Addis Ababa, August 15, 2026 (ENA) — The quest for securing a sovereign seaport is a matter of existence aimed at reconciling Ethiopia with its glorious history of growth and civilization, Gashaw Ayferam, Senior Researcher on the Horn of Africa and Water Geopolitics at the Institute of Foreign Affairs. The senior researcher stated that Ethiopia’s pursuit of direct access to the sea is a vital existential effort to realign the nation with its historic legacy of civilization and progress. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Gashaw recalled that until three decades ago, Ethiopia possessed direct access to the sea, an asset deeply intertwined with its civilization. He explained that during the Axumite civilization and across successive historical eras, Ethiopia facilitated its international trade and foreign relations through ports and maritime access along the Red Sea corridor. The senior researcher noted that throughout history, various internal and external hostile forces conspired continuously to deprive Ethiopia of its sovereign seaport. He elaborated that by thwarting the schemes of historical adversaries, Ethiopia successfully safeguarded its rightful sovereign seaport ownership for millennia. Unfortunately, the collusion between TPLF and Shaebia unceremoniously rendered Ethiopia landlocked without any valid legal or historical justification, he elaborated. Gashaw stressed that isolating Ethiopia from the Red Sea—a body of water inextricably linked to its heritage—represented an unpardonable historical harm to the nation's core national interest. The senior researcher explained that losing sovereign seaport created severe bottlenecks for the nation's economic development, trade, investment, and import-export operations. Gashaw noted that being landlocked forces Ethiopia to incur exorbitant port rental fees and logistical expenses that strain its overall trade competitiveness. He added that lack of direct maritime access also complicates efforts to effectively counter security threats and terrorist activities across the Horn of Africa. Consequently, the senior researcher emphasized that Ethiopia's quest for sovereign seaport is not a luxury, but a paramount national interest and an existential necessity that will define the destiny of future generations. He stated that securing seaport is essential for rectifying historical distortions and reconnecting Ethiopia with its grand historical trajectory. Addressing this issue is critical to supporting Ethiopia's ongoing efforts to enhance regional economic integration and accelerate continental cohesion. He underlined that ensuring regional peace, security, and shared prosperity remains a vital national responsibility for the present generation. The senior researcher noted that Ethiopia’s pursuit of seaport is gaining international recognition, with foreign governments, global institutions, and international media increasingly recognizing its legitimacy. He recommended that diplomatic engagements grounded in the principle of mutual benefit must be further intensified. Gashaw concluded that Ethiopians across all sectors must work in unison to raise awareness regarding the issue and defend the nation’s strategic national interests.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (ENA) — The Special Operations Command is a model force for the entire military, capable of swift response to any attack and proactive threat prevention, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula said. Chief of General Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Force, Birhanu Jula, noted that the Special Operations Command serves as a primary strategic striking force equipped with specialized military doctrine for rapid response and pre-emptive defense. The Chief of General Staff provided operational directions on current national issues to military leaders during the conclusion of the Special Operations Command's performance review for the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year. He highlighted that during a critical period when Ethiopia faced severe trials following political changes, the Special Operations Command mounted extraordinary combat efforts to reverse imminent threats against the nation. Describing the command as a game-changing special force, the Field Marshal noted that the nation deeply honors the sacrifices made by the command and urged it to maintain its exceptional readiness for future challenges. He emphasized that the defense force has paid immense sacrifices to navigate the country through critical transitions, ensuring that their role extends beyond external defense to securing internal peace and safeguarding national existence. Field Marshal Birhanu recalled that Shaebia has historically conspired with external adversaries to deny Ethiopia sea access and undermine its strategic interests. He stated that the illegal Tigray People's Liberation Force compromised national interests during its 27-year rule, actively working to keep Ethiopia landlocked while later committing acts of treason against the national defense force. Despite repeated betrayal, Ethiopia continues its progress anchored by the dedicated defense force units like the Special Operations Command, he stressed. The Field Marshal noted that extremist elements operating under foreign agendas have formed a destructive coalition aimed at weakening the state, affirming that such ambitions are bound to fail. Birhanu added that TPLF has been pursuing divisive political tactics designed to erode trust among Ethiopians. Citizens across the country, including the people of Tigray, now fully realize the consequences of the disruptive activities of the defunct TPLF. Field Marshal Birhanu observed that TPLF is currently aligning with foreign interests alongside extremist groups like Shene and Fano, repeating past patterns of opposition to national stability. He reaffirmed that Ethiopia will press forward on its path toward growth and prosperity, frustrating the designs of historical adversaries. According to details from Defense Online Media, the Special Operations Command has attained advanced levels of armaments and human resource capacity, maintaining robust readiness to swiftly counter any aggression threatening national sovereignty.  

