By Sraff Writer August 5, 2026 (ENA) The Horn of Africa is entering another dangerous moment. What appears on the surface to be an alarming situation in northern Ethiopia is increasingly being viewed by many regional observers as a broader geopolitical struggle in which the Tigray region risks becoming the buffer zone of a new proxy war. The central peace spoiler is that Eritrea’s regime, through its long-established reliance on proxy actors.   It is attempting to use the banned Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) faction as an instrument to destabilize Ethiopia, weaken its strategic position, and keep the region trapped in recurring conflict. Now, under the banner of the so-called “Tsimdo” anti-Ethiopia alliance, the Eritrean regime is openly using the banned TPLF as a proxy instrument to reignite war against Ethiopia and turn Tigray into the buffer zone of a new regional conflict. What is unfolding is not merely a political alignment. It is also a calculated strategy to militarize Tigray and drag the region back into another devastating war. At the same time, the extremist TPLF faction has launched a renewed campaign to push Tigray back into armed confrontation. Unable to mobilize young people voluntarily on a meaningful scale, the group has increasingly relied on coercive recruitment and militarization, exposing the depth of its political isolation and its determination to pursue conflict over peace and reconstruction. For decades, analysts of the Horn of Africa have argued that Asmara’s security doctrine has been shaped by a preference for a fragmented regional balance of power. According to this view, a strong, economically integrated, and politically stable Ethiopia would fundamentally alter the regional equilibrium in ways that Eritrea perceives as unfavorable. Whether one accepts that assessment in full or in part, the perception that Eritrean regime’s policies under Isaias Afwerki have been shaped by, and have at times benefited from, instability in Ethiopia has become an increasingly influential theme in regional geopolitical analysis. The new militarization of Tigray region The most immediate concern is the reported remilitarization of the banned TPLF faction. Since the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) was signed in November 2022, the expectation was that Tigray would prioritize reconstruction, economic recovery, and political normalization. Reports from within Tigray have increasingly focused on forced recruitment, including the recruitment of minors. Families have accused armed elements of taking young people from their homes and communities for military training, while videos circulating on social media have shown mothers attempting to prevent the removal of their children. These have also been echoed by political figures from Tigray region itself. Getachew Reda, leader of the Tigray Democratic Solidarity Party and former head of the Tigray region interim administration, has publicly accused elements of the banned faction of intimidation, arbitrary detention, and forced recruitment. If independently verified, such practices would constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian norms and of the commitments embedded in the Pretoria peace agreement. From Political Mobilization to Armed Confrontation Political analysts increasingly reveal that the rampant TPLF faction’s current trajectory is driven less by reconstruction than by preparations for another military confrontation with the federal government. They point to public statements by faction leaders, including Debretsion Gebremichael and Fetlework Gebregziabher, as evidence of extensive preparations for renewed conflict and what they describe as coordination with internal and external forces opposed to the Ethiopian government. The faction’s rhetoric has become increasingly confrontational, including suggestions that future military operations could extend beyond Tigray in coordination with allied forces. The human cost of militarization The most disturbing concern the impact of the banned TPLF faction on civilians. Critics repeatedly say the group of turning neighborhoods and villages into recruitment zones where fear, intimidation, and coercion have replaced voluntary political mobilization. The most harrowing accounts come from affected communities themselves. Families describe mothers confronting armed recruiters in desperate attempts to save their children from forced military recruitment. These stories have become a powerful symbol of a society living under the belligerent TPLF’s fear rather than freedom. Getachew Reda, Former Tigray Region Interim Administration President underscored that some parents were detained and mistreated simply for refusing to surrender their children. Public resistance has become steadily visible. The Tigray Peace and Change Council organized demonstrations demanding an end to forced recruitment and the preservation of peace. The slogans echoed across the protests: “Stop the kidnappings. End forced recruitment. Let peace prevail in Tigray” — captured the anguish of a population exhausted by war and determined not to sacrifice another generation to renewed conflict. The ‘Tsimdo’ Alliance and TPLF as a Trojan Horse The most unholy alliance fueling the current crisis is the alleged coordination between the banned TPLF faction, the Eritrean regime, and the Sudanese military faction, reportedly backed by Cairo, under the so-called “Tsimdo” alliance. Former Tigray Regional State President Gebru Asrat has argued that the banned faction has become a “Trojan Horse” serving external anti-Ethiopian interests. He contends that the group