Addis Ababa, August 12, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has been selected to host the upcoming African Mayoral Leadership Initiative (AMALI) Leadership Forum this October in Addis Ababa and Bishoftu. The announcement follows high-level discussions between Chaltu Sani, Ethiopia's Minister of Urban and Infrastructure, and Jennifer Comalie, Executive Director of AMALI. The two leaders met to discuss the forum’s overall significance, long-term impact, and the ongoing sustainability of the initiative. Minister Chaltu noted that over the past four years, the initiative has played a pivotal role in strengthening leadership capacity and driving transformative change across Ethiopian cities. The initiative has primarily contributed to strengthening mayoral leadership and creating a lasting legacy, advancing urban digitalization and data management, and helping cities enhance domestic revenue mobilization and build greater self-reliance, she noted. The minister further expressed that the ministry is working with a strong focus and commitment to ensure the success of the upcoming forum. The forum will bring together mayors and city leaders from across Africa. Addis Ababa previously hosted the AMALI City Leadership Reunion on October 5 and 6, 2023. AMALI seeks to accelerate the transformation of African cities by providing tailored leadership support, fostering peer learning and strengthening the capacity of city leaders to address urban challenges.

By Yordanos D. August 12, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia is approaching one of the most defining moments in its modern political history. After decades marked by political polarization, recurring conflicts, constitutional disagreements and competing national narratives, the country is embarking on one of its most ambitious efforts to address fundamental political and social questions through dialogue rather than confrontation. The ongoing Ethiopian National Dialogue represents an attempt to create a nationally owned platform where citizens from diverse political, ethnic, religious and social backgrounds can openly discuss issues that have shaped the country’s political landscape and collectively seek solutions based on consensus, mutual understanding and peaceful engagement. Beyond being a political consultation process, the National Dialogue carries broader significance for Ethiopia’s future. It is expected to provide an opportunity to rebuild public trust, strengthen democratic institutions, promote reconciliation and establish a culture where disagreements are managed through dialogue, compromise and constitutional mechanisms rather than through conflict. The importance of the process lies not only in the issues it addresses but also in the approach it introduces. In a country where political disagreements have often resulted in instability and violence, the National Dialogue seeks to create a new framework for resolving differences through inclusive participation and shared responsibility.   Inception The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) doesn’t emerge out of the blue. There was a long-lasting question among the entire public, many described it as “National Consensus”. However, attention was not given to it before the government change that took in the 2018. Being recognizant of such demands and other critical issues that have been leading Ethiopians to conflict, the government decided to let Ethiopians to come together round a table and discuss major national challenges and resolve them for good. As a result, the Ethiopian National Dialogue commission (ENDC) was established under Proclamation No. 1265/2021 as an independent and impartial federal institution accountable to the House of Peoples’ Representatives. The establishment of the Commission followed years of political uncertainty, armed conflicts, constitutional disputes and disagreements among political actors and communities over fundamental questions related to Ethiopia’s identity, governance system, federal arrangement, historical interpretation and state building process. For decades, these unresolved questions have influenced political competition and contributed to recurring tensions across the country. Different groups have developed competing perspectives on issues such as national identity, political representation, administrative structures and the relationship between the federal government and regional states. Recognizing that these complex issues could not be sustainably addressed through political competition, security measures or isolated reforms, the Ethiopian Parliament established the National Dialogue Commission to facilitate a comprehensive national conversation aimed at identifying common ground and building consensus. The Commission operates based on principles of inclusivity, transparency, impartiality, credibility, mutual respect, democracy, national interest, rule of law and recognition of Ethiopia’s indigenous traditions of conflict resolution. Its mandate includes identifying the root causes of national disagreements, collecting agenda items from citizens, organizing consultations at different administrative levels, facilitating discussions among stakeholders, documenting recommendations and supporting the implementation of agreed outcomes.   Consultation Process and Progress One of the defining characteristics of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue is its emphasis on broad public participation. Unlike political initiatives that have historically been limited to government institutions or political elites, the process has been designed to involve communities across the country and provide space for diverse voices. The agenda collection process has reached communities from the woreda level to regional and federal platforms, allowing citizens to identify issues they consider central to Ethiopia’s future. Ethiopians living abroad have also been included through diaspora consultations aimed at ensuring that perspectives from outside the country contribute to the national conversation. The process has sought participation from a wide range of social groups, including political parties, civil society organizations, religious institutions, women and youth associations, professional groups, universities, business communities, media organizations, traditional leaders, elders, persons with disabilities and internally displaced people. To support this extensive consultation process, the Commission has trained thousands of facilitators and collaborators responsible for organizing discussions, gathering public concerns and supporting participant selection. The emphasis on inclusion reflects the understanding that the credibility of the National Dialogue depends on whether citizens across different regions and social backgrounds believe their concerns are represented. Special attention has been given to communities that have historically experienced limited participation in national decision making, including rural populations, pastoralist communities, women, youth and conflict affected groups. Following extensive consultations across the country, the National Dialogue process is entering a decisive phase through the planned National Dialogue Conference. The conference represents the central stage where representatives from different sectors of Ethiopian society will engage in structured discussions on issues identified through previous consultations.   The conference has brought together thousands of participants representing regional states, federal institutions, political organizations, civil society groups, religious institutions, professional associations, youth, women, elders and members of the Ethiopian diaspora. The scale of participation reflects the ambition of the process. Rather than being a negotiation among political elites, the conference seeks to become a national platform where diverse groups can deliberate on issues affecting the country’s political future. Participants are now discussing major areas of national concern, including state building and national identity, constitutional and federal arrangements, rule of law and human rights, peacebuilding and reconciliation, socioeconomic development and good governance. The structure of the conference is designed to encourage meaningful discussion rather than simple political debate. Participants will engage through smaller discussion forums before moving into broader sessions where ideas and recommendations can be consolidated. This approach is intended to allow participants to examine complex issues carefully, identify areas of agreement and disagreement, and develop recommendations based on collective deliberation. The Commission has indicated that recommendations emerging from the conference will undergo further review before being incorporated into its final report. These recommendations could provide guidance for future policy reforms, legislative measures and possible constitutional adjustments. An important feature of the process is the principle that all participants will engage as equals. Government officials, political representatives, academics, military officers, religious leaders, business figures, traditional elders and ordinary citizens are expected to participate without institutional privilege. This approach is intended to encourage open discussion and create an environment where different perspectives can be expressed freely. Addressing Criticval National Questions At the heart of the National Dialogue are some of Ethiopia’s most complex and long-standing questions. The country’s history, identity, political structure and governance system have been interpreted differently by various groups. These competing perspectives have shaped political movements and contributed to tensions over issues such as federalism, national identity, resource distribution and representation. The National Dialogue provides an opportunity to address these issues through peaceful discussion rather than through political confrontation. Participants are expected to explore questions related to constitutional reform, democratic governance, electoral systems, institutional accountability, protection of rights and mechanisms for resolving disputes peacefully. The objective of the dialogue is not necessarily to eliminate all disagreements, as differences are natural in a diverse society. Instead, the goal is to establish a shared framework where disagreements can be managed through democratic institutions and peaceful processes. Peacebuilding Via National Reconciliation Peacebuilding remains one of the most important expectations surrounding the National Dialogue. Years of conflict have resulted in loss of life, displacement, economic disruption and deep social divisions in different parts of Ethiopia. These experiences have created a need for mechanisms that can address grievances, rebuild trust and promote reconciliation among communities. The National Dialogue could contribute to peace by creating opportunities for groups with different experiences and perspectives to engage directly and seek common understanding. The process is also expected to complement transitional justice efforts by supporting discussions around accountability, truth seeking, reconciliation, reparations, institutional reform and national healing. A successful dialogue could help reduce political polarization by encouraging competing groups to pursue solutions through negotiation and democratic engagement rather than violence. Strengthening Democracy Another major expectation of the National Dialogue is the strengthening of Ethiopia’s democratic institutions. Democracy depends not only on elections but also on the ability of institutions to manage disagreements, protect rights and ensure that citizens have confidence in the political system.   If the dialogue produces widely accepted recommendations, it could contribute to stronger institutions, improved accountability and greater public trust in government structures. The process could also support efforts to strengthen institutions such as the judiciary, electoral bodies and law enforcement agencies, which play essential roles in ensuring political stability and protecting citizens’ rights. Through inclusive participation and consensus building, the National Dialogue has the potential to create conditions for more peaceful political competition and stronger democratic governance. Economic Opportunities through Political Stability Political stability remains one of the most important foundations for Ethiopia’s economic transformation. If the National Dialogue succeeds in reducing uncertainty and strengthening peace, it could improve investor confidence, encourage economic activity and create better conditions for reconstruction and development in conflict affected areas. Resources previously directed toward managing conflicts could increasingly support national priorities such as education, healthcare, infrastructure development, agricultural modernization, industrial growth and employment creation. A more stable political environment would strengthen Ethiopia’s ability to attract investment, expand trade and improve its position as one of Africa’s major emerging economies. The experience demonstrates that peace and development are deeply connected. Sustainable economic progress requires political stability, strong institutions and public confidence. Regional, Continental Significance The importance of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue extends beyond the country’s borders. As the diplomatic center of Africa and the host of major continental institutions, Ethiopia plays a significant role in regional peace, security and economic cooperation. A more peaceful and stable Ethiopia would contribute to broader stability in the Horn of Africa by supporting regional trade, infrastructure connectivity, migration management and diplomatic cooperation. The process could also provide valuable lessons for other African countries facing political divisions, constitutional disputes and post conflict challenges. If successful, Ethiopia’s experience could demonstrate the potential of nationally owned dialogue processes as tools for resolving complex political challenges and strengthening democratic transitions.   A Defining Moment for Ethiopia In a nutshell, the Ethiopian National Dialogue represents one of the country’s most comprehensive efforts to address political, constitutional and social disagreements through peaceful consultation. Its success will depend not only on the discussions themselves but also on whether recommendations are translated into meaningful reforms and whether stakeholders remain committed to implementing agreed outcomes. If broad consensus is achieved and reforms are carried forward, the dialogue could become a historic turning point for Ethiopia, creating stronger institutions, deeper reconciliation and a more inclusive political environment. For Ethiopia, the process represents an opportunity to move beyond cycles of confrontation and establish a culture of dialogue, compromise and shared responsibility. For Africa, it could become an important example of how inclusive national consultation can contribute to peace, democratic renewal and sustainable development. Ultimately, the National Dialogue is not only about resolving today’s disagreements. It is about determining whether Ethiopia can transform its diversity and differences into a foundation for cooperation, stability and a shared national future.