Addis Ababa, August 15, 2026 (ENA) — The ongoing national dialogue conference is serving as a key platform to strengthen Ethiopia’s national consensus and open a new chapter in the country’s history, participants told ENA. The National Dialogue Conference has been going on since July 15, 2026, at the Addis International Convention Center. It has brought together 4,000 participants engaged in in-depth participatory discussions on the eight major agenda pillars gathers from all over the country. Speaking to ENA, Tesfaye Dejene, one of the participants, said the dialogue is progressing well and has opened a new chapter in the country. Describing the dialogue as a historic opportunity for citizens to collectively seek solutions to long-standing issues, he added that the discussions have extensively deliberated on the agendas and came up with recommendations. Tesfaye noted that the national dialogue represents a major milestone on the path toward building a better Ethiopia. The other participant, Ibsa Ibrahim, said the conference is the first dialogue in Ethiopia’s history and will help to strengthen national consensus. For his part, Bogale Seyda said the process which is inclusive broadly involves diverse segments of the society, including farmers, pastoralists, women, youth and persons with disabilities.

Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the United States, Binalf Andualem and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, held a productive meeting that focused on strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation on shared strategic priorities. In a social media post, the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington DC said the two officials held wide-ranging discussions on current national and regional developments. The discussion underscored the importance of sustained engagement and close collaboration in addressing complex political, economic, and security challenges. They also explored opportunities to deepen economic cooperation, with particular emphasis on Ethiopia’s critical mining sector, which both sides identified as a key area for investment, value addition, and long-term partnership. The meeting reflected the growing momentum in Ethiopia–U.S. relations and a shared commitment to advancing mutually beneficial cooperation, promoting regional stability, and expanding economic engagement between the two countries.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Canada, Theodros Girma, underscored the importance of strengthening ties between the younger Ethiopian diaspora and their ancestral homeland as nearly 120 second-generation Ethiopians and their family members departed Canada for Addis Ababa today. The youth delegation, coordinated by former national footballer Ashenafi Girma, departed Toronto for Addis Ababa as Ambassador Theodros hailed the initiative as a major step in strengthening diaspora ties with Ethiopia’s heritage and national identity.   The group is expected to spend one month in Ethiopia, participating in cultural exchange programs, heritage visits, volunteer work, and community service activities designed to strengthen their understanding of the country and their connection to it. Ambassador Theodros said initiatives that engage second-generation Ethiopians are vital for preserving cultural identity and building enduring links between Ethiopia and its global diaspora. He recalled Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s repeated calls for members of the Ethiopian diaspora, particularly younger generations, to strengthen their ties with their country of origin. He noted that such programs can promote people-to-people diplomacy, encourage greater diaspora participation in national development and community initiatives, and create stronger bridges between Ethiopia and Ethiopian communities abroad.   On their part, Ashenafi Girma and members of the delegation expressed their commitment to sustaining and expanding the program, with the aim of creating long-term opportunities for young Ethiopians in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots. In its press release sent to ENA, the Ethiopian Embassy in Canada said the young Ethiopian diaspora participants are expected to engage with local communities and contribute to Ethiopia’s future development.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s National Dialogue has entered a new phase, with recommendations developed by thematic working groups now undergoing harmonization before being presented to the main national assembly of 4,000 participants. The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) announced the development on Friday, describing it as a significant step in the country’s ongoing dialogue process aimed at building consensus on key national issues. According to the Commission, the recommendations agreed upon by the working groups are now being reviewed by a 120-member harmonization team established to align, organize, and consolidate the proposals before their submission to the plenary assembly.   The team consists of 15 representatives selected from each of the eight working groups, each of which comprises about 500 participants. ENDC said the harmonization team is responsible for examining the recommendations, ensuring consistency across the proposals, and identifying any overlaps, contradictions, or gaps that may emerge from the deliberations of the different groups. The Commission said the team is currently reviewing presentations from each working group as part of the broader effort to consolidate the recommendations into a coherent national framework. Once the harmonization process is completed, the consolidated recommendations will be organized and submitted to the main assembly for consideration by the full body of dialogue participants. The latest development marks a crucial transition from thematic deliberations to the integration of proposals into a unified set of recommendations that can be debated and considered at the national level.   