is increasingly functioning as an instrument of forces seeking to weaken Ethiopia’s national cohesion and strategic position. Tigray as a buffer zone The broader strategic argument is that Shabiya seeks to transform Tigray into a geopolitical and conflict buffer zone. In this interpretation, Tigray becomes a shield insulating Eritrea from direct confrontation while simultaneously constraining Ethiopia’s military and political capacity. For Asmara, a permanently unstable northern Ethiopia provides strategic leverage. For the banned TPLF faction, the alleged alliance offers a potential path back to political relevance. For ordinary Tigrayans, however, the cost could be catastrophic. A regional security crisis in the making A renewed conflict in Tigray would not remain confined to northern Ethiopia. It could destabilize Ethiopia-Eritrea relations, affect Sudan’s fragile eastern frontier, disrupt regional trade corridors, intensify humanitarian crises, and undermine security cooperation across the Horn of Africa. For this reason, the issue is increasingly being viewed not simply as an Ethiopian political dispute, but as a regional security challenge with continental implications. The international community’s test The allegations surrounding forced recruitment, militarization, and external coordination deserve serious international scrutiny. The African Union, the United Nations, and Ethiopia’s international partners invested considerable political capital in the Pretoria peace process. If violations are occurring, ignoring them would risk undermining the credibility of negotiated peace agreements across Africa. Independent investigations, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and sustained diplomatic engagement are essential to prevent the collapse of the fragile peace. The critical question is no longer whether tensions are rising. It is whether Tigray region of Ethiopia will become the bridge to post-war recovery envisioned in Pretoria, or the buffer zone in a new proxy war whose consequences could destabilize the entire Horn of Africa for years to come.

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) —Egyptian authorities have intensified their media campaign against the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) to divert domestic economic and political pressures, President of Ethiopian Institute for Public Diplomacy (EIPD), Yassin Ahmed told ENA. The renewed focus on the dam is aimed at diverting public attention from economic and livelihood challenges facing the Egyptian people, he underscored. Yassin said the GERD issue has increasingly become a political and media tool for domestic consumption in Egypt rather than a matter centered on water resource management. He stressed that Ethiopia’s disagreement is not with the Egyptian people but with policies pursued by successive Egyptian governments, which he said have not been based on partnership, cooperation, and regional integration. "The GERD is now being used domestically in Egypt to distract the Egyptian people from the country's internal and regional challenges," Yassin said, adding that Egyptian authorities revive the issue whenever economic, political, and security pressures intensify.   He said the Egyptian government has attempted to associate the GERD with challenges unrelated to the project, including flooding and declining water levels, while noting that some Sudanese experts have attributed such issues to dam management practices in Sudan. According to Yassin, the GERD has become "a scapegoat" used by Egyptian authorities to shift responsibility for domestic and regional challenges as part of a political and media campaign against the project. He also alleged that Egypt has benefited from the circumstances created by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has limited Khartoum’s ability to fully utilize its allocated share of Nile waters, leaving a significant portion stored behind Egypt’s High Aswan Dam. Yassin referred to previous remarks by Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam regarding the strategic reserves of the High Aswan Dam, saying these statements indicate, in his view, that Egypt does not face an immediate water security threat from the GERD. "The GERD has become a political and media card used to pressure Ethiopia. Whenever Ethiopia makes progress in convincing the international community of its legitimate rights, Egypt resorts to the GERD issue to tarnish Ethiopia's image and demonize the dam," he said. He further claimed that renewed attention to the GERD coincides with Ethiopia’s diplomatic efforts to promote its positions on regional issues, including what he described as Ethiopia’s legal and historical right to access the sea.   Yassin said Cairo has sought to reactivate the GERD dispute to weaken Ethiopia’s position and exert pressure in broader regional matters. He emphasized that the GERD is a strategic development project designed to support regional integration, provide electricity to neighboring countries, and advance shared interests among Nile Basin countries, rejecting claims that the dam threatens downstream nations. The EIPD president also argued that Egypt’s continued refusal to resume negotiations serves political and media objectives by keeping the issue unresolved and diverting attention from domestic economic and social challenges. He stressed that Nile Basin issues should be addressed through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect rather than political pressure and media campaigns. "Ethiopia remains committed to pursuing shared development and mutual benefit for the region," Yassin underscored.

