Addis Ababa, October 5, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia is set to enter a new five-year political and institutional chapter this afternoon as the newly elected House of People’s Representatives convenes, formally opening the new parliamentary term and setting in motion the constitutional process for forming the federal government. The transition follows the June 1 Seventh General Election, one of the largest electoral exercises in Ethiopia’s history, in which more than 54 million citizens cast their ballots, according to the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). The Board has confirmed a decisive victory for the ruling Prosperity Party. The election brought together 42 political parties and 10,438 candidates, with the Prosperity Party securing a parliamentary majority and, under Article 56 of the Constitution, the mandate to organize and lead the federal government. As the ballot box gives way to governance, however, the significance of the transition goes beyond the formation of a new cabinet. The incoming administration is expected to translate the electoral mandate into functioning institutions, policies and national priorities while addressing some of Ethiopia’s longstanding political and social questions. A central element of that agenda is the implementation of the outcomes of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue. On October 3, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission formally handed over its consolidated agenda items and recommendations to the House of Peoples’ Representatives, the Federal Government and regional governments. The process reached consensus across eight thematic pillars before moving to the harmonization and consolidation of recommendations. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said he attended and oversaw the formal handover, describing it as an important milestone in the country’s National Dialogue process. The handover marks a significant shift from nationwide deliberation to institutional consideration and implementation of recommendations emerging from a process that brought together participants from diverse sections of Ethiopian society. On his part, Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya said the dialogue demonstrated that Ethiopians can engage in civilized dialogue, bridge differences and build consensus around shared national concerns. He stressed that implementation is now the critical next step. The recommendations therefore reach the incoming government at a consequential moment, placing alongside the responsibilities of governance the task of translating the outcomes of the national dialogue into concrete policies and institutional action. Meanwhile, the institutional architecture of the incoming administration is taking shape. The Council of Ministers has approved a draft proclamation defining the organization, powers and duties of federal executive organs and referred it to Parliament for consideration. The proposed legislation is expected to establish the institutional framework for the new administrative term, while the formation of the cabinet will proceed through the constitutional process, with the Prime Minister submitting ministerial nominees to the House of Peoples’ Representatives for approval. Several senior institutional appointments have already signaled changes accompanying the transition. Former Irrigation and Lowlands Minister Abraham Belay was appointed Commissioner of the Ethiopian Nuclear Energy Commission on September 14, while former Urban and Infrastructure Minister Chaltu Sani was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Housing Corporation on September 28. The opening of the new Parliament, therefore, marks more than the beginning of another legislative term. It is the point at which Ethiopia’s electoral process moves into a new phase of executive governance—bringing together a fresh parliamentary mandate, a new institutional framework and the recommendations of a national dialogue aimed at addressing some of the country’s most persistent differences. The immediate task for the incoming administration will be to turn these parallel processes—election, institution-building and national dialogue—into effective governance, implementation and tangible national outcomes.