The dialogue reached a major milestone on Thursday when the Commission announced that participants had achieved consensus across all eight thematic agenda pillars, completing the consensus-building process on the full national dialogue agenda. The harmonization phase is expected to play a pivotal role in translating the outcomes of the working groups into a coordinated set of proposals for the next stage of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia and Malawi have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in migration governance and to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, particularly along the Southern Route to South Africa. The agreement, signed in Addis Ababa on Friday, provides a framework for joint action in prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnership, with a focus on protecting vulnerable migrants and dismantling criminal networks. Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergoge Tesfaye, said the MOU would strengthen joint efforts by Ethiopia and Malawi to address irregular migration along the Southern Route and protect Ethiopian migrants from trafficking and exploitation. Ethiopia is a source, transit, and destination country for migrants, while Malawi serves as an important transit point along the route to South Africa, making close cooperation between the two countries essential, she said. “Migration is a natural phenomenon, but if we fail to manage it properly, we know it poses a significant danger,” Ergoge noted. She said the agreement also provides for the protection of migrants’ human rights, humanitarian assistance, and dignified return. Ergoge commended Malawi for its cooperation with Ethiopian law enforcement authorities in apprehending human trafficking suspects. She said joint efforts by the Malawian Police and the Ethiopian Federal Police had helped bring to justice individuals linked to a trafficking network that victimized more than 300 citizens. Malawi’s Minister of Homeland Security, Peter Mukhito, said the agreement would strengthen information sharing, operational cooperation, and the capacity of both countries to combat transnational organized crime. “Today, Malawi and Ethiopia are doing more than signing a Memorandum of Understanding. We are strengthening trust, closing the spaces criminals exploit,” Mukhito said. He stressed that the real test of the agreement would be its implementation, calling for faster communication, efficient information exchange, and stronger cooperation between law enforcement institutions. Mukhito also highlighted the human cost of trafficking and migrant smuggling, saying the two countries must protect vulnerable people, support victims, and ensure that traffickers do not escape justice by crossing borders. He said the agreement carries wider significance for Africa, as human trafficking, migrant smuggling, and transnational organized crime are shared challenges that require stronger cooperation among African countries. State Minister of Justice Belayihun Yirga, for his part, said the MOU provides a legal foundation for future cooperation between Ethiopia and Malawi in combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling. “We will use this as a foundation to move directly into implementation,” he said. The agreement builds on the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and Malawi and is expected to provide a stronger framework for practical bilateral cooperation on migration management and the fight against transnational crime.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (ENA) — An Ethiopian delegation is participating in the Ministerial Session of the 36th Ordinary Meeting of the Policy Organs of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), underway in Kampala, Uganda, according to Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ethiopian delegation, led by Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of Foreign Relations and Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defense, and Etsegenet Yimenu, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda and accredited to Burundi, Seychelles and the Union of Comoros, are participating in the meeting. The meeting, being held under the theme “Building a More Secure Eastern Africa through Partnership and Innovation,” is scheduled to conclude on August 15, 2026. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministerial Session is considering and finalizing the deliberations and recommendations of the Chiefs of Defence Forces Meeting of EASF member states, held on August 13, 2026. The 36th EASF Policy Organs Meeting has brought together senior military leaders and other representatives from Uganda, Burundi, Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia and Sudan to deliberate on regional security priorities, strategic and operational matters, and the future readiness of the Force. The meeting is also addressing issues related to governance, resource mobilization, service regulations, operational preparedness, and the regional security situation, according to the EASF.