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos hold talks with African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, in Addis Ababa this morning for high-level talks centered on regional peace and security and preparations for the 2027 UN Climate Change Conference (COP32). The meeting, held at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on the evolving peace and security situation in the Horn of Africa and the importance of strengthened cooperation between the African Union and Ethiopia on key continental and global priorities.   A major focus of the discussions was Ethiopia’s preparations to host COP32 in 2027, a conference expected to draw world leaders, policymakers, climate experts, and international partners from across the globe. Minister Gedion and Chairperson Youssouf emphasized the need for close coordination between the AU Commission and Ethiopia as the host nation to ensure the successful organization of the landmark climate summit. The meeting underscored the growing partnership between Ethiopia and the African Union in advancing peace and security, while strengthening Africa’s collective climate agenda, it was learned.   It also reaffirmed Addis Ababa’s position as a leading hub for continental diplomacy and international engagement, particularly as Ethiopia intensifies preparations to host COP32 in 2027

Addis Ababa, August 5, 2026 (ENA) —Relations between Ethiopia and Oman are witnessing rapid progress across various sectors, particularly at the political and economic levels, Ambassador Afkar Bin Nazem, Oman Head of Mission to Ethiopia, told ENA. The Ambassador said the longstanding and solid ties between the countries are currently gaining strong momentum thanks to the commitment of the leaderships of both nations. Ethiopia and Oman have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations earlier this year, he revealed, adding that subsequent to that was held the first round of bilateral political consultations. That was a step which broadened the scope of cooperation and coordination between the two sides, the Ambassador said. According to him, “relations between Oman and Ethiopia are experiencing remarkable progress, reflecting the shared determination of both countries to elevate bilateral cooperation to broader levels.” This positive development has also been reflected in the volume of bilateral trade, with Oman importing coffee, sesame, and livestock, while exporting construction materials, including iron and plastic products, to Ethiopia.   Ambassador Bin Nazem added that economic relations between the two countries are well positioned for further growth, given the available investment opportunities and the mutual desire to expand trade cooperation. He also praised Ethiopia’s rapid progress across various sectors since he assumed diplomatic duties in Addis Ababa about a year ago. The Ambassador said that visitors from Oman have expressed admiration for Ethiopia’s development achievements, emphasizing that this is expected to encourage more Omani tourists to visit the country. “The rapid development and progress taking place in Ethiopia reflect the country’s vast potential and enhance the interest of Omani visitors in discovering its rich tourism and investment opportunities.” The two countries are working to expand cooperation in investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, alongside strengthening official and commercial visits, according to Ambassador Bin Nazem. Concluding his remarks, he reaffirmed Oman’s aspiration to further strengthen its relations with Ethiopia in a manner that serves the shared interests of both countries and their peoples.

Addis Ababa, August 4, 2026 (ENA) —Benin’s Minister of Digital Transformation and Innovation, Mahuna Akplogan, arrived in Addis Ababa tonight for a five-day official working visit aimed at deepening cooperation with Ethiopia in digital transformation, innovation, and governance. The minister was welcomed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport by Ambassador Zerihun Abebe, Director General for African Affairs at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the visit, Minister Akplogan is expected to hold high-level talks with senior Ethiopian government officials on expanding bilateral cooperation and forging new partnerships in key areas of digital development.   The discussions will focus on sharing experience and best practices in digital transformation, innovation ecosystems, public sector modernization, e-government services, and strategic governance, reflecting the growing importance of technology-driven development across Africa, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.   The visit is anticipated to further strengthen relations between Ethiopia and the Benin while advancing broader African collaboration on digital innovation, institutional capacity building, and inclusive economic transformation.