By Staff Writer September 27–October 3, 2026 Ethiopia closed the week with a series of developments that underscored its increasingly assertive role in shaping the political, economic and strategic future of the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea region and the Nile Basin. From advancing regional economic integration and moving its long-awaited National Dialogue toward implementation to launching a formal assessment of economic losses linked to Nile projects obstructed by Egypt, Ethiopia demonstrated a growing determination to pursue development, national consensus and what it regards as its legitimate regional and water-resource interests. The week also saw Ethiopia take firm diplomatic measures against Eritrea and Egypt, while continuing to emphasize peaceful coexistence, regional stability and cooperation. Regional Integration: Ethiopia Looks Beyond Its Borders Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s participation in the groundbreaking ceremony for Kenya’s multibillion-dollar Lamu Petroleum Refinery highlighted Ethiopia’s continued push for deeper regional economic integration.   The refinery, backed by the Dangote Group, is expected to become a major addition to East Africa’s energy infrastructure. Located along the strategic Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor, the facility is designed to process crude oil and supply refined petroleum products—including petrol, diesel and aviation fuel—to regional markets. Speaking at the ceremony attended by African heads of state and government, industrialist Aliko Dangote, ministers, ambassadors and other dignitaries, Prime Minister Abiy said the project would give Ethiopia an additional regional source of refined petroleum while creating new opportunities for trade and investment. For years, African economies have remained heavily dependent on fuel refined outside the continent, exposing them to global market disruptions and price volatility. As African cities expand and industrial demand rises, Abiy stressed the importance of developing refining capacity closer to African consumers and building more resilient regional supply systems. “The Lamu refinery offers a way to change that balance,” he said, noting that the project could bring refining capacity closer to regional markets. The project’s strategic importance extends beyond fuel production. Its position along the LAPSSET Corridor could strengthen connections between production centers, transport networks and regional markets, further linking East Africa’s economies. According to the Dangote Group, Kenya’s 16 billion USD Lamu oil refinery, with a planned capacity of 700,000 barrels per day, represents a major step in Africa’s industrialization drive. For Ethiopia, the project signals something broader: regional infrastructure is increasingly being viewed not simply as a national asset, but as a foundation for shared economic growth and greater regional resilience. National Dialogue Enters a New Chapter At home, Ethiopia’s National Dialogue moved from deliberation toward implementation. The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) formally handed over its consolidated agenda items and recommendations to the House of People’s Representatives, the federal government and regional governments in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.   The handover marks a critical transition—from nationwide consultation and consensus-building to institutional consideration and implementation of the recommendations. Prime Minister Abiy said he attended and oversaw the formal handover, describing it as an important milestone in the country’s National Dialogue process. Chief Commissioner of the ENDC Professor Mesfin Araya said the process demonstrated that Ethiopians are capable of engaging in civilized dialogue, bridging differences and building consensus around shared national concerns. Established under Proclamation No. 1265/2021, the Commission was mandated to help address longstanding historical grievances and differences through an inclusive, peaceful and structured national process. The Commission conducted consultations across Ethiopia’s 12 regional states and the two city administrations of Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa, collecting more than 2,000 agenda submissions from citizens. The National Dialogue subsequently reached consensus across its eight thematic pillars before the agenda items and recommendations were harmonized and consolidated. The challenge now is no longer simply reaching consensus—it is translating that consensus into meaningful institutional action. The development comes as Ethiopia enters a new political phase following the conclusion of the 7th General Election and the establishment of newly elected regional and city councils. Regional councils have completed the formation of their governments and elected chief administrators, laying the institutional groundwork for the next phase of governance. Ethiopia’s Bold Nile Move: Assessing the Cost of Obstructed Development Perhaps the week’s most consequential development on the Nile came from the Ministry of Water and Energy. Ethiopia has established a national committee to assess economic losses and foregone development opportunities associated with water projects that the country says were “blocked or obstructed by Egyptians.” In an exclusive interview with ENA, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa said the committee had so far identified more than 22 development projects, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), that Ethiopia says faced obstruction from Egypt. “We have established a national committee. And as a committee, we counted more than 22 projects that have been blocked or obstructed by Egyptians, including the GERD project,” the minister said.   The committee is now compiling evidence and examining the basis for Ethiopia’s potential compensation claims. According to Habtamu, the assessment involves experts, former ministers, advisers and legal professionals who are examining the scale of the alleged losses, foregone opportunities and possible approaches for addressing them. “We are already collecting the evidence,” he said, adding that Ethiopia has documented projects it says Egypt opposed, including the GERD. The move adds a new dimension to Ethiopia’s longstanding position on the equitable utilization and development of the Nile Basin. Rather than limiting the debate to the construction and operation of individual dams, Ethiopia is now seeking to quantify what it considers the broader economic and developmental costs of decades of restrictions on its utilization of Nile waters. The establishment of the committee could therefore mark the beginning of a more structured Ethiopian effort to place the economic dimension of Nile politics at the center of future discussions. A Sharper Diplomatic Front Ethiopia also adopted unusually firm diplomatic measures during the week. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the closure of Ethiopia’s embassy in Asmara and declared 10 Eritrean diplomats persona non grata, ordering them to leave Ethiopia within 48 hours.   The ministry said the decision followed what it described as Eritrea’s direct and indirect acts of hostility and belligerence against Ethiopia, including activities it said posed a threat to national security and violated the principles governing diplomatic relations. Despite the measures, Ethiopia reiterated that it values the historical, cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries and remains committed to peaceful coexistence, regional stability and integration. In another diplomatic development, Ethiopia declared an Egyptian diplomatic staff member, persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 48 hours. The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry said the decision was taken in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the international framework governing relations between states. The twin diplomatic measures involving Eritrea and Egypt came against the backdrop of Ethiopia’s increasingly assertive regional and Nile diplomacy. Yet Addis Ababa continued to frame its broader approach around peaceful resolution of disputes, sovereign equality, regional cooperation and long-term stability in the Horn of Africa. Cultural Aspect Hundreds of thousands of people celebrated Hora Finfinnee, part of the annual Irreechaa thanksgiving festival, in Addis Ababa, bringing together tens of thousands of people in a vibrant display of Oromo culture, tradition and unity. Dressed in colorful traditional attire, people from different parts of Ethiopia gathered at Hora Finfinnee on Saturday morning to mark Irreechaa, a traditional Oromo thanksgiving ceremony celebrated at the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the harvest season.   On the following day, Irreechaa Hora Arsedi, the Oromo thanksgiving festival, was celebrated colorfully in Bishoftu, drawing large crowds to the lakeside and public gathering places across the town. This year’s celebration was attended by various segments of society, including Aba Gadas and Hadha Sinqes, as well as cultural and community representatives. A Week That Signals a Broader Direction Taken together, the developments of the week reveal a country moving simultaneously on several strategic fronts. Economically, Ethiopia is deepening regional integration and seeking stronger links to East Africa’s emerging infrastructure and energy networks. Politically, the National Dialogue has entered its most consequential phase, with recommendations moving from national consultation into the hands of institutions responsible for implementation. On the Nile, Ethiopia has introduced a potentially new dimension to the longstanding dispute with Egypt by establishing a formal mechanism to assess alleged economic losses and foregone development opportunities. Diplomatically, Addis Ababa has demonstrated a willingness to take firm measures when it believes its national security and sovereign interests are being challenged, while maintaining that peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation remain its preferred course. As Ethiopia moves toward the formation of a new federal government following the 7th General Election, these developments point to a broader strategic direction: greater economic integration, stronger national institutions, a more assertive approach to Ethiopia’s water and development interests, and a determined effort to shape the future of the Horn of Africa from a position of greater confidence. The week was therefore more than a collection of separate political and economic events. It offered a glimpse into Ethiopia’s emerging posture, integrating where cooperation serves development, building consensus at home, defending its strategic interests and seeking a stronger voice in the affairs of the region.