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2026 (ENA) —Four working groups participating in Ethiopia’s ongoing national dialogue have reached consensus on recommendations developed through deliberations on four agenda pillars, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) announced. The working groups, each comprising 500 participants, have been deliberating on eight agenda areas identified by the ENDC Council. The national dialogue conference, which began on July 15, 2026, is being conducted through separate working groups, with each 500-member group assigned to deliberate on one of the eight agenda pillars. According to a social media post by the Commission, the working group deliberating on Religious Affairs and the group discussing Peacebuilding reached consensus on their respective compiled recommendations on August 11. The participants confirmed their agreement by signing the minutes prepared after their deliberations. On the same day, two other working groups also reached consensus on their recommendations. The first group, which deliberated on Structure and Form of Government, agreed on its compiled recommendations and signed the relevant minutes. The working group deliberating on Anti-Corruption and Good Governance likewise reached consensus on its recommendations and signed the prepared minutes. The Commission said participants deliberating on the remaining agenda areas are expected to consolidate their recommendations and reach agreement through the same process in the coming days. The ongoing deliberations constitute a key stage in the national dialogue process, as participants from the respective working groups examine issues identified for discussion, consolidate their views, and formulate recommendations through an organized deliberative process. The recommendations emerging from the working groups are expected to form part of the outcomes of the national dialogue process as the Commission proceeds with deliberations on the remaining agenda areas.

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2026 (ENA) —Nearly 30 African countries have visited the MESOB, a digital and physical one-stop public service platform that integrates multiple federal and regional government agencies under a single roof experience, Zerihun Abebe, African Affairs Director-General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. According to the Director-General, MESOB is one of the experiences Ethiopia is sharing with African partners as part of its Pan-African approach.   Ethiopia developed the platform while also drawing lessons from African countries, including Kenya and Rwanda, he added. “We are giving back to Africa what we have developed. We are simply sharing our experience and also telling them that this is something driven by Africans. This is from Africa and for Africans,” the Director-General said. African resident ambassadors who visited the MESOB platform yesterday have praised the one-stop government service center, describing it as an experience that could be emulated by other African countries. Visiting a center at the MESOB headquarters, they were able to see Ethiopia’s approach to providing government services through integrated physical, mobile and digital platforms. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Rwanda's Ambassador Charles Karamba said MESOB provides convenient and accessible services to citizens and demonstrates the importance of governments using technology to improve public service delivery.   “What is special about MESOB Center is that it comes to provide very good and easy services to Ethiopian people,” the Ambassador said. He noted that the center’s service model could help reduce corruption by minimizing unnecessary contact between service providers and citizens. “Corruption is a cancer and corruption delays development,” the Ambassador said, adding that reducing direct contact between service providers and citizens seeking services can help reduce opportunities for corruption.   Ambassador Karamba also stated that MESOB provides convenient and accessible services to citizens and demonstrates the importance of governments using technology to improve public service delivery. Further noting MESOB’s physical, mobile and digital service channels for making it possible to reach citizens who may not be able to visit the center in person, the Rwandan ambassador called for greater technology and knowledge sharing among African countries. For his part, Namibia’s Ambassador Mbapeua Muvangua described MESOB as an impressive model that Namibia could learn from.   “I am very much impressed. It is something to emulate,” he said. He recalled that a Namibian delegation visited Ethiopia last year for benchmarking and said the country could invite Ethiopian experts to support the establishment of a service center tailored to Namibia’s population. Ambassador Muvangua said the speed of service delivery, particularly passport services, was among the aspects that impressed him most. “The technology that you use, we need to learn a lot from you and really be able to implement with your assistance,” he added. Ambassador Muvangua stressed the importance of sharing technical knowledge among African countries, saying countries could learn from others that have advanced in particular areas.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —Residents of Addis Ababa have expressed their hopes that the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference will build a consensus that strengthens unity and accelerates economic growth. Ethiopia's historic National Dialogue commenced on July 15, 2026 with 4,000 representatives engaged in participatory dialogue to reach consensus on eight major agenda pillars. The residents told ENA that they believe the dialogue process is a crucial pathway to achieving lasting peace by fostering consensus among Ethiopians. They stated having great expectations that the process will create a shared understanding to solidify national unity, establish sustainable peace, and enhance economic growth. A resident of the capital, Robel Birhanu, told ENA that national dialogue is a viable and civilized approach to building consensus among citizens. Coming together under one roof to deliberate on national challenges is an essential step toward forming consensus on fundamental issues, he underscored. According to Robel, this will contribute significantly to driving stable development efforts that build the country's economic potential by fostering political agreement. He expressed hope that the National Dialogue Conference will generate positive proposals that build consensus, reinforce unity, and bolster economic growth. The other resident, Haile Alemayehu, said citizens coming together to initiate dialogue and build consensus on shared issues is a major achievement in itself. Haile further voiced his conviction that following this historic platform, Ethiopia will build a consensus that accelerates economic growth and realize its potential as a leading nation in Africa. For his part, Yadeta Gudeta shared his belief that the inclusive nature of the conference gives him hope that it will build common understanding among citizens and further strengthen unity. Another resident, Almaz Tamirat, described the conference as a shared platform laying a foundation for an Ethiopia where strong mutual understanding prevails among its people. Similarly, Aschalew Berga noted that the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference is a vital platform for building agreement on key national issues. Finally, Geremew Debebe expressed his trust that the outcomes of the national dialogue will build a consensus that ensures lasting peace and accelerates economic growth for all Ethiopians.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —House of People’s Representatives (HPR) Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee members and a Saudi Arabia tour operators delegation have held discussion today. During the meeting, the Standing Committee Chairperson Dima Nogo said Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia share long-standing historical ties across various spheres, adding that the relation between the two countries in tourism has also been growing due to the special attention given to the sector by the Ethiopian government.   Highlighting that tourist destinations are being developed to higher standards and that necessary infrastructure is being put in place for visitor convenience, he said the country will work with focus to further expand the sector and elevate the bilateral relationship to a higher level. For his part, member of the Saudi delegation team and a social media expert, Ali Dawud, said that Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia enjoy close historical relations and expressed commitment to working jointly to enhance cooperation in tourism. He added that the visit confirmed Ethiopia's dedicated effort toward developing the sector.   Similarly, Alid Ali, a delegation member and manager at Djibouti Airlines, noted observing Ethiopia's focused initiatives to advance tourism, citing the rapid development of recreational parks in Addis Ababa and other tourist sites as prime examples. A member of the group and founder of Trust Travel, Lina Mohammed, said efforts are being made to strengthen ties in tourism, stating that the team will work attentively to promote Ethiopia's tourist attractions and historical heritages globally.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s future is inseparable from the Abay River and the Red Sea, with both serving as strategic pillars for national development and regional connectivity, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa said. Speaking to ENA, the minister described the Abay (Blue Nile) and the Red Sea as two water bodies that have shaped Ethiopia’s history, influenced regional power dynamics, and continue to define the country’s economic and strategic trajectory. “The issue of these two waters should not be viewed simply in terms of whether water exists or not,” Habtamu said. He added that: “It must be understood in a much broader historical, economic, and geopolitical context.” Ethiopia is a major contributor to the Abay Basin, with about 86 percent of the Blue Nile’s flow originating in the Ethiopian highlands.   At the same time, the country has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure peaceful and mutually beneficial access to the Red Sea, a move that has increasingly gained regional and international momuntem. The minister said the wellbeing and future prosperity of Ethiopia’s more than 130 million people are closely linked to both the Abay and the Red Sea. The two water bodies are strategic assets with implications that extend beyond Ethiopia’s borders, he noted. Habtamu recalled that, for decades, Ethiopia was prevented from fully developing and utilizing the Abay River amid external political pressures. “Ethiopians have paid a heavy price because of these two waters,” he said, referring to historical constraints that limited the country’s development aspirations. He described the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a transformative national project that has fundamentally changed Ethiopia’s position. The dam, he said, has enabled the country to realize a long-held national aspiration while strengthening energy security and regional economic integration. GERD is now generating around 5.15 gigawatts of electricity, allowing Ethiopia to meet growing domestic demand and expand electricity exports to neighboring countries. This makes the country a key driver of regional power interconnection. On the Red Sea, the minister said Ethiopia’s current approach is based on diplomacy, peaceful engagement, and the principle of mutual benefit. He argued that the country’s pursuit of sea access should not be viewed as a short-term political agenda but as a strategic national objective that spans generations.   “The Red Sea issue is not the work of a government or a political party,” Habtamu said. He underscored that: “It is a long-term, intergenerational undertaking.” He added that improved Ethiopian access to the Red Sea could contribute not only to the country’s economic transformation but also to regional stability, maritime security, and reduced geopolitical competition in one of the world’s most strategically significant waterways. Amid East Africa’s shifting geopolitics, Habtamu said the Abay and Red Sea are interconnected strategic assets vital to Ethiopia’s growth and regional cooperation.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia is moving in the right direction by advancing Africa’s integration and strengthening climate action through its Green Legacy Initiative, Zambian Ambassador Albert Muchanga said. Speaking to ENA, the Ambassador said Ethiopia’s efforts toward regional and continental integration are commendable, pointing to the nation’s historical role as the seat of the Organization of African Unity, now the African Union, and its ongoing participation in African and regional economic arrangements. He noted that Ethiopia is actively involved in frameworks linked to Africa’s common market, including its engagement with IGAD and cooperation with southern African states. Moreover, the nation is party to the agreement that established the African Continental Free Trade Area and trading with other African Union member states, the Ambassador added. Its engagement also aligns with Africa’s coordination efforts like making the AU a permanent member of the G20 and speaking with one voice. Ambassador Muchanga further commended the country's Green Legacy Initiative, describing it as essential to making the country very green and bringing about environmental recovery. "The initiative is exemplary in advancing climate action," he said, adding that the nation’s environmental efforts are also visible in development around urban areas, which are becoming clearer and greener. The Ambassador called on environmental ministers from across the continent to exchange national experiences and help develop continental guidance for sustainability. Commenting about Ethio-Zambia relations, he highlighted the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) as well as joint institutional linkages such as the leather industry institute in Ethiopia. Besides, Ambassador Muchanga said opportunities remain strong in areas including aviation, training, trade, and investment.