Addis Ababa, August 3, 2026 (ENA) —The U.S.-based Cable News Network (CNN) has spotlighted Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as one of Africa’s most remarkable engineering achievements. The media company also portrayed the project as a symbol of the country’s broader economic transformation and infrastructure-driven development strategy. In a feature on its Connecting Africa program, CNN journalist Victoria Rubadiri traveled to the GERD site in western Ethiopia, where she explored the scale of the dam and interviewed its Project Manager, Engineer Kifle Horo.   The documentary noted that while Ethiopia has long been known globally for its coffee exports, the country is increasingly diversifying its economy through major investments in renewable energy, mining, tourism, and large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at driving long-term growth and regional trade. CNN described GERD as an unprecedented hydroengineering accomplishment on the African continent. “Thousands of construction workers and engineers have transformed a remote valley to build Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam. Today, at a height of 145 meters and stretching 1.8 kilometers across the Blue Nile, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is truly a sight to behold,” the network reported. Engineer Kifle Horo, Project Manager of GERD, said the power plant has an installed generation capacity of about 5,150 megawatts, making it the largest hydroelectric facility in Africa and a major contributor to Ethiopia’s electricity production. It contributes more than 50 precent, he pointed out.   Built on the Blue Nile River, construction of GERD began in 2011, and the project officially entered operation in September 2025. Moreover, Kifle told CNN that one of the greatest challenges during construction was logistics. “We are around 1,400 kilometers from the port of Djibouti. Transporting heavy equipment to the site took between 60 and 90 days,” he said, highlighting the complexity of building a mega-infrastructure project in a remote location. CNN also emphasized what it described as the dam’s most distinctive feature: its financing model. Unlike many large infrastructure projects in developing countries, GERD was built primarily through domestic financing, with Ethiopians contributing through public donations, government-issued bonds, and national budget allocations. “We have no single coin from outside Ethiopia. This project was constructed by Ethiopians, and the total cost—estimated at between 4.2 and 5 billion U.S. dollars—was financed entirely by Ethiopians,” Kifle said. The report presented GERD not only as a massive energy project but also as a rare example of a nationally funded mega-dam built through broad public participation. Addressing concerns raised by Egypt as a downstream country, Kifle reiterated Ethiopia’s position that the dam is designed for hydropower generation rather than water consumption.   “This is not a water-consumptive project. Whatever water comes in goes out. The main challenge was during the filling period, which took five years. Ethiopia advocates equitable and sustainable use of shared water resources without causing significant harm to downstream countries,” he said. CNN’s feature framed GERD as more than a dam, portraying it as a transformative infrastructure project that has turned a once-isolated valley into a strategic energy hub with the potential to support industrialization, expand electricity access, and strengthen regional economic integration across East Africa. By highlighting both the engineering scale of the project and its domestically financed construction, the network underscored GERD’s significance as one of the continent’s most consequential infrastructure achievements of the 21st century, it was learned.

By Staff Writer Addis Ababa, August 2, 2026 (ENA—Addis Ababa’s extraordinary week of diplomacy, security dialogue, and continental engagement underscored Ethiopia’s enduring role as Africa’s political crossroads and multilateral capital. In the final week of July 2026, Addis Ababa became one of the world’s busiest diplomatic stages. Within a matter of days, the Ethiopian capital hosted the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, the 2026 African Logistics and Communications Symposium co-organized with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), high-level bilateral meetings with African and international partners, and a series of national discussions on peace, security, and reform. The convergence of these events was more than a crowded diplomatic calendar; it highlighted Ethiopia’s continued strategic relevance as a continental convening power and a critical platform for dialogue, cooperation, and regional problem-solving. The concentration of political, security, and diplomatic engagement reflected Addis Ababa’s unique position in Africa’s institutional architecture. As the headquarters of the African Union and a longstanding center of multilateral diplomacy, the city once again demonstrated its capacity to bring together governments, international organizations, security leaders, and development partners at a time when the continent is confronting increasingly interconnected challenges ranging from climate resilience and infrastructure financing to conflict prevention, humanitarian response, and institutional reform. The African Union sets the continental agenda   The 49th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council served as the week’s principal political gathering. Convened under the African Union’s 2026 Theme of the Year, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safely Managed Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” the two-day meeting focused on Africa’s long-term development priorities, institutional effectiveness, and sustainable financing. The session brought together foreign ministers from AU member states, senior government officials, diplomats, and representatives of regional and international organizations. Among the leaders attending the opening ceremony were African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Claver Gatete, and Burundi’s Foreign Minister Édouard Bizimana, who chaired the Executive Council. Deliberations centered on accelerating the implementation of Agenda 2063, strengthening regional integration, improving institutional