By Temesgen Assefa October 4, 2026 (ENA) Over the week, Ethiopia took decisive action against Eritrea by closing its embassy in Asmara and declaring 10 Eritrean diplomats’ persona non grata. This move, announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a direct response to Eritrea's continued acts of hostility and belligerence against Ethiopia, which have posed a direct threat to Ethiopia's national security. The declaration of these diplomats as persona non grata, due to their involvement in activities breaching the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, highlights the serious nature of Eritrea's actions and Ethiopia's commitment to protecting its sovereignty. The Ethiopian government's decision to close its embassy in Asmara and expel Eritrean diplomats reflects its resolve to address the ongoing challenges posed by Eritrea's aggressive foreign policy. Despite these measures, Ethiopia has reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence, regional stability, and integration, underscoring its desire for a stable and secure Horn of Africa. The historical context of Eritrea's foreign policy, marked by militarization, territorial disputes, and proxy wars, has significantly contributed to the instability of the Horn of Africa. Eritrea's Legacy of Instability on the Horn of Africa Since separating in 1993, the Eritrean government has consistently pursued foreign and security policies that have contributed to the destabilization of the Horn of Africa. Over the decades, the ruling party has relied on heavy militarization, armed interventions, and proxy networks, resulting in a distinct pattern of regional conflict, political isolation, and persistent disregard for diplomatic norms. From direct military clashes with every neighboring country to strategic alliances with non-state armed groups, the post-independence trajectory of the nation has exerted a profound and enduring impact on the security landscape of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor. It seems that Eritrea's path under Isaias Afwerki to statehood fostered a national security doctrine centered on military bullying and geopolitical assertiveness. While early independence was met with international hopes that Asmara would emerge as a stable partner, the government quickly engaged in territorial disputes across its borders. In December 1995, Eritrean forces launched a military campaign against Yemen over the strategic Zukur-Hanish archipelago in the southern Red Sea. The crisis was eventually resolved through international arbitration under the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 1998. This pattern of border friction escalated dramatically when Eritrean forces invaded Badme and surrounding Ethiopian territories in May 1998, sparking a full-scale war that lasted until 2000. Initiated by this act of Eritrean aggression, the conflict caused massive military casualties, displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, and severely impacted the economies of both nations. The conflict has resulted in nearly two decades of militarized standoff. Furthermore, in June 2008, long-standing border frictions along the northern Djiboutian border erupted into direct military clashes over the strategic Ras Doumeira peninsula and Doumeira Island, requiring the deployment of peacekeeping forces in 2010 to monitor the buffer zone until their withdrawal in 2017. Beyond border skirmishes, the Eritrean leadership developed a broader regional strategy defined by proxy warfare and opposition support, aiming to project power and counter regional competitors. During the late 2000s, international monitoring revealed that Asmara was providing financial, political, and logistical backing to Somali insurgent factions fighting anti-insurgency forces and the Transitional Federal Government, including the Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia and Al-Shabaab. Designed primarily as a proxy counterweight against Ethiopia, these actions prompted the United Nations Security Council to pass Resolution 1907 in December 2009, imposing an international arms embargo, travel bans, and targeted asset freezes on Eritrea that remained active until late 2018. In addition to its actions in Somalia, Eritrea had previously severed diplomatic ties with Khartoum in the mid-1990s and openly hosted the National Democratic Alliance opposition coalition. Concurrently, during the Second Congo War from 1998 to 2003, Eritrea was reportedly involved in the conflict. Following the 2018 diplomatic rapprochement between Asmara and Addis Ababa, there was much hope that things would finally be resolved. However, as the adage goes, "old habits die hard," and the regime in Asmara has struggled to break free from its ingrained tendencies towards hostility. Despite the Pretoria Peace Agreement, the regime has reverted to its default mode of antagonism, reigniting tensions in the region. This regression to animosity raises questions about its sincerity in pursuing peace and underscores the need for sustained international engagement to encourage the regime to stay on the path of peace. Internally, Eritrea's foreign policy is closely linked to its domestic governance model. The regime maintains an indefinite national service program, strict state control of the domestic economy, and severe limits on civil liberties and press freedoms. This domestic climate has fueled high per-capita rates of outward migration, placing substantial humanitarian and administrative demands on neighboring host nations, including Sudan, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. Furthermore, the systematic diversion of national resources toward defense and military readiness has severely restricted private-sector growth, infrastructure investment, and human capital development within the country. The cumulative footprint of Eritrea's foreign interventions has hindered economic integration across the Intergovernmental Authority on Development bloc, interrupted much-needed trade with countries in the Horn, and heightened regional vulnerability to external geopolitical friction. The Way Forward Lasting stability in the region requires the transparent and legally binding settlement of disputed border sectors across the Horn, including outstanding points between Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. At the same time, regional and international humanitarian entities must address the demographic impact of displacement while encouraging domestic governance reforms, such as scaling back indefinite national service, to foster economic stability and reduce cross-border refugee pressure. Only through verified commitments to non-interference and collective security can the countries of the Horn of Africa construct a stable and prosperous future for their populations. According to data from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Africa's broader economy continues to show strong momentum, with Sub-Saharan Africa expanding at around 4 percent annually. Within the continent, East Africa stands out as the fastest-growing sub-region, routinely outstripping global averages with growth rates between 5 and 6 percent, anchored by major regional players like Ethiopia. Yet, while neighboring economies capitalize on expanding infrastructure, agricultural modernization, and dynamic trade networks, Eritrea remains stubbornly anchored in decades-old militarized politics. The central government's systemic malfunction—marked by heavy defense spending, isolationism, and mandatory indefinite conscription—has stifled private sector growth, crippled domestic output, and resulted in severe, persistent poverty for its population. By redirecting state resources away from regional destabilization and proxy conflicts toward domestic economic development, Eritrea could fundamentally alter its national trajectory. Unlocking its strategic Red Sea ports and integrating with the broader East African market, particularly through deep economic and logistical cooperation with Ethiopia—would be the only option for Asmara. Instead of remaining enticed by century-old rivalries and missing out on the massive economic boom reshaping the Horn of Africa, a peaceful and integrated Eritrea could leverage regional peace to build sustainable infrastructure, attract foreign investment, and secure a prosperous future for its people.

Addis Ababa, October 4, 2026 (ENA)— Preparations are underway to establish a new interim administration in the Tigray Region and pave the way for regional elections within a few months, Abraham Belay, former President of the Tigray Interim Administration, revealed. Speaking in an interview on current affairs, Abraham said the Federal Government is working to establish a new administrative structure that will enable the people of Tigray to govern themselves, helping to restore peace and stability to the region. Abraham noted that the Ethiopian National Defense Force is currently conducting operations to clear illegal armed forces from the region. Following these operations, new administrative structures will be organized from the kebele level upward with direct community participation. He further emphasized that preparations are accelerating to complete the transition quickly and hold regional elections within months. Abraham also called on all Ethiopians to support federal efforts to conclude the transitional phase and allow the people of Tigray to fully participate in national development. Addressing the broader security situation, he stated that both internal and external actors are attempting to destabilize Ethiopia. He specifically noted that Eritrean forces had participated in the conflict alongside the TPLF and other groups he characterized as "anti-peace forces." However, he asserted that national security institutions are decisively countering these threats through military discipline, advanced technological capabilities, and strong operational readiness. Furthermore, he highlighted growing local opposition to these destabilizing forces, stating that the people of Tigray have rejected destructive political paths.

