By Staff Writer August 16, 2026 (ENA) Ethiopia’s week unfolded around two questions that go to the heart of the country’s future. It revolved how to build consensus at home and how to secure the strategic foundations needed to sustain that future. As the National Dialogue entered a new and consequential phase, participants reached consensus across all eight thematic agenda pillars, before a harmonization team began integrating the recommendations emerging from the deliberations. At the same time, renewed discussion over Ethiopia’s quest for sovereign access to the sea brought the country’s historical, economic and strategic interests firmly back into the national conversation. Beyond these defining issues, the week also brought developments in economic reform, regional security, renewable energy, health, climate action, skills development and diplomacy—reflecting an Ethiopia seeking to strengthen its domestic foundations while expanding its role in regional and continental affairs. National Dialogue Moves From Deliberation Toward Consensus The National Dialogue remained the most significant domestic development of the week as the process moved from deliberation toward the consolidation of recommendations. Participants reached consensus across all eight thematic agenda pillars, marking an important milestone in a process intended to address major national questions through dialogue, collective deliberation and the search for common ground. The achievement ushered in a new phase. A harmonization team began integrating recommendations generated across the different thematic pillars, moving the process from individual discussions toward a more unified set of proposals. That progression is significant. The National Dialogue is no longer simply a forum for identifying differences and airing competing perspectives. Its latest phase is increasingly focused on bringing together ideas, identifying areas of convergence and preparing recommendations for the next stage. Earlier in the week, one participant described the conference as laying the foundation for a generation grounded in the supremacy of ideas. The observation captured a broader aspiration of the dialogue to strengthen a political culture in which competing views can be debated through ideas and discussion rather than confrontation. The movement from deliberation to harmonization therefore gives the National Dialogue a new character. What began as a national effort to bring Ethiopians together around difficult and long-standing questions is becoming an exercise in translating diverse perspectives into areas of common ground. For a country whose political history has often been marked by deep disagreement, consensus across all eight thematic areas carries significance beyond the conference hall. It places greater emphasis on the ability of Ethiopians to debate differences, identify shared interests and work toward common solutions. The process has also faced misinformation and negative narratives in some media spaces. The National Dialogue Commission has urged the public to approach such reports with caution and rely on verified information about the process. The next challenge will be equally important: ensuring that the consensus reached through dialogue can be translated into credible recommendations and, ultimately, meaningful outcomes. The Sea Access Question: A Strategic Interest With Historical Weight Alongside the National Dialogue, Ethiopia’s quest for sovereign access to the sea again emerged as a major strategic issue. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Gashaw Ayferam, Senior Researcher on the Horn of Africa and Water Geopolitics at the Institute of Foreign Affairs, described sovereign maritime access as a matter of profound national importance, linking it to Ethiopia’s historical trajectory, economic development and long-term strategic interests. Gashaw recalled that Ethiopia had direct access to the sea until several decades ago and highlighted the historical importance of maritime connectivity to the country’s trade and external relations, particularly during the Axumite civilization and subsequent periods. He argued that the absence of sovereign seaport access has created significant challenges for Ethiopia’s economic development, trade, investment and import-export operations, while the country’s landlocked status has also contributed to higher logistical and port-related costs. The researcher further connected maritime access to the wider security environment of the Horn of Africa, arguing that the issue extends beyond commerce to encompass broader strategic considerations. For Gashaw, Ethiopia’s pursuit of sovereign maritime access should therefore be understood as a major national interest rather than a luxury. He called for intensified diplomatic engagement based on mutual benefit, arguing that greater maritime connectivity could also support regional economic integration, continental cohesion, peace and shared prosperity. The argument places the sea-access question within a much broader strategic context. For Ethiopia, the issue intersects with history, trade, economic competitiveness, security, regional integration and the country’s long-term position in the Horn of Africa. Economic Reform Seeks Greater Inclusion and Stability The economy also featured prominently during the week as Ethiopia continued implementing reforms aimed at strengthening the financial sector, expanding economic participation and improving resilience. ENA reported that financial-sector reforms are accelerating digital banking inclusion and contributing to economic stability, highlighting the growing role of technology in widening access to financial services. The