coordination, and advancing policy recommendations for consideration by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government. The discussions reinforced the Executive Council’s central role in shaping the continent’s political, economic, and development agenda while emphasizing coordinated African responses to shared challenges. Security cooperation and institutional resilience   Running parallel to the AU session, Ethiopia hosted the 2026 African Logistics and Communications Symposium (ALCS26) in partnership with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). The symposium brought together representatives from 39 African countries, the United States, defense experts, military leaders, and technology and industry partners, making it one of the continent’s largest forums dedicated to logistics, communications, and operational coordination. Although the symposium had a defense dimension, its significance extended well beyond military cooperation. Participants focused on logistics systems, communications infrastructure, technological innovation, institutional capacity-building, and operational readiness, all of which are increasingly essential for peace support operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and regional security cooperation. For Ethiopia, the symposium strengthened its position as both a regional security actor and a diplomatic hub. Ethiopian officials emphasized that logistics and communications are strategic enablers of peace, stability, and effective crisis response. Opening the forum, Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed described the symposium as an important platform for collaboration and innovation amid increasingly complex security challenges across Africa. AFRICOM Commander General Dagvin R.M. Anderson stressed that sustained investment in logistics and communications remains critical for strengthening military readiness and regional stability. The successful organization of ALCS26 demonstrated Ethiopia’s ability to convene high-level continental platforms despite a challenging regional security environment and reinforced Addis Ababa’s role as a bridge between African institutions and international partners. Diplomacy beyond the conference halls   The week also featured intensive bilateral diplomacy that expanded Ethiopia’s international engagement beyond multilateral forums. Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova paid an official visit to Addis Ababa aimed at strengthening the growing partnership between Ethiopia and Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held discussions with the Speaker focused on deepening bilateral relations, expanding strategic cooperation, and building on the two countries’ shared commitment to economic and diplomatic partnership. Parliamentary diplomacy also advanced through meetings between Gafarova and Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives Speaker Tagesse Chafo. At the same time, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos conducted a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from countries including Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and the Republic of the Congo, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation on continental priorities. These engagements illustrated Ethiopia’s broader diplomatic strategy of combining multilateral leadership with expanded bilateral partnerships across Africa and beyond. Peace, reform, and the national conversation While Addis Ababa hosted continental diplomacy, Ethiopia’s internal political trajectory remained a major point of discussion. The week coincided with heightened tensions in the Tigray region, where leaders of the hardline TPLF faction publicly advocated renewed military confrontation with the federal government. Their rhetoric drew criticism from other former TPLF officials, including Getachew Reda, who warned against the consequences of renewed conflict and called for political restraint. In a wide-ranging interview with the Amhara Media Corporation, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed the country’s political, economic, and security concerns. He underscored that Ethiopia has developed greater institutional resilience and state capacity to withstand efforts aimed at destabilizing the country, while emphasizing that internal disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than armed confrontation.   The Prime Minister also criticized armed groups operating in parts of the Amhara and Oromia regions and he said Ethiopia’s reform process should be judged through evidence and long-term national interests rather than short-term political calculations. His remarks reflected the government’s broader effort to present national dialogue, institutional reform, and political stability as interconnected components of Ethiopia’s future trajectory. A continental anchor in a fragmented world What made the final week of July particularly significant was not simply the number of meetings held in Addis Ababa, but the breadth of issues addressed simultaneously. Water security, regional integration, defense logistics, communications infrastructure, diplomatic partnerships, peacebuilding, and national reform all converged in a single city within a single week. In an international environment increasingly defined by geopolitical competition, climate pressures, and security fragmentation, the ability to convene diverse actors around common agendas has become a strategic asset. Addis Ababa demonstrated that it remains one of the few places on the continent capable of hosting parallel conversations on development, security, and diplomacy with meaningful continental participation. The week ultimately reinforced Ethiopia’s role as Africa’s diplomatic crossroads, a country whose influence is shaped not only by its geography and institutions but also by its capacity to facilitate dialogue across political, regional, and strategic divides. Whether through the African Union, security cooperation platforms, bilateral diplomacy, or domestic peace initiatives, Ethiopia positioned itself as a country seeking to connect continental aspirations with practical cooperation. For observers across Africa and beyond, the message was clear: Addis Ababa remains one of the continent’s indispensable arenas for diplomacy, peace dialogue, and Africa’s evolving strategic future.