Addis Ababa, October 4, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia, consistent with its sovereign right and water policy as well as international laws, is completing a big dam on Magech River for irrigation and water supply purposes, Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa told ENA. “It is shameful to hear Egyptian politicians say that Ethiopia should get consent from them to build dams that do not have significant harm on the country,” he added. Egyptian policymakers should revisit the history of the Aswan High Dam and consider whether Ethiopia was consulted before its construction. “If so, they should have consulted Ethiopia when they built Aswan Dam. But they didn’t.” Habtamu argued that the Nile cannot be treated as the exclusive preserve of downstream countries, stressing that Ethiopia, as an upstream riparian state, has the right to develop its water resources. Egypt’s continued insistence on prior consent reflects an outdated approach to Nile governance and a lingering reliance on arrangements established during the colonial era, the Minister stressed. “They say, ‘We belong to the Nile, the Nile belongs to us.’” the Minister said, adding that such a view overlooks the interests of Ethiopia’s population and the country’s contribution to the Nile system. The Minister also rejected the argument that Ethiopia’s water-development projects amount to “abstraction” of Abay (Nile) water, saying the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was primarily constructed for hydropower generation. Megech is also an indirect tributary of the Nile that causes no significant harm on Egyptians. “Ethiopia has the right to use irrigation as well,” he said, adding that the country would continue developing water infrastructure according to its national priorities. He cited the ongoing development of the Magech project as an example of Ethiopia’s exercise of its sovereign development rights. “Ethiopia is a sovereign country. We do have our system, we do have our policy, we do have our government,” Habtamu said. At the same time, the Minister stressed that Ethiopia’s position does not amount to hostility toward downstream populations. “We consider our brothers on the downstream side. Egyptians, and particularly Sudanese, are our brothers,” he said, adding that Ethiopia maintains close social, cultural and historical ties with Sudan and South Sudan. Ethiopia’s approach is therefore based on development alongside consideration for downstream countries, he noted, rejecting the “colonial mentality” and “hydro-hegemony.” The Minister also argued that opposition to Ethiopia's water-development projects has persisted for decades, including during different political periods in Ethiopia. Egypt had opposed Ethiopian water projects as far back as the 1950s and 1960s and linked such opposition to instability surrounding earlier development initiatives. Habtamu said Ethiopia’s response should be continued development rather than abandoning its water-development ambitions. “As the Minister of Water and Energy, and as a citizen and a professional, the only thing we do is keep developing, keep moving.” The Minister's remarks come amid Egyptian officials saying Ethiopia can’t build additional dam without their consent. For instance, the Ministry of Water and Energy recalled the recent statement of Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation suggesting that Ethiopians lack education, which is a manifestation of crude colonial mentality that defines Cairo’s policy in its relations with African states. Ethiopia maintains that it has a sovereign right to develop its water resources under the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization. ENA reported on October 3 that Habtamu also criticized the historical legacy of the Aswan High Dam, saying it was constructed without Ethiopia’s consent. The 1959 Nile Waters Agreement was concluded between Egypt and Sudan and provided for the allocation of Nile waters between the two countries, while Ethiopia was not a party to the agreement. Ethiopia has repeatedly challenged the relevance of arrangements that exclude upstream Nile Basin states and has asserted its right to equitable and reasonable utilization of the river. The remarks also follow Ethiopia’s announcement that it had established a national committee to assess economic losses and foregone development opportunities associated with more than 22 water projects that the government says were blocked or obstructed by Egypt.

Addis Ababa, October 3, 2026 (ENA)—Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives Tagesse Chafo has called for the effective implementation of the recommendations of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC), saying the outcomes of the national dialogue must be treated with utmost seriousness. Tagesse made the remarks today at a landmark ceremony where the ENDC formally handed over its consolidated agenda items and recommendations to the House of People’s Representatives, the House of Federation, 12 regional state administrations, and the Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa city administrations. Commending the 11 commissioners for their dedication and perseverance, the Speaker said the national dialogue marks an important step toward addressing Ethiopia’s longstanding differences through peaceful, inclusive and constructive consultation. He noted that while Ethiopia has a proud history of defending its sovereignty and independence, it has faced persistent challenges in resolving internal differences through dialogue and consensus. Competing historical narratives, political disagreements and economic divisions have contributed to recurring tensions and conflicts, Tagesse said, adding that the government has undertaken broad reforms to address these longstanding challenges. He described the establishment of the ENDC as a significant platform for bringing Ethiopians together to openly discuss their differences, build understanding and seek common ground. The Speaker also commended Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for the political commitment demonstrated in initiating reforms aimed at responding to longstanding public demands. Tagesse stressed that the completion of the national dialogue should not be seen as an end, but as the beginning of a sustained effort to translate its recommendations into concrete action. He assured participants that the legislative and executive branches will put in place strong follow-up and monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective implementation of the recommendations. Effective implementation, he said, will help strengthen peace, national stability and a shared foundation for Ethiopia’s future.