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —The ongoing National Dialogue Conference is laying foundation for national consensus and sustainable peace through discussions of diverse ideas, participants said. Four thousand local and Ethiopian diaspora representatives have been engaged in an in-depth dialogue aimed at reaching consensus on the eight major pillar agendas in Addis Ababa. Some of the participants told ENA that the consultations are providing communities from various parts of the country with an opportunity to express their views freely. One of the participants, Abbaa Gadaa Lemecha Lema, said diverse ideas are being freely raised and developed. According to him, every participant is freely sharing their views and the process offers a path to resolving Ethiopia’s deep-rooted issues step by step. This serves as a great opportunity to pass on consensus and steadfast unity in Ethiopia to the next generation, he added. The other participant, Baye Bere, noted that the dialogue is inclusive, engaging all parties and reflecting diverse ideas. He stated that the ongoing dialogue is helping build a better Ethiopia by encouraging ideas to be freely raised and discussed during the consultations. For his part, Alemu Ashagre, said the process is being conducted in a way that reflects the interests of all segments of society. He described the dialogue as a new culture of resolving problems through consultation, noting that the process will enable the building of a better Ethiopia not only for the present but also for future generations.

Addis Ababa, August 10, 2026 (ENA) —African ambassadors and delegates from various embassies are visiting the headquarters of Ethiopia’s integrated government service platform, MESOB Center, to learn about the country’s progress in digital public service delivery. During the visit, MESOB CEO Yonas Alemayehu briefed the diplomats on the platform’s achievements during its first year of operation, including the integration of government institutions, expansion of one stop service centers, and introduction of digital and mobile services.   MESOB currently operates more than 100 branches and provides over 100 government services to thousands of citizens, Yonas said, adding the centers were developed using local expertise and resources and are designed to provide inclusive services, including for people with disabilities. He explained that volunteers, supervisors and facilitators assist citizens in accessing services, while digital systems allow users to obtain information, receive queue notifications, and submit complaints and feedback. According to Yonas, integrating government institutions has been among MESOB’s major achievements, helping create a more transparent and accountable system for public service delivery. He also emphasized the role of human resources and technology, noting that employees undergo recruitment examinations and specialized training, while the digital systems have been developed by Ethiopian engineers using open-source technologies.   Beyond its physical service centers, MESOB has introduced a mobile bus service that provides door to door services to citizens who face difficulties traveling to service centers, including elderly people. The organization has also launched Unified MESOB, an online platform that enables citizens to access government services through mobile phones. The CEO said the organization is increasingly focusing on rural communities, with plans to establish community service centers that will bring government services closer to rural residents while improving digital literacy. He said MESOB is expected to become a major gateway for government services, allowing institutions to deliver their services through a single integrated platform. The organization is also preparing to introduce Smart MESOB, a self-service model that will enable citizens to access services independently. A new MESOB center is under development at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to provide government services to travelers and other users.   Yonas further said Ethiopia intends to share its experience in digital government with other African countries. Plans are underway to strengthen digital cooperation with neighboring countries, including Djibouti, South Sudan and Kenya, as part of broader efforts to contribute to the development of a continental digital ecosystem. Meanwhile, construction is underway on a major government service complex in Addis Ababa, which is expected to accommodate more than 480 service counters and bring services provided by various ministries and government institutions together under one roof. The visit is providing the African diplomats with an opportunity to observe Ethiopia’s progress in integrated digital government services and learn about its efforts to expand access, improve efficiency and promote digital cooperation across the continent.

Addis Ababa, August 10, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian Air Force (EAF) has undergone a major technology-driven transformation over the past six to seven years, expanding its manufacturing, maintenance and operational capabilities as part of efforts to build a more self-reliant force. In an interview, Deputy Commander of EAF Brigadier General Meseret Getachew said the reform has focused on advancing technology, strengthening self-reliance, transforming human resources and building an Air Force capable of serving Ethiopia’s strategic interests. He said the Air Force has transitioned from an analog system into the digital era while developing capabilities in aircraft maintenance, upgrading, spare parts manufacturing and unmanned aircraft production. According to the deputy commander, these capabilities have moved beyond research and theory and are now being applied in practical manufacturing and operational activities. He said aircraft and unmanned systems are being manufactured, maintained and upgraded locally, while technological capabilities continue to be developed and applied across various areas. The Air Force has also worked to maximize the use of existing resources by repairing and upgrading systems and developing technological capabilities that were previously unavailable, he added. The deputy commander further noted that the Air Force has significantly expanded its production capacity. Items that were previously manufactured only in small quantities can now be produced on a much larger scale, with hundreds of components manufactured daily and thousands of certain spare parts produced over time. The growing capabilities have also enabled the Ethiopian Air Force to expand cooperation with other African countries, Brigadier General Meseret said. Over the past several months, the Air Force has signed agreements with several African countries covering professional training, aircraft and helicopter repair, and other areas of technical cooperation, he said. The growing interest has followed visits by African delegations to Ethiopian Air Force facilities, where they observed its maintenance, overhaul, upgrading, manufacturing and training capabilities firsthand. According to the deputy commander, visiting countries have expressed increasing interest in cooperation after witnessing the work of Ethiopian engineers, technicians and pilots and seeing technologies manufactured and operated locally. The Air Force is also providing training to professionals from other African countries, with the cooperation extending beyond technical instruction to include technology and knowledge transfer. “We try to make them not only qualified in science and technology, but also good nations. So, when they go back to their country, they are going to prove the level of training, maintenance, technology and knowledge transfer they are given,” Brigadier General Meseret said. He said the expanding cooperation also provides commercial benefits by generating foreign currency that can support research and development, manufacturing capacity and the procurement of raw materials. The Air Force is continuing its research and development activities rather than becoming satisfied with the capabilities it has already achieved, he added. “We are not satisfied yet,” he said, emphasizing that the Air Force remains committed to further advancing its technological and operational capabilities. The progress made over the past several years represents a fundamental transformation of the EAF’s capabilities rather than an incremental improvement from one level to another, Brigadier General Meseret noted.

