, productive, and constructive deliberations. The Addis International Convention Center has been fully prepared to host the conference, he said, adding, plenary and breakout meeting halls have been arranged to facilitate comprehensive discussions and enable participants to work toward broad national consensus on the identified agenda items. To accommodate delegates, the Commission has secured lodging at Ethiopian Civil Service University and the Federal Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institute, both of which have extensive experience hosting large national events. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau, emergency medical services will be available throughout the conference. The Commission has also put in place measures to accommodate participants' cultural and dietary requirements, ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities, and provide childcare services for delegates with young children. Regarding transportation and security, Professor Mesfin said the Commission is working closely with the Ministry of Transport and Logistics and regional authorities to facilitate air and land travel for participants.   Coordination with federal and regional security institutions is also underway to ensure the safety of delegates throughout the conference. The Chief Commissioner called on public and private institutions to support the selected representatives and facilitate their participation, stressing that doing so is both a legal obligation and a national responsibility. He urged all participants to arrive in Addis Ababa by July 11 to complete the necessary preparations and fulfill what he described as an important national responsibility, while calling for full cooperation in accordance with the law establishing the Commission. The Commission also expressed appreciation to religious leaders, mothers, and media organizations for their contributions during the earlier stages of the dialogue process, and called on the Ethiopian public to continue supporting the initiative to ensure its success. Established in late 2021, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission is mandated to lead an inclusive national dialogue process aimed at building consensus on longstanding national issues and promoting lasting peace, stability, and unity.

Addis Ababa, July 4, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) has been undertaking organizational reforms and modernization activities amid the increasingly complex regional and global security environment, ENDF Chief of Staff Field Marshal Birhanu Jula said. The Ethiopian National Defense College (ENDC) has graduated today students trained in the field of Defense and Strategic Security Studies. Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Field Marshal Birhanu said the ENDF has reinforced its unity, expanded its organizational structure through the ongoing reforms and maintained a high state of readiness while equipping itself with modern military equipment and technology.   These efforts have enabled the force to continue carrying out its mission of safeguarding Ethiopia's sovereignty, he added. The Field Marshal also noted that Ethiopia's pursuit of maritime access requires maintaining strong readiness, describing the security situation in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa as worsening. The ENDF cannot therefore escape either the challenges or the benefits arising from the region. Field Marshal Birhanu further elaborated that external actors and domestic armed groups are working in tandem to undermine Ethiopia's security and prevent it from playing its stabilizing role in the region. These actors are seeking to create turmoil in neighboring countries to increase pressure on Ethiopia's external security. He pointed out that historical enemies and internal renegades have conspired to thwart Ethiopia's maritime sovereignty claim and the principle of regional cooperation by forming an alliance or what they termed "Tsimdo".   The heroic Ethiopian Defense Force is however protecting the country's sovereignty, peace and security by destroying the vain dreams of the conspirators and the external historical enemies, the Field Marshal stated. Addressing the graduates, he said the nature of warfare is rapidly changing, with modern conflicts increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, cyber operations, electronic warfare, unmanned systems, and long-range precision weapons. He urged the graduate officers to apply their education to strengthen the armed forces' preparedness and leadership capacity. For his part, National Defense College Commandant Brigadier General Tilahun Demissie said the ENDC, established during the national reform, has been strengthening national power within a volatile strategic environment.   According to him, reform of the college's curriculum focused on defense studies, research, and security analysis, alongside efforts to transform the institution into a smart college through infrastructure upgrades and digitalization.