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia has been making commendable progress in both political and economic spheres following the reforms undertaken in the country, Sahrawi Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union Lamine Baali said. Speaking to ENA, Ambassador Baali congratulated Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party (PP) on securing an overwhelming majority in the 7th general election, saying the election results, together with the party’s vision and strategy, demonstrate encouraging developments in recent years. The ambassador highlighted the broad public participation in the election, noting that 42 political parties took part in the process and that more than 54 million voters participated. He described the level of participation as a positive indication of citizens’ commitment to exercising their political responsibilities. Baali also said the election represented a positive development in Ethiopia’s democratic process, citing increased political participation, the involvement of a larger number of political parties and the presence of election observers as signs of progress. The reform agenda led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed with contributing to greater political, economic and social cohesion in the country, he added. Reflecting on the broader reform process over the past eight years, the ambassador said the election demonstrated Ethiopia’s efforts to advance political reform alongside economic transformation and initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ livelihoods. Baali further stressed the importance of national dialogue, particularly following elections, saying political competition should be followed by dialogue to promote inclusive development and strengthen national unity. Ethiopia’s experience could provide valuable lessons for other African countries and encouraged greater exchange of experiences and best practices among African nations, he noted. On Ethiopia’s investment and tourism sectors, the ambassador said the continued implementation of reforms and policies was producing tangible results, including visible improvements in major cities and increased tourism activity. He also pointed to regional development projects aimed at promoting inclusiveness as encouraging signs, while noting that major transformation initiatives generally require time to produce their full impact. Regarding bilateral relations, Baali said ties between Ethiopia and the Sahrawi Republic remain strong, recalling cooperation between the two countries dating back to the 1970s. He expressed interest in further expanding bilateral cooperation in areas including culture, sports, trade, investment, health and other fields of mutual interest.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (ENA) —Egyptian media coverage of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has become increasingly inconsistent, often diverging from the assessments of several Egyptian scientists and water experts, journalist and writer Zahid Zidan, said. Speaking to ENA Arabic, Zahid noted that public debate surrounding the GERD has frequently been shaped by contradictory media narratives rather than by scientific and technical analysis. He cited a number of Egyptian experts who, according to him, have publicly stated that the dam does not pose a direct threat to Egypt. Among them is Egyptian geologist Dr. Abbas Sharaqi, whom Zahid identified as one of the experts who has repeatedly argued that the GERD does not inherently harm Egypt. He also referred to Egyptian scientist Dr. Sameh Armanious, who has described the project as a hydropower dam that returns water to the river system after electricity generation. Zahid further cited Egyptian space scientist Dr. Farouk El-Baz, saying that El-Baz has indicated the dam could contribute to protecting the interests of Sudan and Egypt, as well as Ethiopia, through more regulated water management. He argued that water availability and hydrological conditions should be assessed through scientific observation rather than political interpretation. “Discussions about water abundance or scarcity cannot be based on scientific criteria before the end of the water season,” Zahid said. According to him, some Egyptian media outlets have at different times linked the GERD to entirely opposite phenomena, first associating it with flooding and infrastructure damage, and later blaming it for declining water levels and drought.   He said attributing contradictory hydrological events to the same project reveals significant inconsistencies in parts of the Egyptian media discourse. At the same time, Zahid argued that claims by some Egyptian officials and media outlets that the GERD poses a threat to downstream countries are politically driven and lack a consistent scientific basis. He said such narratives have, for decades, sought to obstruct Ethiopia’s sovereign right to pursue development through the utilization of its natural resources, particularly the Abay (Blue Nile), which contributes about 86 percent of the Nile waters that flow to downstream countries. In that regard, he contended that media narratives should be distinguished from scientific assessments. Zahid said the views of several Egyptian and Sudanese experts suggest that the GERD should be evaluated primarily through technical and hydrological evidence rather than through sensational or politically driven narratives. He also cited Sudanese specialists, including Professor Saif al-Din Hamad and former Sudanese Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Dr. Osman Al-Tom, saying their assessments have emphasized the importance of evidence-based analysis in discussions over the Nile. The journalist stressed that the GERD was principally designed as a hydroelectric project intended to generate electricity and utilize Ethiopia’s water resources for development.   “The technical nature of the project differs from the portrayal presented by some Egyptian media outlets,” he said. Zahid stated that the shift from describing the dam as a project that could contribute to water management to occasionally portraying it as a “dam of destruction” illustrates a widening gap between scientific discourse and parts of the media narrative. He added that annual water volumes cannot be accurately assessed until several months after the rainy season has ended. “The annual volume of water cannot be accurately assessed until March or April of next year,” he said, stressing that early judgments about water abundance or scarcity do not provide a comprehensive hydrological picture. Zahid called for more balanced and scientifically grounded reporting on the GERD and the Abay urging media organizations to rely on technical studies and verified data rather than rhetoric that could further complicate regional discussions over Nile water management.