Addis Ababa, August 10, 2026 (ENA) — The Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference is moving toward its conclusion phase following extensive deliberations among participants, Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission Professor Mesfin Araya said. Speaking to the media on the current status of the consultation process, Professor Mesfin said the process is being strengthened and progressing to a more advanced stage. He explained that ideas initially raised by groups of 10 and 50 participants were subsequently expanded and deliberated upon by 250 member groups. At the current stage, two groups of 250 participants have compiled and documented their deliberations and are presenting their findings to 500 consultation groups, he said. Members of the 500 groups, who have begun the next phase of the consultation, are listening to the ideas presented to them and carefully developing those that should be incorporated into the final outcome, according to the Chief Commissioner. He said the 250 participants currently engaged in discussions will conclude their deliberations this afternoon, while those completing their discussions tomorrow morning will present their findings to the 500 groups tomorrow afternoon. Professor Mesfin further elaborated that differences of opinion, arguments and occasional emotional exchanges observed at the beginning of the process are natural indicators of broad participation and vitality in the consultation. He noted that participants express diverse views because they consider the consultation an opportunity to reflect on issues of both immediate and long-term national importance. However, he stressed that excessive emotional exchanges are not acceptable under the Commission's rules of procedure. "One of the principles of the consultation process is respect. The second is to talk, listen and come to the center," he said, urging participants to uphold these principles throughout the process. The Chief Commissioner also emphasized that participants were not gathered to seek solutions to individual questions raised by villages or local areas, but to deliberate on national issues with Ethiopia as the central focus. He stressed that the consultation is not a decision-making process, but rather a process of providing advice. The advice generated through the consultation will be conveyed to law enforcement institutions, legislators, legal interpreters, political parties and civil society organizations, he said. Professor Mesfin dismissed rumors that decisions would be made through majority voting or under internal or external pressure. He explained that the current debates and disagreements among participants represent the "divergence" phase of the consultation process and are therefore a normal part of the deliberations. He said the process will eventually move into a "convergence" phase, during which participants will set aside individual positions and work toward common ideas centered on Ethiopia. He pointed out that some agendas initially considered highly controversial have already been brought to the center of discussions by participants who recognized them as issues of shared national concern. The Chief Commissioner said the consultation process is progressing well and that, following a month of intensive work, the consultation involving 4,000 participants is expected to be completed within the next one to two weeks. He said the Commission will then submit its proposals to the executive body, while implementation of the recommendations will be monitored and made public. Professor Mesfin expressed gratitude to all those following and supporting the consultation process with humility, both in Ethiopia and abroad.

Staff Writer   August 9, 2026 (ENA) Some weeks are measured by the events they produce. Others are remembered for the direction they reveal. For Ethiopia, the past week was marked by a series of developments that reached far beyond individual announcements. From millions of citizens gathering under heavy rains to plant the seeds of an ecological future, to the country crossing the 50-million mark in its national digital identity system, and from renewed efforts to forge political consensus to a broader campaign against economic crimes, the week offered a picture of a country steadily building the foundations of its next chapter. Across environment, technology, governance, security and infrastructure, a common thread emerged: the pursuit of greater national capacity, resilience and self-reliance. Planting Hope, One Seedling at a Time Perhaps nowhere was the scale of that national mobilization more visible than in Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative. In a remarkable 12-hour campaign conducted under the theme “Let Us Plant Hope,” Ethiopia planted more than 805.3 million tree seedlings, setting a new environmental record. The operation covered some 291,400 hectares and brought together an extraordinary 26.2 million citizens across the country. The scale was impressive. But the deeper significance lay in what stood behind the numbers. Millions of Ethiopians turned out despite torrential seasonal rains, transforming what could have been an ordinary environmental campaign into a nationwide demonstration of civic participation and collective responsibility. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed captured the spirit of the day, saying: “Despite the formidable challenge of planting seedlings throughout the day in torrential rains, over 26.2 million Ethiopians stepped forward to plant hope for tomorrow. This extraordinary spirit proves that when we unite around a shared vision, no hurdle is insurmountable.” The achievement also placed the week within the broader trajectory of the Green Legacy Initiative. More than 6.5 billion seedlings have already been planted during the current Ethiopian year, leaving another 1.5 billion to reach the seasonal target of 8 billion seedlings. Yet the initiative is increasingly becoming about more than planting trees. Across regions, government officials and local communities have linked the campaign to soil conservation, watershed rehabilitation, food security and the protection of critical water infrastructure. Cabinet members and regional leaders also used the mobilization to strengthen anti-siltation efforts around dams. What began as a tree-planting campaign is increasingly taking the shape of a national climate-resilience strategy—one that seeks to connect environmental restoration with the country's long-term economic and ecological security. Strengthening Ethiopia’s Digital Frontiers As Ethiopia accelerates its digital transformation, the government is moving to secure the infrastructure underpinning it. This week, the Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Proclamation No. 1426/2026 was highlighted as a major step toward protecting strategic digital systems from growing cyber threats. INSA Director General Tigist Hamid said the law establishes a comprehensive framework for monitoring cyber risks and coordinating responses across 12 critical sectors, including finance, telecommunications, health, energy, water, transport and government services. The proclamation requires critical infrastructure operators to strengthen risk assessments, cyber audits and security governance, while establishing a dedicated cybersecurity fund to support resilience, innovation and skills development. As digital identity, electronic payments and online public services expand, the new framework seeks to ensure that Ethiopia’s digital transformation is matched by stronger protection of its national data, critical systems and digital sovereignty. The Search for Consensus Beyond technology and environmental restoration, Ethiopia's most consequential project remains political: finding a durable framework for national consensus. That effort moved another step forward this week as consultations under the National Dialogue framework brought more than 4,000 delegates representing different sections of society to the Addis International Convention Center. The significance of the gathering lies not merely in the number of participants, but in the difficult questions being placed on the table. Ethiopia's political history has been shaped by competing interpretations of power, identity, representation and economic opportunity. The National Dialogue seeks to move those disagreements from confrontation toward structured discussion—and ultimately toward a political culture capable of managing differences without repeatedly turning them into crises. In an extended broadcast interview, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reflected on the historical roots of popular struggles and the failures that helped produce them. He argued that understanding the past is essential not for perpetuating old divisions, but for addressing the structural problems that produced them. “The historic popular struggles of our past were fundamentally directed at rectifying system-level governance failures and economic marginalization—not at dismantling national unity. True state-building requires us to acknowledge these historical realities while constructively channeling our efforts into building a shared, equitable democratic future.” That distinction is central to the country's search for consensus: recognizing grievances without allowing them to become permanent political fault lines. The challenge now is to translate dialogue into institutions, agreements and a political culture capable of sustaining the country's unity while accommodating its diversity. Protecting the Economic Front Ethiopia’s economic transformation is also facing a battle against the networks seeking to exploit weaknesses in the system. This week, the government launched decisive measures against individuals, businesses and officials accused of corruption and illegal economic activities undermining the ongoing macroeconomic reform. Government Communication Service Minister Enatalem Melese said such networks had contributed to foreign-currency shortages, inflationary pressures, contraband trade and artificial shortages of essential goods. The crackdown has already seen more than 7,000 businesses and warehouses sealed, while 169 people accused of illegal money transfers, hawala activities and black-market currency transactions were brought before the law. Authorities also targeted illicit gold trading, fuel and fertilizer-related corruption, tax fraud, illegal financial flows and unauthorized electricity sales, with hundreds of suspects facing investigation or legal action. The breadth of the operation underscores a central message of the reform agenda: economic transformation requires not only new policies and investment, but also institutions capable of protecting the system from corruption, illicit markets and the misuse of national resources. Energy, Water and the Regional Horizon Ethiopia's infrastructure ambitions continued to intersect with its wider regional role, particularly in energy and water. Following the latest milestones associated with the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, water-resource engineers and energy analysts emphasized the importance of sustaining momentum through further hydropower development along the Abay River basin. The argument extends beyond domestic electricity generation. Additional generation capacity, combined with stronger transmission infrastructure, could reinforce Ethiopia's position as a major electricity supplier to neighboring countries and contribute to the gradual integration of East Africa's power markets. The strategic equation is increasingly clear: Ethiopia's water and energy resources are not only national development assets; they can also become instruments of regional economic integration. At the same time, progress in localized clean-water systems and disease-surveillance networks added another dimension to the country's resilience agenda. From public health to environmental protection, the common objective is increasingly one of preparedness—building systems capable of absorbing shocks before they become national crises. A Week That Revealed a Direction Taken separately, the week's developments might appear to belong to entirely different worlds. Tree planting belongs to the environment. Digital identity belongs to technology. National Dialogue belongs to politics. Economic enforcement belongs to security. Hydropower belongs to infrastructure. But viewed together, they tell a more coherent story. They point toward a country seeking to strengthen the foundations of its sovereignty—from the restoration of its land and protection of its water resources to the security of its digital systems, the integrity of its economy and the institutions through which political differences are managed. The most important achievement of such a week, therefore, may not be any single record, platform or consultation. It is the emerging recognition that national transformation requires capacity on every front at once. A greener landscape. A more connected citizenry. Stronger institutions. A more secure economy. Greater energy capacity. And, above all, a political culture capable of turning Ethiopia's diversity from a source of recurring confrontation into a foundation for common purpose. That is what made the week significant. It was not simply a week of milestones. It was a week that offered another glimpse of the Ethiopia being built for tomorrow.