development comes alongside efforts to strengthen Ethiopia’s technical capacity in renewable energy and regional power-grid interconnection, linking financial and technological transformation with the country’s wider development ambitions. The week’s economic coverage also highlighted efforts to expand skills training in response to changing domestic and global labour-market demands. Minister of Labour and Skills Muferihat Kamil said Ethiopia is expanding skills training to respond to evolving employment requirements, underscoring the importance of preparing citizens for opportunities in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven global economy. Taken together, these developments point to an economic transformation that depends not only on capital and infrastructure, but increasingly on skills, digital inclusion, technological capacity and human capital. Regional Security Takes Center Stage in Addis Ababa Regional security was another major theme of the week. Military leaders of the Eastern Africa Standby Force was held to review regional peace and security protocols, while the 36th EASF Policy Organs Meeting opened with an emphasis on partnership, preparedness and security innovation. The meeting concluded with renewed security commitments, reinforcing the importance of collective regional mechanisms in responding to shared security challenges. The gathering came against a backdrop of conflicts, geopolitical rivalries and economic pressures contributing to an increasingly complex international and regional environment. For Eastern Africa, the discussions carry particular weight as security challenges increasingly transcend national borders. The emphasis on partnership and institutional preparedness reflects a growing recognition that regional security cannot be addressed effectively through isolated national responses. The strengthening of regional security institutions therefore remains closely connected to the wider ambitions of stability, economic integration and development across the Horn and Eastern Africa. Ethiopia Strengthens Energy and Climate Agenda Energy and environmental issues also remained central to the week’s developments. Ethiopia continued efforts to strengthen technical capacity for renewable-energy development and regional power-grid interconnection, reinforcing its broader ambition to expand clean-energy generation and deepen electricity cooperation across borders. The Green Legacy Initiative likewise remained an important component of the country’s development agenda, with a regional state administration outlining its next priorities for green development and urban renewal. International recognition of Ethiopia’s climate and urban-development efforts also featured during the week, as renowned international economists commended aspects of the country’s urban transformation and climate-resilience efforts. Diplomatic missions further reaffirmed support for Ethiopia’s sustainable-development initiatives, underscoring the growing international interest in the country’s environmental, climate and development programs. These developments reflect an increasingly interconnected agenda in which energy security, climate resilience, urban development and economic growth are being pursued as complementary rather than separate priorities. Health Cooperation Expands as Addis Ababa Prepares for Continental Forum Health was another area in which Ethiopia’s regional role continued to grow. Addis Ababa is set to host the 13th East Africa Health Federations Conference and Exhibition, bringing renewed attention to regional cooperation and private-sector engagement in the health sector. At the same time, the groundbreaking of a Fetal Diagnostic Center at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College marked another step in expanding specialized healthcare infrastructure. Together, the developments placed both domestic healthcare capacity and regional health cooperation on the week’s agenda, linking improvements in specialized medical services with Ethiopia’s broader role in continental health affairs. A Week Defined by Consensus, Capacity and Strategic Ambition From the National Dialogue to the question of maritime access, Ethiopia’s major stories this week revolved around long-term national interests. At home, the National Dialogue moved from broad deliberations toward the difficult work of harmonizing recommendations after participants reached consensus across all eight thematic pillars. In the strategic arena, the debate over sovereign access to the sea continued to frame questions of history, economic competitiveness, security and regional integration. Meanwhile, financial-sector reform, digital inclusion, skills development, renewable energy, regional security, healthcare and climate action demonstrated the breadth of Ethiopia’s development agenda. The common thread is building national capacity—to strengthen dialogue, expand opportunity, advance technology and security, and pursue Ethiopia’s strategic interests through diplomacy and regional cooperation. As the National Dialogue enters its next phase, the central test will be whether consensus reached around the table can be translated into recommendations and outcomes capable of resonating far beyond it. And as Ethiopia continues to pursue its broader strategic interests, the week’s developments suggest that the country’s next chapter will not be shaped by a single issue. It will be shaped by how effectively Ethiopia can bring together national consensus, economic strength, institutional capacity and strategic sovereignty and turn them into a coherent foundation for a more stable, competitive and influential role in the Horn of Africa and beyond.