Addis Ababa, October 3, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopians have demonstrated that they can engage in civilized dialogue, bridge differences and build consensus around shared national concerns, Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) Professor Mesfin Araya said. Professor Mesfin made the remarks today as the ENDC formally handed over its consolidated agenda items and recommendations to the House of People’s Representatives, the Federal Government and Regional Governments.   The handover ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, senior federal and regional officials, members of the diplomatic community and representatives of international organizations. In his briefing, Professor Mesfin said the Commission, established under Proclamation No. 1265/2021, was mandated to help address Ethiopia’s longstanding historical grievances and differences through inclusive, peaceful and structured dialogue. Since its establishment, the Commission conducted a nationwide consultation across Ethiopia’s 12 regional states and the two city administrations of Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa, gathering more than 2,000 agenda submissions from citizens. The submissions were subsequently consolidated into eight major thematic areas to provide a framework for national dialogue and consensus-building. The process culminated in a national conference in Addis Ababa that brought together 4,000 delegates representing different sections of Ethiopian society, including women, youth, elders, religious leaders, political parties, members of the diaspora and persons with disabilities. According to Professor Mesfin, the conference demonstrated that Ethiopians with different views can come together, engage in respectful and constructive discussions, and identify common ground on issues of national importance.   He said the successful completion of the consultative and deliberative phase was made possible by broad public participation and political commitment, which he identified as the two key pillars of an effective national dialogue. The Commission has now submitted its consolidated recommendations to the House of People’s Representatives, the House of Federation, federal institutions, and the 12 regional and two city administrations for further consideration and action. Professor Mesfin stressed that implementation is now the critical next step, calling on responsible institutions at federal, regional and local levels to translate the recommendations into concrete policies and actions. He expressed appreciation to citizens, government institutions, civic organizations and other stakeholders for their contributions to the national dialogue process, emphasizing that its lasting impact will depend on sustained commitment to implementing its outcomes.

Addis Ababa, October 3, 2026 (ENA)—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced that the consolidated agenda items and recommendations that emerged from Ethiopia’s National Dialogue have been formally handed over to the House of People’s Representatives, the Federal Government, and Regional Governments. “I attended and oversaw the formal handover,” the Prime Minister shared on social media channels today, describing the development as an important milestone in the country’s National Dialogue process. The handover marks a transition from national deliberation to the institutional consideration of recommendations emerging from the dialogue, which brought together participants from diverse sections of Ethiopian society. The National Dialogue reached consensus across its eight thematic pillars before moving into the harmonization and consolidation of recommendations.   The process was designed to bring together differing perspectives on major national issues and build areas of common understanding. Prime Minister Abiy said the latest step reaffirms the commitment to addressing Ethiopia’s longstanding challenges through inclusive dialogue, peaceful deliberation and nationally owned solutions. The National Dialogue has been presented as an effort to address deep-rooted national questions through consensus-building rather than confrontation. Earlier, the Premier described the process as an opportunity to address longstanding political challenges and help forge a new, inclusive national social contract.   The Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference concluded in August after 40 days of deliberations involving 4,000 participants, with discussions covering various issues.

Addis Ababa, October 3, 2026 (ENA)—Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa underscored that the historical legacy of Egypt’s Aswan High Dam and its construction caused major social disruption while proceeding without Ethiopia’s consent. In a social media post early today, Minister Habtamu described the Aswan High Dam as one of Africa’s most consequential mega-dam projects, saying its construction displaced more than 100,000 Nubians and profoundly affected their communities, livelihoods and ancestral lands.   He argued that the history of the Aswan project should be considered in the current debate over Abay (Nile) development and Ethiopia’s right to utilize its water resources. “Ethiopia has a sovereign right to develop and utilize its Nile water resources based on the principle of equitable and reasonable utilization,” Habtamu said, rejecting calls for Ethiopia to obtain prior consent from downstream countries for its water-development projects. The Minister said Ethiopia had repeatedly called for consultation over Nile-water projects, while revealing that historical records from the 1950s documented Ethiopian objections to the lack of broader consultation surrounding the Aswan project and earlier Nile-water arrangements. Against this historical backdrop, Habtamu said the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is governed by a more recent regional framework — the 2015 Declaration of Principles (DoP) signed by Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt. “Before criticizing Ethiopia, Egypt should explain why it built the Aswan High Dam without Ethiopian consent,” Habtamu said, linking the historical experience of the Aswan project to the contemporary debate over the GERD.   He further stated that Egypt’s historical record weakens its criticism of Ethiopia solely on the grounds of downstream consultation, pointing to the displacement of Nubian communities associated with the Aswan project. “Egypt’s historical record gives it NO moral basis for criticizing Ethiopia solely on the grounds of downstream consultation, because in 1950’s Ethiopia itself formally objected to the lack of consultation over the Aswan High Dam and earlier Nile-water arrangements, while the Aswan project caused large-scale displacement of Nubian communities,” he elaborated.   The GERD, by contrast, was addressed through the 2015 Declaration of Principles signed by Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt, Minister Habtamu said.

  Addis Ababa, October 2, 2026 (ENA)—Egypt has been attempting to hinder Ethiopia's integrationist role in the region and to obstruct its development, fearing that these might pull the rug out from under its feet, Abdulshakur Abdulsamad, a Senior Researcher at the Center for Strategic Studies and Regional Integration Initiative said. Egypt mistakenly believes that Ethiopia's continuous accelerated pace of development and growth is ominous for its growth, he added. This fear is flawed, the senior researcher stressed. Instead "looking at the matter through the lens of integrated development, cooperation, and partnership saves a great deal of effort and time as it helps harness joint action to achieve mutual benefits and interests for all." According to Abdulshakur, Ethiopia's lack of access to the sea has adversely affected the entire integrated system, which could have fostered and supported regional security and stability in the area. "Before 1993, when Ethiopian naval forces were present in this region, there were no manifestations of piracy, nor was there any maritime tension. Any observer of security and military affairs recognizes the real role played by the Ethiopian Navy in maintaining security and stability in the region," he elaborated. For the senior researcher, Ethiopia's presence at the sea serves as a safety valve and is a genuine guarantee for security and stability, in partnership with the countries of the region. "This direction is reaffirmed by the recent UN-sponsored meeting in Nairobi, which brought together Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and Yemen to discuss ways to develop this aspect as one of the messages promoting the path," he stated. Abdulshakur argued that the evidence from the past three decades in the Gulf of Aden, Bab al-Mandab, and the Red Sea shows that the escalation of piracy operations did not begin until after Ethiopia became a landlocked nation. "Today, regional and international requirements dictate that Ethiopia be a primary partner in maintaining maritime security and stability," he said. The senior researcher further noted that for Ethiopia a sea outlet is tantamount to the lung through which it breathes. ''It is an indispensable economic, security, and developmental necessity. Added to this is the geopolitical weight represented by Ethiopia as the second most populous nation in Africa, and its economy being one of the strongest developing economies on the continent,"Abdulshakur underscored. He concluded that Ethiopia's significant development growth achieved over the past decades, along with its regional importance and in alignment and consistent with its vision based on shared growth and regional integration with neighboring countries, warrants a sea outlet.