By Staff Writer August 9, 2026 (ENA) The world experienced another turbulent week as armed conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, diplomatic maneuvering, economic pressures, climate stress and humanitarian emergencies continued to reinforce one another. From persistent wars and renewed security tensions to fragile ceasefire efforts and intensified diplomatic initiatives, governments and international organizations faced growing pressure to contain crises before they spread beyond their immediate theatres. At the same time, disruptions to energy supplies and maritime routes continued to expose the vulnerability of the global economy to geopolitical shocks, with uncertainty affecting oil prices, shipping costs, trade flows and inflationary pressures. The week also highlighted the increasingly interconnected nature of global crises. Conflict and insecurity continued to drive displacement and humanitarian needs, while extreme weather events, wildfires, floods and prolonged climate pressures placed additional strain on communities already facing economic hardship. Food security remained a concern in several vulnerable regions as conflict, disrupted supply chains and climate related shocks threatened agricultural production and access to essential commodities. Meanwhile, migration pressures continued to rise as people sought safety and economic opportunities across borders, creating additional challenges for governments and humanitarian agencies. Beyond immediate crises, major powers continued to compete for strategic influence, particularly over energy resources, critical trade corridors, emerging technologies and military capabilities. Diplomatic engagement remained active as states sought to prevent escalation, negotiate settlements and protect their economic and security interests. Yet the persistence of competing geopolitical agendas demonstrated the limits of diplomacy when trust between major actors remains weak. Taken together, the week's developments underscored a world facing multiple, interconnected risks rather than isolated crises. Conflict, economic uncertainty, climate emergencies and humanitarian pressures increasingly overlap, creating a fragile international environment in which a political or security shock in one region can rapidly produce consequences far beyond its borders. Peace and Security The confrontation involving Iran and the United States remained the week's most consequential international development. Sustained uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continued to threaten global energy and maritime shipping markets. By the end of the week, the dispute had increasingly shifted from the battlefield toward the question of who would control and regulate shipping through the strategic waterway. Media reports indicated that Tehran said an agreement with Oman had been reached on parameters for a proposed shipping route through Hormuz, but Iranian officials subsequently stressed that the arrangement alone would not be sufficient to fully reopen the waterway. Diplomatic efforts to forge a path toward negotiations proceeded alongside intensifying military and political pressure. Tehran maintained demands for specific guarantees before fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington faced growing urgency to decide whether military action or diplomacy offers a sustainable solution. The prolonged disruption of Hormuz has already affected businesses, employment and migrant workers across the Gulf, demonstrating that the crisis is no longer simply an energy security problem. Some media outlets noted that disruption to shipping and economic activity has affected sectors ranging from events and tourism to employment and foreign currency earnings. The ramifications of this standoff extend far beyond the region. As one of the world's premier energy corridors, prolonged disruption in the Strait could spike crude oil prices, drive up global freight tariffs, and reignite domestic inflationary pressures worldwide. The Times of India reported that Brent crude rose above 83 USD per barrel on August 7 as uncertainty persisted over the reopening of Hormuz. Reuters similarly reported that Brent gained more than 1 USD on Friday amid uncertainty over the terms of a possible reopening agreement. The conflicting demands over shipping access, transit fees, sanctions and insurance restrictions mean that even a diplomatic agreement may not immediately restore normal commercial traffic. Simultaneously, the conflict in Gaza remained unresolved. Talks over a long-term framework continued, but major sticking points, including Hamas's disarmament, Israeli military withdrawals, and post war security arrangements, obstructed a durable settlement. Meanwhile, severe humanitarian distress across the territory remained a critical concern for the international community. Geopolitics and Shifting Alliances Beyond active conflicts, the week demonstrated a continuing transformation of the international security order as countries reassessed traditional alliances and sought new strategic partnerships. Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan moved forward with a trilateral defence arrangement linking major powers from the Middle East and South Asia. Ankara subsequently stressed that the agreement was not directed against Iran, reflecting the delicate balance being pursued by countries seeking stronger security cooperation without necessarily becoming parties to another regional confrontation. The Indo Pacific remained another major arena of strategic competition. Pacific island governments faced growing pressure to balance relations with China, the United States, Australia and New Zealand while protecting their own sovereignty and development interests. The dispute surrounding China's recent ballistic missile test exposed divisions within the Pacific Islands Forum. Some governments expressed concern about the strategic implications of the test, while Beijing maintained that the launch was part of routine military activity and sought to reassure Pacific partners. China simultaneously intensified diplomatic engagement with Pacific Island states. Beijing presented its cooperation as supportive of national sovereignty and development choices and sought to distinguish its approach from what it describes as conditional or bloc-based diplomacy. The episode illustrates that strategic competition in the Pacific is increasingly being pursued through diplomacy, development assistance and political influence as well as military capabilities. The broader contest between major powers is therefore no longer confined to traditional military alliances. Energy access, infrastructure, maritime routes, trade, technology, development financing and diplomatic influence have all become instruments of geopolitical competition. Economic Risks and Global Trade Economic vulnerability emerged as one of the clearest themes of the week. The disruption around Hormuz demonstrated how quickly a security crisis can become a global economic problem. Higher oil prices can increase transportation and production costs, while prolonged shipping disruption can raise freight rates and insurance premiums. For countries heavily dependent on imported energy, the consequences can include higher inflation, pressure on currencies and greater strain on household incomes. India has particular exposure because of its energy imports, extensive commercial links with the Gulf and large overseas workforce in the region. The Hormuz crisis therefore represents not only a foreign policy challenge for New Delhi but also a direct economic and human security concern. China, meanwhile, has continued to emphasize the broader consequences of geopolitical fragmentation for global production, maritime commerce and employment. Prolonged confrontation threatens the economic interdependence on which international trade has been built. The same vulnerabilities are visible in Europe, where disruptions to the Black Sea have affected agricultural and energy exports, and in the Red Sea, where insecurity has forced vessels to reconsider traditional routes. Canada offered a contrasting economic signal during the week, reporting stronger than expected labour conditions in July, with unemployment falling to a two year low despite continuing trade tensions and the effects of US tariffs. Taken together, these developments suggest that geopolitical fragmentation is becoming a structural economic risk rather than simply a temporary source of market volatility. Humanitarian and Public Health Emergencies Humanitarian concerns remained closely linked to armed conflict and economic instability during the week. The Democratic Republic of Congo continued confronting a serious Ebola outbreak, with the epidemic concentrated particularly in Ituri and North Kivu. The outbreak has placed additional pressure on health authorities operating in areas already affected by insecurity, displacement and limited infrastructure. Available epidemiological figures demonstrate the scale of the crisis. By late July, thousands of cases and more than a thousand deaths had been recorded, underscoring the continuing strain on health authorities and humanitarian agencies. The outbreak illustrates the difficulty of managing major health emergencies in areas already affected by insecurity and displacement. Public health responses must operate alongside humanitarian operations and conflict management, making containment considerably more difficult. The World Health Organization (WHO) also marked World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7, drawing attention to the need to strengthen support for mothers and infants. The observance provided a reminder that global health priorities continue even as governments concentrate on wars, security crises and economic shocks. Climate and Environmental Pressures Climate related disruption added another layer of vulnerability to the international picture. Europe experienced severe heat and drought conditions, with unusually low water levels along the Danube exposing historical wartime shipwrecks. Beyond the striking historical discovery, the falling water levels highlighted the vulnerability of inland waterways that support trade, transport and industrial activity. Extreme weather increasingly threatens infrastructure and supply chains at a time when geopolitical tensions are already putting pressure on global commodity flows. Drought can affect agricultural production and river transport, while extreme heat can strain electricity systems and damage infrastructure. The combination of climate stress and geopolitical instability is particularly significant because both can produce food price increases, migration pressures and competition over resources. Conclusion Taken together, the week's developments reveal a world in which conflicts, economic shocks, geopolitical rivalry, climate pressures and humanitarian emergencies are increasingly interconnected. The Strait of Hormuz is not simply an Iranian American security dispute. Its disruption can affect oil prices, shipping costs, inflation and employment thousands of kilometres away. The war in Ukraine is not confined to Eastern Europe, as attacks on Black Sea infrastructure affect agricultural and energy exports. The week's developments offered another warning that military confrontation can rapidly become an economic crisis, while economic insecurity can deepen humanitarian pressures and political instability. The world remains deeply divided over security, sovereignty and the future international order. Yet the interconnected nature of today's crises also makes cooperation more necessary. Preventing escalation, protecting global trade routes, maintaining humanitarian access and strengthening multilateral diplomacy will remain essential to containing the risks of an increasingly volatile international system. NB: This weekly review draws on reporting and analysis from major international and regional media outlets, including Reuters, AP, AFP, CNN, ABC, The Times of India, China Daily, Global Times, and South China Morning Post.