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia's national dialogue is a vital pathway to lasting peace, progress, and prosperity, offering a structured and peaceful means of addressing longstanding national grievances, Emeritus Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam, widely known as Al Mariam, has said. In an interview with ENA, Prof. Al Mariam described the National Dialogue Commission as a unique institution in modern peacebuilding and conflict resolution, established by law and guided by a clear mandate to deliver tangible outcomes. He said the Commission's mission is to identify issues that have affected Ethiopian society for decades through an inclusive, grassroots-driven process. According to the professor, the dialogue has reached communities across the country through representatives, whose contributions will feed into the upcoming National Dialogue Conference. Prof. Al Mariam stressed that dialogue, not violence, is the only sustainable foundation for resolving disputes. "Power grows out of dialogue," he said, urging Ethiopians to embrace meaningful conversations, listen to one another, and seek understanding despite differences in perspectives, grievances, and backgrounds. "The alternative is peace, prosperity and development," he added, explaining that while dialogue may not produce immediate agreement, it creates a path toward mutual understanding through engagement, negotiation, and compromise. He also underscored the importance of civility and tolerance, warning against deepening divisions based on ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation. Instead, he said Ethiopians share a common destiny and should approach one another with mutual respect and humanity. Prof. Al Mariam noted that the ongoing national dialogue stands out because of its broad grassroots participation, describing it as unprecedented in Ethiopia's modern history. He expressed confidence that Ethiopia's experience could become a model for other countries seeking peaceful solutions to internal challenges. The professor further emphasized that the outcome of the national dialogue will play a decisive role in shaping Ethiopia's future, saying broad agreement and consensus would allow the country to concentrate on reconstruction, development and national prosperity rather than recurring violence. ENA learned that the National Dialogue Conference is scheduled to begin on July 15, bringing together representatives from across the country to deliberate on nine key agenda areas, including state building, governance, national unity and anti-corruption measures.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2026 (ENA) — Envoys have appreciated Ethiopia's strategic importance as a destination for investment, promoting trade and regional security. Speaking to ENA, the ambassadors of Oman and Romania to Ethiopia have praised Ethiopia’s rapid economic progress and growing influence across Africa. Oman's Head of Mission to Ethiopia, Afkar Al Farsi, described Ethiopia as a pivotal country in the region because of its vast geographic size, expanding economy, and increasing regional connectivity. He said Ethiopia's efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, coupled with its strong transport links, have strengthened its position as a regional hub. "The presence of the largest airline in Africa also contributes significantly to regional and continental integration," he said. Al Farsi noted that bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Oman have continued to deepen through high-level official exchanges, expanding trade, and growing investment cooperation. He said trade between the two countries is already active, with Oman exporting iron products and plastic pallets to Ethiopia, while Ethiopia exports coffee, sesame, and other agricultural commodities to Oman. "There is strong potential to further expand trade, particularly through the export of Ethiopian perishable products to Oman," he said. The envoy also identified agriculture, manufacturing, and construction as promising sectors for Omani investors, noting that Ethiopia's ongoing real estate and infrastructure development projects offer attractive investment opportunities. Romania's Ambassador to Ethiopia, Julia Pataki, also underscored Ethiopia's growing role in promoting regional economic integration and maintaining peace and security.   She said Ethiopia remains one of Africa's fastest-growing economies, stressing that free trade and market integration are essential for accelerating economic development across the region. Pataki emphasized that Ethiopia is making an important contribution to regional peace and stability while advancing broader continental cooperation. She also noted that Addis Ababa's status as the seat of the African Union strengthens Ethiopia's position as a leading platform for diplomacy, regional integration, and collective efforts to address Africa's shared challenges. The ambassador added that Ethiopia's regional influence is expected to continue expanding by linking its economic transformation with stronger regional security and cooperation initiatives.