Addis Ababa, October 1, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia has declared an Egyptian diplomatic staff member persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 48 hours. Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally notified the Egyptian Embassy in Addis Ababa that Ahmed Moharam Ahmed Soliman, a member of Egypt’s diplomatic staff, has been declared persona non grata, the ministry said in a statement. “In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the Ministry hereby notifies the Embassy that Ahmed Moharam Ahmed Soliman has been declared persona non grata. The Ministry expects the Embassy's diplomatic staff member to leave Ethiopia within Forty-Eight (48) hours from the date of this notification.” The ministry said the decision was taken in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the international framework governing diplomatic relations between states. According to the notification, the Egyptian diplomat is going to leave Ethiopia within 48 hours of the date of the communication. The statement added that: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Addis Ababa the assurances of its highest consideration.”

Staff Writer October 1, 2026 (ENA) From the ballot box to a new government, Ethiopia enters a defining chapter of its democratic journey Ethiopia is moving into a decisive new chapter of its political journey, with the country’s federal government set to be formed following the conclusion of the 7th General Election and the establishment of newly elected regional and city councils. The transition marks a critical moment for Africa’s second-most populous nation, not simply because a new administration is taking shape, but because the country is seeking to translate an enormous electoral exercise into functioning institutions, political representation and a renewed national mandate. On October 5, 2026, Ethiopia is scheduled to inaugurate the newly elected House of People’s Representatives and formally establish the new federal government, completing the constitutional process that followed the June 1 general election. The date represents more than the opening of a new parliamentary term. It is the point at which the ballot box gives way to governance, as elected representatives assume responsibility for translating electoral mandates into policies, laws and public institutions. The 7th General Election was conducted on a scale rarely seen in Ethiopia’s history. More than 54 million citizens registered to vote, while 51.7 million cast ballots, according to the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). Forty-two political parties fielded 10,438 candidates, alongside 80 independent candidates, in an electoral process that extended across the country. For Ethiopia, the significance of the moment lies not only in the numbers. It lies in what comes next. From Ballots to Institutions The election has now moved beyond campaigning and voting. Its results are being translated into institutional authority. The Prosperity Party secured 438 of the 501 House of Peoples’ Representatives seats for which results were announced, giving it the parliamentary majority required under Ethiopia’s constitutional system to form the federal executive. The result gives the incoming government a clear parliamentary mandate. But the next chapter will ultimately be measured not by the size of the electoral victory, but by how that mandate is converted into effective governance. That responsibility comes at a consequential time. Ethiopia is simultaneously navigating economic reform, national dialogue, peacebuilding, institutional reform, regional diplomacy and an ambitious development agenda. The new administration will therefore inherit not merely the authority to govern, but a broad set of expectations from citizens, businesses, political actors and international partners. The transition from electioneering to governing will be the real test of the country's institutions. Regional Governments Already Taking Shape The federal transition is being preceded by developments at the regional and city levels.Regional councils have begun constituting their governments and electing their chief administrators, providing the institutional foundation for the next phase of governance. In Addis Ababa, the city council unanimously reappointed Adanech Abiebie as mayor on September 30, giving her another term to lead the capital’s administration. The council cited infrastructure development, administrative reforms and citizen-focused services among the areas of her previous tenure. The developments across the regions and the capital demonstrate that Ethiopia's post-election transition is unfolding through multiple layers of its federal structure rather than through a single event in Addis Ababa. This gradual process—from regional councils to the federal parliament—also underscores the constitutional architecture through which political authority is organized in the country. A Constitutional Transfer of Political Authority Ethiopia's Constitution places the House of People’s Representatives at the center of federal legislative authority and provides the constitutional basis for forming the executive following parliamentary elections. Article 56 provides that the political party or coalition holding a majority in the House forms and leads the federal executive. The election result has therefore established the parliamentary basis for the formation of the next government. The significance of October 5 consequently extends beyond ceremony. It represents the institutional point at which the outcome of the June election becomes a new governing arrangement. For a country with Ethiopia's political complexity, maintaining constitutional continuity during this transition carries particular importance. The election attracted significant continental attention, with the African Union deploying an election observation mission led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta. The AU subsequently commended the June 1 election, describing it as an important step in Ethiopia’s democratic evolution and recognizing the role of the National Election Board in administering the process. But the AU’s engagement went beyond election monitoring. As the host of the African Union headquarters and a country with a central diplomatic role on the continent, Ethiopia’s political developments carry significance well beyond its borders. As former President Kenyatta noted ahead of the vote, Ethiopia’s election held importance for the wider African continent. That continental attention now turns to what comes next: the peaceful translation of an electoral mandate into constitutional government. With the new House of Peoples’ Representatives set to open and the federal government to be formed on October 5, Ethiopia is approaching a defining moment. One is that will demonstrate whether electoral competition can be followed by orderly constitutional governance, institutional continuity and a peaceful political transition. Representation Beyond the Winning Party The parliamentary majority gives the Prosperity Party the constitutional basis to form the federal government. At the same time, the presence of opposition representatives in federal and regional legislatures means that Ethiopia's political institutions will continue to contain competing political voices. That matters because democracy does not end when the ballots are counted. The post-election parliament becomes the arena in which competing priorities, interests and political perspectives are translated into legislative debate, scrutiny and public policy. For opposition parties, elected representatives and independent voices, the new parliamentary term provides an institutional platform through which they can represent their constituencies and engage in the country's political process. For the governing party, the parliamentary majority brings the corresponding responsibility of translating its mandate into effective administration and public accountability. The Bigger Test: Turning Political Transition into Peace Perhaps the most important question for Ethiopia now is the new political cycle can help deepen peace and institutional stability. Ethiopia's political history has repeatedly demonstrated the cost of unresolved political disputes. The country's current national dialogue and reconciliation efforts are therefore taking place alongside the formation of the new government. The government has repeatedly presented dialogue, reconciliation and constitutional institutions as important instruments for addressing national challenges. The National Dialogue process has also sought to gather views on longstanding political and social issues across the country. The new government will therefore enter office with expectations extending well beyond economic management. Citizens will look to institutions to deliver security, justice, economic opportunity, public services and accountable governance. Political parties will be expected to compete through institutions rather than confrontation. And the international community will watch how Ethiopia's democratic institutions evolve during the new five-year political cycle. A New Chapter, Not an Ending The formation of a new government is often treated as the conclusion of an election. For Ethiopia, it is better understood as the beginning of the more demanding phase.The ballot has expressed a political choice. The councils are being organized. The federal parliament is preparing to open. The constitutional machinery is moving toward the installation of a new executive. Now comes governance. The coming political term will test whether electoral participation can be converted into stronger institutions; whether political competition can coexist with national dialogue; whether constitutional mechanisms can provide space for disagreement without returning the country to confrontation; and whether the enormous expectations generated by Ethiopia's development ambitions can be matched by institutional capacity. Ethiopia is entering this new chapter with the political authority produced by its seventh general election and with institutions that must now carry that mandate into everyday governance. The country’s democratic journey, therefore, does not end with the announcement of results or the swearing-in of a new government. It moves from the ballot box to the institution, from political competition to public responsibility, and from electoral mandate to the harder work of building peace, prosperity and accountable governance. That is the next chapter Ethiopia is preparing to write.