Addis Ababa, August 9, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the Prosperity Party (PP) will place citizens’ wellbeing and tangible improvements in their daily lives at the center of its priorities over the next five years. In an interview with the Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN), Prime Minister Abiy outlined an ambitious agenda spanning food sovereignty, public services, technology, energy, agriculture and urban development. The Premier revealed that the government will pursue a range of initiatives designed to ensure that the benefits of development reach citizens more directly and improve their quality of life. He identified the ongoing national dialogue as a key instrument for addressing Ethiopia’s longstanding political and social challenges, saying it could help resolve problems that have accumulated over generations and contribute to lasting solutions. The Prime Minister also underscored food sovereignty as a strategic priority for Ethiopia’s economic transformation, both at the regional and national levels. He said the government will intensify efforts to improve public service delivery while taking stronger measures against corruption, theft and inefficiency.   Elected officials, he added, have a responsibility to honor the commitments they made to citizens during the election and deliver meaningful results. Technology, according to Abiy, will be central to this effort. The government plans to expand the use of digital technologies across sectors to make public services more accessible, efficient and responsive to citizens’ needs. Speaking on the nation’s energy ambitions, the Prime Minister highlighted major energy initiatives expected to shape Ethiopia’s development trajectory over the coming years, including the country’s ambition to generate nuclear power for the first time. He described the nuclear energy program as a historic undertaking for Ethiopia and Africa, saying it could lay an important foundation for future generations. Abiy also pointed to Ethiopia’s emerging natural gas sector, noting that the country had pursued the development of its gas resources for decades but had previously struggled to fully utilize them.   He said Ethiopia is now extracting natural gas and developing industries that can use it as an industrial input. Some vehicles previously powered by diesel are also being converted to natural gas, with wider deployment of natural-gas-powered vehicles expected in the coming months. Acknowledging agriculture as central to Ethiopia’s food sovereignty, the Prime Minister said the sector remains a cornerstone of the country’s economy, livelihoods and national production. He emphasized expanding farmers’ access to fertilizer, irrigation, agricultural machinery and modern technologies to raise productivity and strengthen food sovereignty. Machinery is being imported to support the construction of fertilizer production facilities, while irrigation schemes are being expanded in different parts of the country, he said. The Premier noted that increased land cultivation and cluster farming have already contributed to higher agricultural output, adding that the government will continue to expand these efforts. Expanding irrigation, he stressed, is particularly important to enable farmers to produce throughout the year rather than relying predominantly on seasonal rainfall. Domestic fertilizer production, the PM added, will help reduce dependence on external supplies while strengthening Ethiopia’s capacity to meet its agricultural input needs.   The Prime Minister also highlighted Bishoftu International Airport under construction in Bishoftu as a landmark project with significance extending beyond Ethiopia, describing it as a major investment in the country’s future air transport and economic development. On urban development, PM Abiy said the government’s urban modernization and corridor development programs are ultimately aimed at transforming cities and improving the quality of services available to residents. The initiatives are designed to expand access to housing, clean water, electricity, street lighting and other essential services, while bringing education and healthcare facilities closer to communities. Beyond infrastructure, the projects are expected to generate employment, stimulate innovation and create more livable urban environments, he said. Pm Abiy said the experience gained from Addis Ababa’s urban modernization efforts will provide a foundation for transforming cities across Ethiopia’s regions during the next five years.