Addis Ababa, August 1, 2026 (ENA—Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia has developed the capacity and institutional resilience to counter any threat to its national existence, while calling for internal disputes to be resolved through dialogue. In a wide-ranging interview with the Amhara Media Corporation (AMC), the Prime Minister said Ethiopia has learned from the failures and divisions of its past and is better prepared to withstand efforts aimed at destabilizing the country or derailing its reform agenda. "Today’s Ethiopia is not the Ethiopia of yesterday," PM Abiy said, arguing that the country is now more aware of its historical vulnerabilities and better equipped to respond to challenges. The Prime Minister criticized armed groups operating in parts of the Amhara and Oromia regions, saying their claims of acting in the public interest are contradicted by their actions on the ground. Drawing on Ethiopia’s historical experience, the Premier said internal actors who aligned with external forces had contributed to major national setbacks, including the loss of access to the Red Sea, which he described as a strategic and historical blow with consequences that extended across generations. He urged Ethiopians to reject a recurring pattern of destructive alliances and instead resolve political differences through the country’s longstanding traditions of reconciliation, dialogue, and community-based conflict resolution.   "Our disagreements can be settled by Ethiopians," he said. "Bringing external forces into internal disputes has never produced lasting peace or national progress," the Prime Minister underscored. Addressing the 2022 Pretoria Agreement that ended the war in northern Ethiopia, PM Abiy described it as a turning point that benefited the entire country by silencing the guns and allowing development to resume. He said the agreement had created conditions for expanded infrastructure, investment, and economic activity in the Amhara, Tigray, and Afar regions, as well as across Ethiopia more broadly. The Prime Minister rejected claims that the Amhara region neither participated in nor benefited from the Pretoria Agreement, calling such assertions false and politically motivated. He said representatives from the region were involved in deliberations at both government and Prosperity Party levels and that implementation of the agreement had supported development in the region. Prime Minister Abiy also framed Ethiopia’s broader national transformation as a long-term process requiring broad public participation, patience, and sustained institutional commitment. "Change is not the achievement of one individual," he said. "It is the result of the sacrifices and efforts of many Ethiopians." He acknowledged that some citizens have legitimate concerns about aspects of the government’s reform agenda and said responding to those concerns remains a government responsibility. At the same time, he argued that conspiracy-driven political narratives detached from facts threaten national cohesion and undermine the country’s future. The Prime Minister further elaborated that Ethiopia’s reform process has generated differing reactions among domestic political actors and members of the diaspora, with some opposition driven by personal interests, misinformation, or unrealistic expectations about the pace and direction of change. He urged citizens to engage constructively in the reform process and evaluate developments based on evidence rather than speculation, warning that short-term political gains should not come at the expense of long-term national interests. Reflecting on Ethiopia’s political history, the PM said the country has repeatedly experienced attempts to seize power through violence, while also possessing a deep tradition of coexistence, integration, and nation-building.   He cited the June 22, 2019, assassinations of senior officials in the Amhara Region as one of the darkest episodes in recent Ethiopian history and warned against politicizing historical tragedies or distorting facts for partisan purposes. "We must learn from both the positive and negative chapters of our history," he said, emphasizing that selective interpretations of history can deepen divisions and harm future generations. PM Abiy concluded that Ethiopia’s future will depend on perseverance, national unity, factual understanding, and the ability to sustain reforms through peaceful political engagement and inclusive development. He also stressed that the country’s transformation must be built collectively rather than through conflict or external intervention.