Addis Ababa, July 3, 2026 (ENA) — Development partners have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ethiopia's energy sector reforms, highlighting ongoing initiatives aimed at expanding women's economic opportunities, creating jobs, and improving access to electricity in rural communities. Speaking exclusively to ENA, World Bank Energy Specialist Wendayehu Demissie said the institution has aligned its support with Ethiopia's reform agenda to promote inclusive growth and women's empowerment through energy development. "Energy is critical in creating jobs, both through direct employment and through the productive use of energy," he said. He explained that reliable electricity for businesses and industries generates employment while also creating opportunities for women to engage in income-generating activities. "The Bank has its own strategy to support women's empowerment. We assess women-headed households, encourage greater participation of women in engineering and science, and work closely with utilities to ensure our projects benefit women and young people," Wendayehu said. He noted that Ethiopia's clean energy system provides a strong foundation for future growth, while emphasizing the need for careful planning as the country expands renewable energy sources. "The government wants to attract private sector investment in wind and solar power, which are clean energy sources. However, these technologies are intermittent by nature and have implications for grid stability. With the support of the World Bank, a variable renewable energy penetration impact assessment is currently underway," he said. SNV Ethiopia Director Julie Graham also underscored the importance of combining grid and off-grid electrification to improve livelihoods in rural areas. "We are mainly working on off-grid electrification solutions, not only to expand access to energy but also to promote productive uses of electricity so that rural communities can create new livelihood opportunities," she said. According to Graham, SNV is supporting green mini grids and electrified irrigation systems that specifically benefit women entrepreneurs. "The mini grids provide electricity for households, water supply, irrigation, and productive activities. They are designed to help women explore new economic opportunities in areas such as horticulture, dairy cooling, yogurt production, and other small businesses, while also reducing the burden of labor," she said. Development partners noted that Ethiopia's emphasis on cooperation under the Medemer philosophy, together with power export agreements linked to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, is strengthening regional energy integration while helping align investments that reduce poverty, expand economic opportunities and improve livelihoods across the region.

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) has conducted a panel of experts that provides professional guidance and briefings to participants of the upcoming National Dialogue Conference. Speaking at the panel held today, ENDC Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya said the experts will help develop a common, knowledge-based perspective throughout the conference. According to him, the National Dialogue Conference will discuss eight agenda items, and the expert groups aligned with each item will support participants in reaching a common understanding on the issues under discussion. The chief commissioner emphasized that the experts are expected to deliver presentations and guidance to ensure that the conference is led by reason rather than emotion, the Chief Commissioner stressed. He further called on the experts to leverage their knowledge and fulfill their roles to ensure a successful dialogue at the conference. ENDC Deputy Chief Commissioner, Hirut Gebreselassie, said the agenda items for the National Dialogue Conference have been identified and made public. She stressed the importance of reinforcing fundamental knowledge to help conference participants establish a shared understanding, noting that the experts group is intended to serve as a professional advisory body rather than a decision-making one. The experts will present briefings and communicate complex issues in a manner that enables participants to clearly understand the matters at hand, the Deputy Chief Commissioner added. They will support participants in creating a shared, knowledge-based understanding by providing technical advice, simplifying complex concepts, presenting policy options, evaluating proposals, and supporting consultative groups. They will also share lessons and experiences from other countries and help formulate final recommendations. The experts group comprised of scholars drawn from various professional fields and responsibilities.

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2026 (ENA) — The European Union's partnership with Ethiopia is entering a new phase of strengthened cooperation in trade, investment, and development, EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sofie From-Emmesberger, said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador From-Emmesberger stated that relations between Ethiopia and the European Union, driven by expanding engagement across economic, development, education, and strategic sectors, are on a positive trajectory. She highlighted the successful Ethiopia-EU Business Forum, which brought together 250 European and 250 Ethiopian companies to explore new business and investment opportunities two months ago. The EU Ambassador also mentioned the lifting of the visa restriction that previously required Ethiopians to submit applications 45 days in advance for travel to Europe, saying the move is already facilitating greater interaction between the two sides. "This has now been lifted, and we see that this is now very much helping us in getting more engagement from everything, from business to culture; and your famous runners can travel more freely due to this," she said. Ambassador From-Emmesberger described the measure as an important step toward strengthening business ties and people-to-people exchanges. According to her, Ethiopia and the European Union share common interests in a number of strategic sectors, including energy, digitalisation, agro-industry, and healthcare. "We