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (ENA) — Participants of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference said the forum has created a huge opportunity for free expression of ideas and for addressing longstanding challenges. The National Dialogue Conference has been underway at the Addis International Convention Center since July 15, 2026. Around 4,000 participants representing Ethiopians from across the country and the diaspora have been engaged in in-depth and inclusive discussions aimed at building consensus on the eight major agenda pillars. Speaking to ENA, some participants said the ideas being raised during the dialogue contribute to sustainable nation-building. One of the delegates representing a civil society organization, Abdisa Abebe, said the dialogue has brought together representatives of different sections of society from across Ethiopia, providing an opportunity for everyone to freely present their views. The forum has created space for diverse ideas to be raised without restriction, enabling participants to discuss challenges and develop solutions that can serve not only the present but also future generations, he added. The ideas emerging from the dialogue, according to Abdisa, will help Ethiopia to advance toward sustainable peace, greater development and prosperity, while also making a significant contribution to building the country's democratic system. For his part, Simahegn Engiso, a representative of the Sidama Liberation Movement, said the National Dialogue represents a historic opportunity, describing it as the first time in Ethiopia's history that such a large number of people have come together for consultations. He said participants are discussing the various ideas being raised and gradually moving toward a common understanding. The dialogue has created a huge opportunity to develop lasting solutions to the country's challenges, Simahegn stated, adding that this could help hand over a better Ethiopia to the next generation. The representative further noted that the National Dialogue will contribute to strengthening Ethiopia's multinational character and enabling the country to play a more positive role beyond Africa at the global level.

Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s National Dialogue is emerging as a distinctive African model for resolving complex political and social challenges through a grassroots-driven process, according to Yassin Ahmed, President of the Ethiopian Institute for Public Diplomacy (EIPD). Approached by ENA, Yassin said the Ethiopian experience marks a significant departure from dialogue processes that have traditionally been shaped by political agreements among elites, party leaders and state actors. Across much of Africa, he noted, national dialogue initiatives have often followed a top-down approach in which agreements are reached at the leadership level before being presented to the wider public. While such processes can produce political settlements, they may not fully reflect the concerns and aspirations of citizens across diverse communities. Ethiopia, he said, has taken a different path.   “What distinguishes Ethiopia’s National Dialogue is that it was launched on the principle of dialogue from the grassroots to the top, rather than the other way around,” Yassin said. According to him, the process began with extensive consultations in communities across the country, bringing together clan elders, religious leaders, women, youth, farmers, academics and civil society representatives. These consultations were intended to identify citizens’ concerns and priorities before they were elevated to the national agenda. He described the approach as a significant institutional and political shift in Ethiopia’s modern history. “For decades, national political issues were largely approached through hierarchical and elite-driven systems,” he said. The president however, noted that: “The current process reverses that logic by placing local communities and ordinary citizens at the starting point of national deliberations.” Yassin argued that this citizen-centered approach offers an important lesson for African countries seeking durable solutions to deeply rooted political and social challenges. By grounding dialogue in local participation, he said, governments can strengthen public ownership of national processes and improve the legitimacy of outcomes.   He also stressed that the significance of Ethiopia’s experience is closely tied to the country’s scale and diversity. “With a population of more than 130 million and a rich mosaic of ethnic groups, languages and cultures, managing national diversity through dialogue is an extraordinarily complex undertaking,” he said. “Bringing such diverse constituencies into a single national process is, in itself, a major institutional achievement,” he further stated. At the same time, Yassin emphasized that meaningful political participation cannot coexist with armed confrontation. He said participation in the National Dialogue requires a commitment to peaceful political engagement, arguing that violence and military activity undermine the conditions necessary for inclusive democratic deliberation. Yassin further noted that the National Dialogue was established through legislation approved by Parliament and is administered by an independent commission, providing the process with a formal legal foundation and an institutional mechanism for addressing national issues. He said the Ethiopian experience demonstrates that inclusive national dialogue can serve as a practical framework for managing diversity, building consensus and addressing complex political questions in pluralistic African societies.   As African countries continue searching for sustainable approaches to peacebuilding and democratic governance, Yassin said Ethiopia’s grassroots-to-national dialogue model offers a potentially important contribution to the continent’s evolving dialogue architecture.