Addis Ababa, October 1, 2026 (ENA)—Ethiopia has decided to close its Embassy in Asmara, Eritrea, and declared 10 Eritrean diplomats in Addis Ababa persona non grata and ordered them to leave the country within 48 hours. In a statement issued today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision was taken in response to Eritrea’s direct and indirect acts of hostility and belligerence against Ethiopia. It added that ten Eritrean diplomats were declared persona non grata for their involvement in activities that pose a direct threat to Ethiopia’s national security, in breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The diplomats are given 48 hours to leave Ethiopia. The Ministry urged the Eritrean government to cease acts contrary to the principles governing relations between sovereign states. Despite the measures, it said Ethiopia continues to value its historical, cultural and people-to-people ties with Eritrea and remains committed to peaceful coexistence, regional stability and integration. The Ministry also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and cooperation with countries in the Horn of Africa to advance lasting peace, security and regional integration.  

Addis Ababa, October 1, 2026 (ENA)— The Office of the Prime Minister stated that Ethiopia has recorded significant developments in logistics, housing, regional infrastructure and diplomatic engagement during September 2026. According to the social media post by the Office of the Prime Minister , Ethiopia registered a range of infrastructure, economic, diplomatic and administrative developments in September 2026, with major activities led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. On the eve of the Ethiopian New Year, PM Abiy inaugurated the first phase of the expansion of the Mojo Modern Logistics Hub. Built on 60 hectares of land, the expansion includes modern terminals and warehouses capable of handling up to one million 20-foot containers annually. The project demonstrates Ethiopia’s progress toward the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), according to the Office of the Prime Minister. In September, the Prime Minister also witnessed the signing of a framework agreement between the National Bank of Ethiopia and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for the establishment of Ethiopia’s first specialized mortgage refinancing company. The partnership is aimed at supporting the construction of 1.5 million homes that are affordable and uphold citizens’ dignity, while encouraging private-sector participation. On the diplomatic front, PM Abiy participated in the 18th BRICS Leaders Summit hosted by India. On the sidelines of the summit, he held discussions on bilateral cooperation with leaders of India, Russia, China, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Vietnam. The summit also supported Ethiopia’s preparations for COP32 and its bid to accede to the World Trade Organization. It further unanimously welcomed Ethiopia, endorsed by the African Union, as Africa’s sole candidate for representation at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). During the month, PM Abiy made an official working visit to Djibouti, where he joined Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh and Aliko Dangote to inaugurate and launch the Dewele-Damerjog Refined Petroleum Products Pipeline Project. The approximately 120-kilometer pipeline connects Damerjog in Djibouti with Dewele in Ethiopia, linking marine fuel receiving and coastal storage facilities with domestic storage and distribution facilities and establishing an integrated fuel logistics system. At the end of September, PM Abiy also attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lamu Oil Refinery in Kenya. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony attended by African Heads of State and Government, he described the project as a significant step toward strengthening energy security and advancing regional economic integration in East Africa. The refinery will provide Ethiopia with an additional regional source of refined petroleum, broadening its supply options while creating new opportunities for trade and investment. The month also marked the conclusion of the 2026 Green Legacy Initiative under the theme “Let Us Plant Hope.” PM Abiy and First Lady Zinash Tayachew participated in a tree-planting program alongside senior government officials. In connection with the New Ethiopia Year and the holiday he presented holiday gifts to staff of the Office of the Prime Minister, and donated educational materials to children being raised in the Office’s care and participated in a meal-sharing program with the First Lady.