Addis Ababa, August 1, 2026 (ENA—Ethiopia is emerging as a trendsetter in Africa's development transformation through urban development, adoption of digital technologies and openness to multinational investment, Professor Amos Njuguna, Network of Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa (NIERA) Chairperson said. The Chairperson of NIERA, a pan-African non-profit empowering decision-makers through evidence-focused evaluations, training, and policy outreach across Africa, also stressed need for accelerating the continent's integration agenda and generate African-led solutions to African problems. Speaking to ENA, Professor Njuguna said Ethiopia's ongoing transformation offers valuable lessons for the continent as African countries work to address common socio-economic challenges through evidence-based policymaking and closer regional cooperation. The Chairperson commended Ethiopia's efforts in urban development, adoption of digital technologies and its openness to multinational investment, noting that such initiatives are accelerating economic transformation. "As a Kenyan, I admire the Ethiopian way," Professor Njuguna said, adding that the country's approach to urban development, use of technology and efforts to attract multinational companies have contributed significantly to advancing development. He cited the operations of Safaricom Ethiopia as an example of how multinational investment can inject new dynamism into key sectors and support national development. Ethiopia, as the home of the African Union and African diplomacy and the cradle of humankind, is well positioned to serve as a trend-setter for advancing solutions to the continent's shared development challenges, the professor stated. According to the NIERA Chairperson, Africa's major challenges—including youth unemployment, food insecurity, health, water and sanitation, climate change and rapid urbanization—are common across the continent and require coordinated responses. He stressed that research plays a pivotal role in identifying development challenges, designing practical solutions and supporting policymakers in making informed decisions. "Resource allocation towards solving these problems should follow research findings," Professor Njuguna said, underscoring the importance of evidence-based policymaking. He called for further strengthening collaboration among African researchers to establish common frameworks that support the continent's integration agenda and generate African-led solutions to African problems. Professor Njuguna also stressed the need for advancing on the initiatives that facilitate the free movement of people, strengthen cooperation and create opportunities for countries to learn from one another while respecting their unique identities. The African Union's Agenda 2063 relies heavily on self-reliance, pan-African drive, and home-grown strategies to achieve sustainable socio-economic transformation.

Addis Ababa, August 1, 2026 (ENA—The outgoing ambassadors of India and Finland praised Ethiopia’s reform momentum and its rising global investment appeal. The diplomats said they had witnessed Ethiopia’s economic transformation firsthand during their tenure, noting that the country’s expanding infrastructure and institutional reforms are strengthening its position as an increasingly attractive destination for international investment and long-term strategic partnerships. Speaking to ENA, the ambassadors highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in economic modernization, democratic governance, and peace-building, expressing confidence that the country’s reform trajectory will continue to deepen. They also expressed confidence that Ethiopia’s reform trajectory would continue to deepen engagement with global investors and development partners. India’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Anil Kumar Rai, said Ethiopia’s ongoing reforms and major infrastructure projects are laying the foundation for sustained economic growth and enhanced international competitiveness. Drawing on India’s own development experience, Rai said Ethiopia’s rapid urbanization and large-scale infrastructure expansion, including the construction of the new international airport in Bishoftu. He considered it vital mega project to significantly strengthen the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors, particularly in high-value sectors such as information technology, artificial intelligence, and financial technology.   He revealed that additional Indian investments are already in the pipeline, reflecting growing business confidence in Ethiopia’s economic prospects. Rai also described Ethiopia as one of the more stable countries in the Horn of Africa and credited it with playing an important role in promoting regional peace and security. On Ethiopia’s democratic progress, the ambassador commended the strong voter participation in the June 1 general election, particularly the active engagement of young people. He also welcomed the National Dialogue process, describing it as a credible institutional mechanism for resolving differences through peaceful, inclusive, and nationally owned engagement. “The National Dialogue witnessed broad participation from people across all walks of life,” Rai said. He added that: “It demonstrates Ethiopia’s commitment to addressing differences peacefully while preserving national unity and sustaining its development trajectory.” He further recalled the close cooperation between Ethiopia and India at the United Nations during the challenging period between 2020 and 2023, noting that the two countries consistently shared common positions on major international issues. Rai added that Ethiopia’s membership in BRICS has created new opportunities for strategic cooperation between Addis Ababa and New Delhi, with leaders of both countries maintaining close engagement through BRICS platforms. On her part, outgoing Finnish Ambassador Sinikka Antila also praised Ethiopia’s transformation during her three-year diplomatic assignment, saying the scale of change has been both visible and significant. “Ethiopia is opening. Ethiopia is modernizing. We can physically see the transformation. During my three years in Addis Ababa, the city has changed remarkably,” she said.   Antila said Finland sees expanding opportunities to deepen cooperation with Ethiopia beyond traditional development assistance, particularly in trade, investment, innovation, digital technology, and entrepreneurship. She noted that Finnish companies, including Nokia and Vaisala, are already operating in Ethiopia and emphasized the potential for stronger collaboration in technology, startups, innovation ecosystems, and green economic development. The ambassador also reaffirmed Finland’s support for Ethiopia’s development priorities, including preparations for hosting the 32nd United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32) next year. She disclosed that the Nordic countries are planning to organize a Nordic Electric Vehicle Summit in Ethiopia, further expanding cooperation in sustainable mobility and green technology. While underscoring Finland’s continued support through development cooperation and humanitarian assistance, Antila said future engagement would increasingly focus on business partnerships, private-sector investment, and technology-driven collaboration.