Addis Ababa, August 13, 2026 (ENA) —The National Dialogue has reached a major milestone, with participants achieving consensus across all eight thematic agenda pillars, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) announced today. The Commission said participants deliberating on the remaining agenda pillars reached agreement on the issues under discussion, completing the consensus-building process across the entire national dialogue agenda.   Two days earlier, the ENDC had announced that participants reached consensus on four key pillars: peacebuilding, religious affairs, corruption and good governance, and government structure and the political system. According to the Commission, participants have now also reached agreement on the remaining four top pillars including nation-building, federal cities affairs, institution-building, rule of law and human rights, and socio-economic issues affecting farmers and pastoralists. The National Dialogue has been conducted through thematic working groups, bringing together representatives from diverse sections of Ethiopian society to deliberate on issues identified as requiring broad national consensus. The process has focused on fostering dialogue, identifying areas of common understanding, and building agreement on issues of national importance.   The consensus reached across the agenda pillars is anticipated to provide an important foundation for the next stages of the national dialogue process aimed at strengthening national cohesion, institutional development, and a shared vision for Ethiopia’s future.

Addis Ababa, August 13 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia participated in the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting held on 12–13 July 2026 in Jaipur, India, highlighting the importance of strengthening financial resilience, development finance and cooperation among emerging and developing economies. Ethiopia called for stronger BRICS cooperation to address global economic challenges, including rising debt, limited fiscal space, high borrowing costs, climate-related shocks and financial fragmentation, while advocating greater representation of emerging and developing economies in international financial institutions. According to information obtained from the Embassy of Ethiopia in New Delhi, India, the delegation also emphasized enhanced cooperation in trade, investment and financial systems, knowledge-sharing and access to innovative development financing through BRICS institutions and platforms. On central bank cooperation, Ethiopia highlighted capacity building and deeper collaboration on financial infrastructure. As Ethiopia advances toward accession to the New Development Bank (NDB), it welcomed closer alignment between NDB financing and broader BRICS development initiatives.

Addis Ababa, August 13 2026 (ENA) — The ongoing Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference is progressing well, National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) Deputy Chief Commissioner Hirut Gebre Sellasie said. Briefing the press today, the Deputy Chief Commissioner noted that the process is moving as expected and in accordance with the plan of the National Dialogue Commission. At this stage, “most of the groups of 500 delegates that deliberated separately have reached agreement; and are concluding the discussions by putting their signatures on the respective recommendations, she said. After resolving disagreements, the groups have arrived at a consensus, agreeing on most issues, with all eight groups currently wrapping up their work, the Deputy Chief Commissioner revealed. According to her, a team has been established to harmonize the recommendations prepared by the eight dialogue groups. The team’s mandate is to summarize and consolidate the recommendations into single, unified proposal. Complaints raised by certain individuals, groups, or political parties are being studied, with decisions to be made in line with the commission’s grievance-handling procedure, Hirut stated. She added that the complaints being reviewed and the commission will pass decisions. The commission will announce the outcome of the dialogue to the Ethiopian public in the next phase, the Deputy Chief Commissioner said, noting that three fourth of the overall task is nearing completion.