By Staff Writer August 9, 2026 (ENA) The Horn of Africa is once again facing the danger of military and political escalation as renewed manoeuvring involving Eritrea, illegal TPLF-led political and military actors, and other regional and external forces threatens to undermine the fragile peace achieved after years of devastating conflict. At the centre of these concerns is Tigray, a region still struggling to recover from the destruction, displacement and human suffering caused by the 2020 to 2022 war. The conflict ended with the signing of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA), creating an opportunity for the region to pursue reconstruction, reconciliation and political dialogue. That opportunity remains fragile. Reports of renewed military contacts involving Eritrean officials and former TPLF military figures inside Tigray have raised concerns that political disagreements could once again be transformed into military calculations. Against the backdrop of tensions involving Ethiopia, Eritrea, Egypt and armed groups in the region, such developments risk turning Ethiopia’s internal political challenges into a wider regional confrontation. The central concern is not merely which political actors may gain from renewed alliances, but who will bear the consequences if those alliances lead to another conflict. For the people of Tigray, particularly its youth, the answer is painfully familiar. Foreign Military Involvement One of the most troubling issues is the reported engagement of Eritrean military officials with banned TPLF military figures inside Tigray. Reports of meetings involving Eritrean and TPLF faction leaders on Ethiopian territory have raised questions about the purpose, authorization and implications of such contacts. If confirmed, the presence of foreign military officials inside Ethiopian territory without the authorization of the federal government would raise serious questions concerning national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Tigray is an integral regional state of Ethiopia and should not become a platform for external military calculations or geopolitical competition. The timing is also significant. Northern Ethiopia needs reconstruction, economic recovery, reconciliation and political stability. Renewed military engagement risks diverting attention and resources away from these priorities while creating an atmosphere in which mistrust and mobilisation can once again flourish. Ethiopia’s federal government and people have repeatedly expressed a desire to avoid another war, including renewed confrontation with Eritrea. Preserving that restraint requires all actors to avoid steps that could create facts on the ground and gradually transform political tensions into military confrontation. Eritrea's Regime History of Regional Confrontation The current concerns are also being viewed against Eritrea’s broader regional history. Since its independence from Ethiopia in 1993, Asmara has been involved in a series of military disputes and diplomatic tensions with neighbouring countries. The Ethiopia Eritrea border war of 1998 to 2000 remains the clearest illustration of how political and territorial disputes can escalate into devastating conflict. Tens of thousands of people were killed before the Algiers Agreement brought the major hostilities to an end. The 2018 rapprochement between Addis Ababa and Asmara marked a dramatic improvement in relations and raised hopes for a lasting transformation in the relationship between the two countries. Yet unresolved security concerns and competing strategic interests have continued to shape the politics of the region. Eritrea has also experienced serious disputes and security tensions involving Yemen, Djibouti and Sudan. Critics of Asmara have consequently accused the Eritrean government of relying heavily on military pressure, strategic alliances and security calculations to advance its regional interests. Whatever the interpretation of these episodes, the history demonstrates the danger of allowing regional disputes to become militarised. The Horn of Africa has repeatedly paid a heavy price when political disagreements are settled through force rather than sustained diplomacy. Danger of Proxy Politics The wider geopolitical environment makes the current situation even more complicated. Egypt’s strategic rivalry with Ethiopia, particularly over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and competing interests in the Nile Basin and Red Sea, has added another dimension to regional calculations. Any alignment between external actors and domestic political forces around Ethiopia’s internal divisions could deepen instability. The possibility of competing regional interests converging around armed groups or political factions creates the risk of turning domestic disputes into a proxy confrontation. The reported network involving the TPLF, Eritrea, Fano aligned forces and external actors such as Egypt is therefore particularly concerning. The alliance sometimes referred to as “Tsimdo” could, if it develops into a coordinated political or military arrangement, turn Tigray region of Ethiopia and neighbouring areas into an arena for competing strategic interests. Such arrangements may provide short term tactical advantages to individual actors. But alliances formed around a common opponent can be inherently unstable. Once immediate interests change, former partners can become rivals, leaving civilians to bear the consequences of conflicts they did not create. For Eritrea, deeper involvement in Ethiopia’s internal affairs could expose its own population to another costly regional confrontation. For Fano aligned forces, cooperation with former adversaries could transform political grievances into a broader conflict with national and ethnic dimensions. For external actors, using Ethiopia’s internal divisions to advance strategic interests could further destabilise an already fragile region. The People of Tigray Must Not Pay The greatest danger is that young Tigrayans could once again become the human cost of decisions made by political and military elites. At the heart of this threat is Eritrea’s regime, whose long-established reliance on proxy actors and military adventurism has repeatedly undermined peace efforts and fueled instability across the Horn of Africa. The region’s youth have already endured violence, displacement, economic hardship and interrupted education. Thousands of families continue to face the consequences of a conflict that disrupted livelihoods. Reports of renewed recruitment and alleged coercive mobilisation in Tigray region have therefore intensified public concern. Such allegations require serious scrutiny, transparency and accountability. Any effort to rebuild armed structures or mobilise young people for another confrontation would threaten not only immediate security but also the future of an entire generation. Tigray does not need another mobilisation campaign. It needs functioning schools, hospitals, roads, businesses and institutions. Its young people need opportunities to study, work and build families rather than being placed once again in the path of war. The political future of Tigray region must consequently be pursued through dialogue and legitimate political processes. Attempts to regain influence through armed confrontation would risk repeating the very tragedy from which the region is still recovering. A renewed Ethiopia Eritrea confrontation would not remain confined to the border between the two countries. The Horn of Africa is interconnected through security, trade, migration, political alliances and strategic interests. Another war could draw in armed groups, neighbouring states and external powers, producing a crisis whose humanitarian and economic consequence would be difficult to contain. It could disrupt trade routes, increase displacement, deepen food insecurity and divert resources from development and reconstruction. For Ethiopia, renewed conflict would threaten economic progress and divert national attention from domestic development priorities. For Eritrea, another confrontation could impose further human and economic costs on a population that has already experienced prolonged militarisation. For Tigray, the consequences could be catastrophic, given the region’s unfinished recovery from the previous war. The wider lesson is clear: military confrontation rarely remains under the control of those who initiate it. Once violence begins, political calculations can quickly give way to humanitarian catastrophe. All the people of Tigray Should struggle to enhance peace and stability in their region through preserving the Pretoria peace agreement and denying the defunct TPLF leaders who made unholy marriage with internal and external enemies to engage the people in a devastating war. The Pretoria cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) demonstrated that even one of the Horn of Africa’s most destructive conflicts could be brought to an end through negotiation. Its significance extends beyond the cessation of hostilities. It created an opportunity for political dialogue and recovery after years of devastating violence. That opportunity should not be undermined by renewed military preparations. If Eritrean authorities are engaging with political or military actors inside Tigray, transparency is essential. Such engagement should respect Ethiopia’s sovereignty and contribute to peace rather than destabilisation. The TPLF belligerent political and military actors, for their part, must recognise that armed confrontation cannot provide a sustainable solution to political disagreements. The Ethiopian government also has a responsibility to maintain restraint while addressing security concerns through lawful and diplomatic channels. In this regard, the federal government has gone to considerable lengths to demonstrate maximum restraint despite mounting security concerns and repeated provocations. Preventing another war requires more than military preparedness; it requires sustained political engagement, confidence-building, and a genuine willingness by all sides to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than force. The same principle applies to external actors. Regional and international powers should support peace, reconstruction and dialogue rather than encourage political divisions that could produce another cycle of violence. The Horn of Africa has suffered enough from conflicts fueled by mistrust, rivalry and military adventurism. The region now faces a choice between protecting the fragile gains of peace and allowing political calculations to reopen one of its most destructive fault lines. Tigray must not become a battlefield for regional rivalries. Ethiopian territory must not become a stage for unauthorized foreign military manoeuvring. And the youth of Tigray must not once again be sacrificed for the ambitions of competing political and military elites. The responsibility rests with all actors. Eritrea must avoid actions that threaten Ethiopia’s sovereignty or regional stability. Political forces in Tigray region must pursue their objectives through peaceful political means. Ethiopia must continue to use restraint and diplomacy. Regional and external powers must resist the temptation to exploit internal divisions for strategic advantage. The consequences of failure would extend far beyond the immediate political actors. Families would once again lose loved ones, communities would face displacement, development would be disrupted, and another generation would inherit the burdens of war. Conclusion The Horn of Africa stands at a critical moment. The region has an opportunity to consolidate the peace achieved through negotiation or to repeat the destructive patterns of the past. For Tigray, the priority should be recovery, reconciliation and rebuilding. For Ethiopia and Eritrea, it should be preventing another confrontation that could inflict enormous costs on both populations. For regional and external actors, the responsibility should be to support stability rather than deepen existing divisions. The Pretoria agreement showed that dialogue can succeed where war cannot. Its promise must therefore be protected from renewed militarisation and political adventurism. The people of Tigray have already paid too high a price for war. Their future should not be determined by military alliances forged behind closed doors or by geopolitical calculations made far from the communities that would suffer their consequences. The choice before the region is ultimately simple: preserve peace and give a generation the opportunity to rebuild or allow military adventurism to reopen a conflict whose wounds have not yet healed. The Horn of Africa can ill afford to make the wrong choice.

By Yimer Ayele (from POA) August 9, 2026 (ENA) Contrary to popular belief and the UN's designation of Egypt as water-scarce, the nation possesses immense water potentials that remain largely underreported and misunderstood. Egypt’s water security is often portrayed as precarious, primarily due to its heavy reliance on the Nile River and the challenges posed by climate change and population growth. However, a closer examination reveals a wealth of hidden resources and strategic infrastructure that position Egypt as a water rich nation with significant untapped potential. These resources include the vast reservoirs behind the Aswan High Dam, the immense Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System, advancements in desalination technology, and regional cooperation through the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Recognizing and harnessing these resources is essential not only for Egypt’s future but also for redefining regional water narratives across Africa and beyond. At the core of Egypt’s water resilience is Lake Nasser, stored behind the Aswan High Dam. This massive reservoir holds approximately 169 billion cubic meters of water, acting as a strategic buffer against both seasonal flooding and periods of drought. The dam’s ability to regulate flow has historically safeguarded Egypt’s agriculture, industry, and domestic water needs. Yet, the story does not end there. Beyond Lake Nasser lies the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System (NSAS), the world’s largest known fossil water underground reservoir. Spanning over two million square kilometers across Egypt, Libya, Sudan, and Chad, the NSAS contains an estimated 150,000 cubic kilometers of water. This underground aquifer is a silent, yet potent, resource that far exceeds the Nile’s discharge over five centuries, representing a strategic reserve that Egypt and neighboring countries can tap into for decades to come. The sheer scale of this resource underscores Egypt’s hidden water wealth and potential for long-term resilience. The aquifer’s existence challenges the narrative of water scarcity and opens avenues for sophisticated, sustainable extraction strategies that can complement surface water sources. In addition to these underground and surface reserves, Egypt has made significant strides in desalination—producing roughly 1.5 to 2 million cubic meters of desalinated water daily. The country has launched a strategic master plan through 2050 that aims to multiply desalination capacity utilizing public-private partnerships, green grants, and coastal expansion projects. The integration of renewable energy, especially solar power, into desalination facilities can be a cornerstone of Egypt’s sustainable water future, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and harness green energy sources. Egypt’s water strategy should also encompass regional cooperation, exemplified by Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). This mega hydropower project, while primarily aimed at electricity generation, exemplifies regional collaboration that benefits downstream countries. The dam helps regulate the Blue Nile’s flow, trapping sediments, and reducing downstream siltation that historically degraded reservoirs like Lake Nasser. It also ensures a more consistent water release, reducing extreme floods and droughts and extending reservoir lifespan through sediment trapping. Ethiopia’s focus on hydropower for electricity rather than mass diversion for irrigation exemplifies a sustainable approach that aligns with Egypt’s needs and regional stability. Egypt’s water story must shift to one of resilience, strategic resource management, and regional cooperation. It must shift to a narrative that highlights the immense hidden potential—vast underground aquifers, advanced desalination capacity, and collaborative water governance—that must be communicated globally. The misconception of Egypt as a water-scarce country overlooks these critical resources and innovations. Recognizing and harnessing Egypt’s true water potential is essential for ensuring sustainable development, regional stability, and a resilient future for all. The world must be told the truth: Egypt is not just a water-scarce country but a water-rich nation with enormous, largely untapped resources that can secure its future for generations to come. However, Egypt is actively pursuing massive desert development projects—such as the New Delta agricultural scheme and the new city of Jirian—by shifting the natural course of the Nile and reallocating billions of cubic meters of Nile water to supply new farming and urban areas. The Egyptian desert where Nile waters have been diverted (such as through the Toshka Project or spillways from Lake Nasser) is the Western Desert. This vast arid region experiences extreme heat, leading to high evaporation rates in artificial lakes and open irrigation canals. Egypt must be more transparent not only in the wasteful practice observable in the ways that the northern Africa country is diverting the natural course of the Nile, but also in declaring truth concerning the immense water buried underground across vast area of land.It is spectacular how Egypt managed to bamboozle the whole world, portraying itself as a water-scarce country. It is not!