Addis Ababa, October 1, 2026 (ENA)— Ethiopia has established a national committee to assess economic losses and foregone development opportunities linked to water projects that have been “blocked or obstructed by Egyptians” over the Nile River, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa announced. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Habtamu said the committee has so far identified more than 22 development projects, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), that Ethiopia were obstructed by Egypt. “We have established a national committee. And as a {committee}, we counted more than 22 projects that have been blocked or obstructed by Egyptians, including the GERD project,” the Minister disclosed. Ethiopia’s longstanding concerns over Nile Basin development inequalities are gaining growing scholarly support, strengthening its case for redress over historical economic losses and foregone development opportunities. In that regard, Minister Habtamu said the newly established committee is compiling evidence on the projects and examining the basis for Ethiopia’s compensation claims. The assessment involves experts, former ministers, advisers and legal professionals who are examining the scale of the losses and possible approaches for addressing them, he pointed out. “We are already collecting the evidence. We have documented as many of the projects as possible that they (Egyptians) opposed, including the GERD, over which they even attempted to threaten Ethiopia, to say as if they have a giant military power and then come to exercise something, which is really a crime in front of the international community,” Habtamu stated. Habtamu further elaborated that the review will consider not only projects that were prevented from being implemented, but also Ethiopia’s environmental conservation efforts and the benefits its water-management infrastructure provides downstream. He cited the Green Legacy Initiative, under which more than 50 billion trees have reportedly been planted, noting that substantial activities have taken place in major river basins, including the Baro, Abay and Tekeze. Habtamu said this conservation efforts should be considered in assessing Ethiopia’s contribution to protecting water resources and addressing climate-related impacts across the Nile Basin. He also highlighted the GERD’s potential role in regulating river flows, saying its operation could help reduce downstream flooding and maintain water availability during periods of lower rainfall. The Minister pointed to current El Niño-related rainfall conditions as an example of the importance of coordinated water management, saying flow regulation could provide benefits to downstream countries, including Sudan and Egypt. Outlining possible scenarios for securing compensation, the Minister said Ethiopia’s approach would have clear milestones, with negotiation and mutual understanding as the preferred option, while other scenarios would involve Ethiopia taking further action.

Addis Ababa, September 30, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrives in Kenya this morning ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony for the multibillion-dollar Lamu Petroleum Refinery. The project, backed by the Dangote Group, represents a major expansion of regional energy infrastructure in East Africa. Situated along the strategic Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) corridor, the facility is designed to process crude oil and supply refined petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel, across neighboring markets. Once operational, the refinery will strengthen energy security and deepen trade links across East Africa.

Addis Ababa, September 30, 2026 (ENA) — The Addis Ababa City Council has unanimously reappointed Adanech Abiebie as Mayor of Addis Ababa, entrusting her with another term to lead the administration of the capital. The decision was made during the Council’s fourth session, held at the Adwa Victory Memorial, where members cited Adanech’s leadership, commitment and administrative performance in advancing major infrastructure projects, reforming the city’s working culture and expanding citizen-centered services. Council members also highlighted her extensive administrative experience at regional and federal levels, which began with her work as an educator in the Oromia region before she assumed various leadership responsibilities in federal institutions. In assessing her previous tenure, the Council pointed to the transformation of Addis Ababa’s urban landscape, including major public infrastructure and urban development initiatives, as among the key areas of her administration’s performance. Following her unanimous reappointment, Adanech took the oath of office before the Council, formally beginning another term at the helm of the city administration. In her inaugural address, Mayor Adanech said public office should be viewed as a responsibility to citizens rather than an avenue for personal benefit. She pledged to maintain a firm stance against corruption and illicit market practices. She said the performance of the city administration would ultimately be judged by improvements in residents’ everyday lives—including efforts to ease the cost of living, expand employment opportunities for young people, improve public services and address housing, healthcare and infrastructure needs—rather than by statistical reports alone. Adanech also outlined plans to accelerate the implementation of the Digital Ethiopia 2030 vision in Addis Ababa by expanding digital public services and reducing bureaucratic barriers. She further pledged to tackle market manipulation and the role of illegal brokers, while promoting measures aimed at improving market stability and protecting consumers. On economic inclusion, the Mayor said her administration would seek to reduce dependence on aid by supporting micro and small enterprises and creating greater economic opportunities for young people and women.

Addis Ababa, September 29, 2026 (ENA) —Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Tibor Nagy sharply criticized Eritrea’s leadership and the conditions facing its population, describing the country as an unstable neighbor in the region. In his recent interview with Pulse of Africa, Nagy said Eritrea has had conflicts with all of its neighbors, including Yemen across the Red Sea. He described President Isaias Afwerki as a dictator, saying, “I have called him a dictator because I believe he is a dictator.” According to Nagy, Eritrea has no constitution, has never held elections, and maintains what he described as “national service for eternity.” He also pointed to the large proportion of the population that has fled the country and the burden placed on those who remain. Nagy said Eritreans face an “unbearable burden” and criticized the country’s quality of life, citing the lack of internet access and other forms of isolation. He recalled visiting Eritrea and finding that people could not use credit cards and that the country was significantly behind in areas he considered essential to modern life. Referring to Isaias Afwerki, he said, “Isaias is now holding Eritrea back instead of taking it forward.” Nagy also criticized what he described as imprisonment without trial or charges and extensive human-rights abuses, calling the situation “a tragedy” and “an absolute tragedy.”

Addis Ababa, September 29, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed Somali President Sheikh Hassan Mohamud at Bole International Airport this morning. The two leaders are expected to discuss on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest, ENA learned.

Addis Ababa, September 28, 2026 (ENA) —President Taye Atske Selassie held talks with Ambassador Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the European Union, and Annette Weber, EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, on a wide range of regional issues, with a focus on peace and security and economic development. The discussions addressed key regional developments and opportunities for strengthening cooperation in support of peace, stability and sustainable economic development in the Horn of Africa. The talks underscore the importance of continued Ethiopia-EU engagement on regional and economic priorities, as both sides seek to deepen cooperation on issues of mutual interest, the President posted on X.