Eritrea’s Stagnation by Design: Proxy Legacies, Anti-Ethiopian Policies and the Cost of Isolation August 12, 2026 (ENA) By Jibril Lammo In an era defined by dynamic continental transformation, fast-tracked socio-economic shifts, and modern infrastructural revolutions across East Africa, the realities visible just across Ethiopia’s northern border present a stark and sober study in contrasts. Guided by the overarching vision of Medemer, Ethiopia continues to execute expansive development projects, redefine urban spaces, and build enduring national institutions. Yet, directly adjacent to this rising economic engine, Eritrea remains trapped in a self-inflicted cycle of economic decay, institutional isolation, and historical stagnation. Recent visual documentation produced by independent international content creators and global travel vloggers has brought this divide back into sharp clarity. Public dispatches published by creators such as Davud Akhundzada alongside British and Russian travel vloggers Matt and Julia present an unvarnished window into a society frozen in time. Observers continuously describe an environment that appears to have retrogressed by over half a century, completely disconnected from the digital finance networks, modern telecommunications, and industrial infrastructure that now define the region. In one notably striking sequence broadcast to a global audience, a young Eritrean citizen in Asmara is captured on live camera directly soliciting a visitor for a single loaf of bread. This moment provides an undeniable reality check that completely dismantles the state-sponsored propaganda of self-sustained food security and agrarian self-reliance long promoted by the ruling establishment in Asmara. The Egyptian Proxy Roots and a Legacy of Hostility To understand why Eritrea continues to deteriorate while neighboring economies like Ethiopia, record unprecedented expansion, one must analyze its foundational political origins. Historically conceived and nurtured with Cairo’s backing during the mid-twentieth century, the Shabia movement—an outgrowth of the original Jebeha structure established in Egypt, was specifically engineered as an anti-Ethiopian proxy project. The primary strategic objective of its external sponsors was simple: sever Ethiopia’s direct access to the Red Sea, tie down its national resources, and permanently impede its capacity to utilize its natural water assets along Abay (Nile) basin. In the three decades following its formal separation from Ethiopia, the ruling clique in Asmara has consistently refused to transition from a belligerent rebel outfit into a constructive state apparatus focused on internal nation-building. Rather than devoting its national budget to domestic infrastructure, education, and health systems, the regime transformed the nation into a primary base for regional destabilization. Nearly every major security threat, internal subversion effort, and armed insurgency faced by Ethiopia over the past thirty years has been planned, financed, or sheltered within Eritrean territory. This singular obsession with undermining Ethiopia has devastated Eritrea’s internal capacity. Today, the country operates in near-total isolation, marked by an absolute absence of modern banking systems, automated teller machines, commercial internet connectivity, democratic elections, and basic civil liberties. The artificial pegging of its national currency offers a paper-thin facade that fails to mask runaway domestic inflation, severe supply shortages, and profound structural poverty. The Unholy Alliance: The "Tsimdo" Conspiracy and Subversion Nothing reveals the regime's singular focus on destabilizing Ethiopia more clearly than Asmara’s recent backing of the coalition known as Tsimdo. In a remarkable turn of geopolitical opportunism, the Eritrean leadership has forged an unholy alliance with hardline TPLF factions and associated armed groups—the very entities with which it previously engaged in devastating armed conflict. This alignment demonstrates that Asmara operates entirely without ideological consistency, guided solely by a destructive agenda against Ethiopian national unity. Assembled through clandestine meetings across Asmara, Mekelle, and regional border hubs, this Tsimdo alliance offers zero benefit to the ordinary citizens of Eritrea. Instead of directing scarce foreign currency reserves toward domestic food security, health services, or economic relief, the regime in Asmara channels its limited resources into funding, arming, and sheltering these insurgent elements. The strategic calculation behind Tsimdo is to keep Ethiopia perpetually distracted, bogged down in internal friction, and unable to fully project its economic and diplomatic strength. For the ruling circle in Asmara, any setback for Ethiopia is misconstrued as a victory, reflecting a narrow and zero-sum mindset that prioritizes regional hostility over the basic survival needs of its own populace. The High Price of Rejecting Regional Economic Integration Under standard economic logic, proximity to a rapidly expanding market of over 130 million people represents an extraordinary trade advantage. Ethiopia’s booming industrial footprint, expanding urban centers, and soaring demand for goods and services offered Eritrea a natural pathway toward sustained economic prosperity. By integrating into regional transport corridors, supplying complementary port logistics, and catering to Ethiopian consumer demand, Eritrea could have secured long-term economic stability for its population. Instead, the leadership in Asmara chose to remain a regional pawn for external interests, prioritizing geopolitical sabotage over the material welfare of its people. The structural consequence of this choice is an economy drastically poorer today than it was when unified with Ethiopia. The