ddis Ababa, August 9, 2026 (ENA) —The Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference is laying the foundation for building a generation and a nation grounded in the supremacy of ideas, according to participants. In an exclusive interview with ENA, participants emphasized that the discussions are centered on building broad consensus around eight major national agendas drawn from diverse segments of society, including nations and nationalities from across Ethiopia. The conference, which has been underway at the Addis International Convention Center since July 15, 2026, has brought together 4,000 representatives of Ethiopians from across the country and abroad for an inclusive dialogue on issues of national importance. Dereje Bogale, one of the participants, emphasized that the dialogue provides an opportunity for participants to freely exchange ideas and engage in constructive discussions. He further noted that the deliberations are intended to benefit future generations. The conference aims to identify the root causes of the country's longstanding challenges, propose practical solutions and create a historic foundation for a more peaceful and united Ethiopia, Dereje clarified. He also pointed out that the dialogue will help strengthen unity and enable Ethiopia to move to a higher chapter. Another participant, Gebeyaw Deboye, described the national dialogue as essential to Ethiopia's peace and development, saying the conference offers a significant opportunity to strengthen national unity and help the country advance toward a better future. Similarly, participant Abera Monamo said the conference has created a platform for broad and inclusive participation, emphasizing that national unity remains a top priority. He expressed confidence that the dialogue would make a significant contribution to Ethiopia's development and the consolidation of sustainable peace. The participants further noted that the success of the national dialogue depends on open discussion, mutual understanding and willingness to address the root causes of national challenges through ideas and consensus rather than confrontation.

Addis Ababa, August 8, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said TPLF is pursuing an outdated political ideology and leadership approach that is incompatible with Ethiopia’s current political realities. Recently, the defunct TPLF has openly violated the Pretoria Peace Agreement and has been preparing for a renewed conflict. In a wide-ranging interview with the Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN), Prime Minister Abiy described the TPLF as a political force attempting to destabilize Ethiopia through obsolete strategies and alliances that, he said, serve external actors with longstanding strategic interests in weakening the country. The Prime Minister said the TPLF remains trapped in the political thinking and methods that shaped its rise to power in the early 1990s, despite having governed Ethiopia for 27 years before leaving office. He reveled that the group continues to portray itself as a liberation movement while pursuing narrow organizational interests rather than the broader interests of the people of Tigray. PM Abiy further explained that the TPLF seeks to use armed groups operating in other parts of Ethiopia as instruments to advance its objectives, rather than engaging them as equal political partners.   He said this reflects a broader strategy aimed at weakening the Ethiopian state and creating conditions for instability. The Prime Minister also notes that the TPLF is acting as a proxy for external interests, arguing that its current political and military posture aligns with efforts to undermine Ethiopia’s sovereignty and strategic position. However, he underlined that the political formula through which the TPLF assumed power decades ago excluded broad sections of Ethiopia’s population. Meanwhile, this has already become outdated and cannot be replicated under today’s political conditions, the Prime Minister said.   Ethiopia’s political awareness, public participation, and democratic engagement have changed fundamentally, he stated, making the strategies of previous decades obsolete. The Premier said Ethiopia has undergone significant political reforms that have expanded democratic space and opened opportunities for peaceful political competition. He noted that following the reform process, many political prisoners were released, although he indicated that some later engaged in violent activities. He also highlighted that political parties representing diverse ideological positions are participating in government institutions and that a National Dialogue process is underway to ensure broader public participation and seek long-term political solutions. The Prime Minister said many armed fighters are returning to civilian life after accepting the government’s peace initiative, and he reaffirmed that the government remains committed to dialogue. "The door to peace remains open," PM Abiy said, reiterating that any group willing to pursue peaceful political engagement and dialogue would be welcomed.

Addis Ababa, August 8, 2026 (ENA) — Eritrea’s long-entrenched leadership has continued hindering regional stability and development, Uppsala University Professor Ashok Swain said. The Peace and Conflict Research professor at the Swedish university noted that the Eritrean leadership is once again playing a disruptive role in the Horn of Africa instead of delivering meaningful national development. In an exclusive interview with ENA, he stated that the regime in Asmara has maintained a belligerent posture in the aftermath of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, which brought an end to the devastating conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. Recent reports indicate that the Eritrean military forces, in total disrespect of international law, have entered Tigray, Ethiopia’s northernmost territory, re-igniting concerns over Asmara’s activities in regional destabilization. The Eritrean regime, recognized as the primary party opposed to the Pretoria Peace Agreement, is actively supporting the "Tsimdo" anti-Ethiopia alliance. Under the guise of this alliance, the regime is openly using a faction of the banned Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) as a proxy to re-ignite war against Ethiopia, militarize Tigray, and plunge the region into a devastating war. Rather than contributing to regional stability, Eritrea has been acting in a manner consistent with violating Ethiopia’s territorial integrity, Professor Swain noted. “What we have seen in recent months, especially after the peace deal in Tigray, is Eritrea not acting the way it should when it comes to respecting Ethiopia’s sovereignty,” he said. Concerns about Eritrea’s conduct are rooted in a long history of conflict between the two neighboring countries. The 1998–2000 Ethio-Eritrean war claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and left lasting scars across the region. Those tensions appeared to ease in 2018 when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed initiated a historic peace agreement with Eritrea, ending two decades of hostility and raising hopes for a new era of regional cooperation. The agreement earned Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed the Nobel Peace Prize and was widely welcomed across the Horn of Africa. Professor Swain said those expectations have largely collapsed due to the acts of the Eritrean leadership. Addressing Ethiopia’s parliament earlier this year, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed explained his government’s policy of restraint despite growing tensions with Eritrea. “For five years, we appealed and exercised patience,” the premier told the lawmakers. “After we came to office, we tried to move away from past grievances, believing it was unnecessary to dwell on them.” PM Abiy rejected suggestions that current tensions were driven by Ethiopia’s interest in accessing the Red Sea, arguing that relations deteriorated during the Tigray war. He revealed that Eritrean forces entered areas behind Ethiopian positions, committed serious abuses and destroyed civilian properties. Those abuses intensified tensions. “When our the defense forces moved out of Axum, Eritrean forces entered the town and carried out mass killings of young people. And when our forces reached Adigrat town, they saw the pharmaceutical factory looted. These acts escalated tensions”, the PM elaborated. Professor Swain linked Eritrea’s regional behavior to its domestic political system, describing the country as being governed by an authoritarian leadership with a long record of repression and human rights abuses. “We all know that Eritrea has been ruled by a force which is not democratic, with all sorts of human rights violations and authoritarianism,” he noted. Reflecting on Eritrea’s post-independence trajectory, the professor said the country had squandered a historic opportunity. “I was in Eritrea in the early 1990s. Those were hopeful days. Eritrea was expected to develop, but that opportunity has been completely lost. “The development in Eritrea has not really taken place. Instead of contributing to development, infrastructure, and nation-building, Eritrea has increasingly become associated with creating instability in the region.” In contrast, he described Ethiopia as a larger and more economically dynamic state with significant development ambitions and a broader responsibility for regional stability. “Ethiopia is a larger country, a bigger country, and economically much stronger than Eritrea,” he said. “It has a role as a responsible regional power.” However, Professor Swain stressed the need for a diplomatic response rather than military escalation.