With analysis from Pulse of Africa (POA) Aug 16, 2026 (ENA)   By Mathias Bule Ethiopia’s alienation to its once-sovereign territory of the port of Assab has been fraught with shady deals, and complicated by the presence and involvement of colonial forces in the Horn of Africa region. Ethiopia’s quest to regain access to the sea is not merely a territorial ambition; it is a fundamental claim rooted in centuries of colonial subjugation, legal deceit, and political betrayal. The history of Ethiopia’s lost port of Assab is a stark testament to how imperial powers, through clandestine deals and manipulative treaties, deliberately and systematically deprived a sovereign nation of its maritime rights. This injustice must be recognized, rectified, and finally corrected. The modern story of it begins in 1869, when local Afar sultans sold a strip of land in Assab to Giuseppe Sapeto, representing Italy’s Società Rubattino. The deal was struck in secret, for a paltry sum of just 6,000 Italian lire—conducted entirely outside Ethiopian knowledge or approval. At the time, Ethiopia’s central government, under Emperor Menelik II, was unaware of this transaction. The sale was a clandestine act by local authorities seeking economic advantage, but it was exploited by colonial powers to establish Italy’s foothold in the Horn of Africa. Italy’s subsequent annexation of Assab in 1882 marked the beginning of a colonial empire that would dominate the region for decades. This early act of territorial theft was a clear violation of Ethiopia’s sovereignty, yet it laid the foundation for future injustices. The most infamous chapter in Ethiopia’s loss of access to the sea is the 1889 Wuchale Treaty. Drafted amidst Italy’s expansion into the region, this treaty contained a deceptive mistranslation. The Italian version declared Ethiopia a protectorate, effectively stripping it of sovereignty, while the Amharic version purportedly maintained Ethiopia’s independence. This language trickery was designed to facilitate Italian colonization. Although Ethiopia later nullified the treaty following its victory at the Battle of Adwa, Italy had already cemented control over Assab and surrounding territories through subsequent treaties in 1900, 1902, and 1908. These agreements formalized Italy’s colonial borders and made Assab a vital part of Italian Eritrea, cutting Ethiopia off from its historical coast. Post-World War II, the international community attempted to rectify colonial wrongs by dissolving Italian rule and federating Eritrea with Ethiopia under UN Resolution 390A. However, this process was, according to some political scientists and historians, marred by negligence and political expediency. During the 1950s negotiations, Ethiopian leaders failed to assert Assab’s status as an independent Ethiopian port. Instead, they treated Eritrea as a whole—along with Assab—merely as a territory to be integrated, ignoring the port’s strategic importance and its distinct ethnic and historical identity. This omission was a grave oversight, one that left Assab vulnerable to future loss. The latest blow came with the overthrow of Ethiopia’s military regime in 1991. The rebel groups that seized power—the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF/EPRDF) and the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF)—fought as allies against colonial and imperial forces. Yet, their hasty, unlegislated decision to cede Assab to Eritrea in 1993 was a betrayal of Ethiopia’s sovereignty. The transition government, led by Meles Zenawi, acted without parliamentary ratification or public consultation. Consequently, Ethiopia was left landlocked, stripped of its sovereign access to the sea and its vital port infrastructure. This was not just a territorial loss; it was a blow to Ethiopia’s economic independence, national pride, and strategic security. Ethiopia’s historical narrative is one of resilience and sovereignty. The loss of Assab was not an inevitable fate but the result of colonial greed, diplomatic deception, and political negligence. It is time for Ethiopia to reclaim its rightful access to the sea—an essential element of its sovereignty and future prosperity. Restoring Ethiopia’s maritime rights is not only a matter of rectifying historical injustices but also a crucial step toward national dignity and economic independence. Ethiopia’s seas are its birthright, and the time has come to fight for that legacy—justice demands no less.

Addis Ababa, August 16, 2026 (ENA) —“Tsimdo”, an alliance of anti-Ethiopia groups, is a coalition of divergent political interests united mainly by opposition to the Ethiopian federal government, the Eritrean Blue Revolution Front (EBRF) Central Committee member, Dawit Teferi, said. In an exclusive Zoom interview with ENA, the Central Committee member noted that the alliance should not be understood primarily as a coalition built around a common territorial objective, but a cooperation between the alliance’s constituent groups despite their differences. “The main players in that group have nothing in common except toppling the central government in Ethiopia,” Dawit said. The alliance's immediate strategy, in his assessment, is to maintain pressure on the federal government and seek political change by bringing different groups together against it. “The goal is to continue to destabilize the government, and hopefully bring government change by creating an alliance that constantly bleeds the government out.” The Central Committee member argued that Tsimdo's strategy also depends on the Ethiopian government responding militarily in a way that could bring its members into a broader confrontation with the federal government. The the group could face greater internal contradictions if they are unable to draw the government into an open conflict, he underscored. According to him, members of the alliance are not necessarily bound by a common long-term political objective but by largely tactical cooperation. “None of them is committed to each other,” Dawit said, adding that the current cooperation is based largely on immediate strategic interests. The Ethiopian government should therefore learn from previous conflicts and avoid allowing opposing groups to determine the terms of engagement. The Central Committee member described Tsimdo as a serious development, but said he believes time and restraint could expose the alliance's internal divisions. “The longer there is no open conflict, the weight of hate between these groups will end up causing them, all of them, to eat each other,” he stressed. For Dawit, the alliance is also linked to the renewed relations between the TPLF and the Eritrean government. The relationship between the two sides is rekindled despite their longstanding rivalry and differences, he noted, adding that the rapprochement should be understood in the context of changing regional political and security calculations. The TPLF's objective extends beyond becoming a regional government in Tigray, he pointed out, saying that its goal is to regain its position as Ethiopia's ruling elite. The Central Committee member said this explains the effort to rebuild an alliance similar to the one formed in 1991 that ousted the military government in Ethiopia. However, Dawit stated that the actors involved do not appear to have taken sufficient account of the changes that have occurred over the past three decades. He observed that “they don't seem to learn from history. They want to repeat history”.

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.

Addis Ababa, August 15, 2026 (ENA) — 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.