human toll of this policy is reflected in a devastating demographic drain. Today, nearly half a million Eritreans reside in Ethiopia, with the vibrant population of young Eritreans living and working in Addis Ababa now outnumbering the youthful population remaining in Asmara. As entire generations flee the country, the domestic human resource capacity of the nation continues to erode. This massive exodus underscores a basic truth: the regime in Asmara views its own citizenry as entirely expendable. For the ruling circle, domestic suffering is secondary to the pursuit of its foundational mandate—acting as an external wedge to contain Ethiopia's sovereign potential and disrupt its regional standing. Post-Pretoria Realities and Shifts in Asmara When the reform government under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed assumed office, Ethiopia extended an historic olive branch to Asmara, initiating a peaceful reconciliation process that earned international acclaim and a Nobel Peace Prize. This diplomatic effort was rooted in a genuine desire to build a peaceful, interconnected, and economically integrated Horn of Africa where neighboring populations could thrive together. However, the structural limits of Asmara’s political leadership became starkly apparent following the end of the conflict in Northern Ethiopia. The signing of the historic Pretoria Peace Agreement successfully ended active hostiles, preserved Ethiopia's constitutional order, and established a peaceful framework for dialogue and reconstruction—a comprehensive win-win outcome for national integrity and regional stability. Yet, this peaceful resolution was met with profound hostility by the Eritrean regime, which was intent on driving the conflict toward absolute regional destruction rather than a negotiated political settlement. Resentful of Ethiopia’s successful diplomatic resolution, Asmara promptly reversed its foreign policy alignments, forming tactical partnerships with the very political entities it previously fought. This blatant opportunism further proved that the regime's actions are governed solely by an unyielding desire to punish and fragment Ethiopia rather than any consistent geopolitical principle. An Unstoppable Trajectory and the Path Ahead The Ethiopia of the Medemer era is fundamentally different from the vulnerable state of past decades. Today, Ethiopia stands as one of the fastest-growing economies on the African continent, having successfully expanded its foreign exchange earnings, doubled its overall economic throughput, and consolidated its national defense capabilities. Guided by a clear long-term vision, Ethiopia is actively advancing its two-water strategy to correct historical injustices and secure its rightful economic and maritime standing. The state capacity built within Ethiopia—spanning large-scale civil engineering, digital economy integration, agricultural productivity, and poverty alleviation—remains a powerful resource that could benefit the broader region. Should the leadership in Asmara choose to abandon its obsolete proxy role and govern for the tangible well-being of its population, there is immense structural expertise available across the border to emulate and share. Ethiopia’s sovereign march toward national prosperity, regional integration, and economic leadership will not be delayed or deterred by external hostility. It is entirely up to the authorities in Asmara to correct their historical course and embrace constructive regional partnership, or remain trapped in self-imposed isolation while the rest of the Horn of Africa advances forward.

Addis Ababa, August 12, 2026 (ENA) —Strong ideas capable of building and moving Ethiopia forward are emerging from the ongoing National Dialogue Conference, according to participants. The National Dialogue Conference has been underway since July 15, 2026, at the Addis International Convention Center in Addis Ababa. About 4,000 participants representing Ethiopians from across the country and abroad are taking part in discussions on eight major national agendas.   The dialogue is expected to lay the groundwork for a peaceful and harmonious Ethiopia by generating lasting solutions to the country’s long-standing challenges. Participants told ENA that the process would help bring Ethiopians closer together while strengthening a culture of democracy and dialogue. Mebratu Alemu, a member of the 6th House of People’s Representatives and the Advisory Committee of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, said recommendations aimed at addressing Ethiopia’s persistent challenges are being advanced through the dialogue.   He said the dialogue provides an opportunity to hand over a better Ethiopia to the next generation by building on shared values that unite the country. The participation of multiple political parties in the process also offers an important lesson in shaping Ethiopia’s national political culture around dialogue, he added. Similarly, Alazar Abayneh, a lecturer of History and Political Science and a participant in the conference, said Ethiopia has long faced persistent disagreements, adding that dialogue remains the most viable path to resolving such challenges.   He described the National Dialogue Conference as a historic opportunity to build an Ethiopia grounded in national consensus and establish a strong foundation for future generations. Another participant, legal expert Wondimu Gizaw, emphasized that the dialogue represents a turning point for the country, adding that his hope for Ethiopia has "flourished tremendously" through the process.   He witnessed that he had observed participants fulfilling their national responsibility to help pass on a better Ethiopia, where justice and equality prevail, to the next generation.

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.