have many areas where we share interest, where we cooperate, be it in energy, be it in digitalisation, agro-industry, health --- just to mention the key tracks." The European Union is supporting investments in Ethiopia through its Global Gateway initiative, which is designed to mobilise sustainable investment in partner countries. Under the framework, several major infrastructure and renewable energy projects are being implemented, including the RISED energy project involving France and other European partners, as well as the Assela wind park financed by Denmark. The Ambassador emphasised that the relationship between Ethiopia, the European Union, and its member states is built on centuries of historical ties, providing a strong foundation for expanding cooperation in education, research, culture, and innovation. She disclosed that Ethiopian students have achieved remarkable success under the Erasmus+ scholarship programme, ranking among the top recipients globally this year. "This year, Ethiopian students really scored among the top 20 globally on Erasmus+ scholarships," Ambassador From-Emmesberger said. Erasmus+ is the European Union's flagship programme supporting education, training, youth and sport. Through its Erasmus Mundus scholarship scheme, the programme offers fully funded master's degree opportunities for Ethiopian students to study at leading universities across Europe, while also promoting academic exchange, research collaboration and institutional partnerships. She added that educational exchanges are complemented by growing cultural cooperation through European cultural institutions operating in Addis Ababa, while Ethiopian Airlines' extensive network to European destinations continues to strengthen people-to-people connections. The Ambassador also underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation, noting that Ethiopia and the European Union will continue working together on climate action, including preparations for COP32 and UN reform efforts. Explaining Ethiopia's strategic importance, she cited the country's large population, expanding economic potential, ongoing reforms, strategic geographic location, youthful population, and its status as the seat of the African Union. "Of course, the size of the population, the economic potential now with all the openings and reforms and this very strategic location are important elements. The young population is a big resource, and the fact that Ethiopia is also the base for the African Union makes it an important partner." Looking ahead, the EU Ambassador said increasing high-level visits and dialogue between Ethiopia and the European Union have created a favourable environment for deeper engagement across a wide range of sectors. "We are truly keen to collaborate as the European Union with Ethiopia, as there is much that we can do together," she added. Ambassador From-Emmesberger finally reaffirmed that the European Union remains committed to further strengthening its partnership with Ethiopia and will continue working closely with the country to address shared global challenges while advancing sustainable development, economic growth, and regional stability.

Addis Ababa, July 2, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia's justice sector is undergoing a broad transformation that is steadily improving service delivery through stronger coordination, legal reforms and enhanced accountability, State Minister Belayhun Yirga said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Justice State Minister Belayhun Yirga said that extensive collaboration between federal and regional justice institutions has strengthened criminal investigations and improved the implementation of justice reforms across the country. "The criminal investigation work and the activities carried out jointly by the federal and regional justice institutions are very extensive," he said. The state minister noted that coordinating justice administration across federal and regional governments remains a complex task, requiring continuous oversight and institutional support. "The oversight and support provided to ensure that laws and procedures issued at the federal level are effectively implemented by the regions is not simple," he said. According to Belayhun, joint assessments conducted by federal and regional justice institutions have played a central role in identifying institutional gaps and improving performance. "By jointly assessing the work of the federal and regional justice institutions and identifying the weaknesses and gaps that exist, they have produced many joint results by presenting appropriate evidence," he said. He added that the findings from those assessments have guided targeted reforms and contributed to measurable improvements in the justice sector. Belayhun recalled that the current reform agenda was launched with the preparation of a five-year strategic plan in the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year by the Ministry of Justice and regional justice bureaus. "Recently, in the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year, a five year strategic plan for justice was prepared by the Ministry of Justice and the regional justice bureaus and put into operation. Its aggregate results are now becoming visible," he said. The state minister also highlighted the implementation of a three-year national justice transformation program, which has built on the strategic plan and expanded reforms throughout the country. "This has produced numerous outcomes. At the community level, there have been gains in access to justice, and regional authorities have worked not only to issue decisions but also to establish legal mechanisms that enable people to obtain legal remedies," he said. On administrative justice, Belayhun said significant progress has been made in strengthening accountability and ensuring that public institutions comply with the law. "Work was done to make bodies that do not provide proper, lawful services legally accountable. All regions, except one or two, adopted administrative procedure legislation," he said. He explained that the new administrative procedure laws provide legal mechanisms to review improper administrative decisions, improve transparency, and ensure greater accountability in public service delivery.