Addis Ababa, August 1, 2026 (ENA—Ethiopia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to advancing peace, security, and stability in Somalia. The East African nation also reaffirmed its continued support for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and regional efforts to safeguard hard-won security gains across the Horn of Africa. The pledge was made during the Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Troop-Contributing Countries (TCCs) to AUSSOM, held in Kampala, Uganda, where leaders and representatives of contributing nations discussed the future of the mission and the collective response to persistent security threats in Somalia. Addressing the summit, the Ethiopian delegation stressed that preserving the progress achieved in the fight against terrorism is a shared regional responsibility. Ethiopia renewed its determination to prevent any reversal of the gains secured through years of joint African Union operations and cooperation with Somalia and international partners.   The delegation emphasized that the sacrifices made by thousands of Somali, Ethiopian, Ugandan, Kenyan, Burundian, and Djiboutian soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in the pursuit of peace must not be allowed to fade. Protecting those gains, it said, is essential for Somalia’s long-term stability and the broader security of the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia reiterated that it will continue to support the African Union’s stabilization efforts and deepen cooperation with regional and international partners to promote sustainable peace, counter terrorism, and strengthen security institutions in Somalia. The summit also highlighted the strategic importance of coordinated regional action as AUSSOM enters a critical phase of supporting Somalia’s security transition and state-building efforts. Ethiopia noted that, for more than two decades, members of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces have served under successive African Union missions in Somalia with dedication, professionalism, and courage, contributing significantly to regional peace and security despite considerable human and material sacrifices. The Ethiopian delegation further reaffirmed that lasting peace in Somalia remains indispensable to the security, economic integration, and stability of the wider Horn of Africa, underscoring Ethiopia’s continued commitment to collective African solutions for regional peace and security.

Addis Ababa, July 31, 2026 (ENA) —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said that advancing toward prosperity through Medemer — Ethiopia’s philosophy of synergy, unity, and collective progress, is the country’s only viable path to ensuring sustainable development and lasting stability. In an interview with the Amhara Media Corporation (AMC), the Prime Minister said Ethiopia’s reform process has been shaped by extensive national consultations aimed at forging a shared vision for nation building, economic transformation, and political stability. He said following the launch of the reform agenda in 2018, the government conducted broad consultations with institutions, experts, political actors, and communities across the country.   The endeavors have hugely helped explore Ethiopia’s development potential and the conditions necessary for collaborative nation building, PM Abiy pointed out. Particularly, the Premier these consultations enabled to establish a clear national direction by building consensus around the need for inclusive political and economic reforms. He noted that public consultations held across Ethiopia enabled the government to better understand citizens’ aspirations and concerns. The discussions, including those conducted in the Amhara Region, showed that Ethiopians share fundamentally similar aspirations for peace, development, justice, and national progress. The Prime Minister said political fragmentation and economic division emerged as two of the most pressing challenges identified during the consultation process. The reform discussions, he added, generated ideas aimed at healing these divisions and fostering a more cohesive national future. PM Abiy stressed that opening either the political sphere or the economy in isolation would not be sufficient to produce lasting change. Sustainable progress, he argued, requires simultaneous political and economic transformation founded on cooperation, inclusion, and a shared national purpose. “As a result, we adopted a framework that recognizes that marching together toward prosperity through Medemer is the only path capable of guaranteeing Ethiopia’s survival,” the prime minister said. Given the historical context of Ethiopia’s state formation, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed devoted significant attention to the longstanding relationship between the Amhara and Oromo peoples. He described them as foundational pillars of the country’s nation-building process and national development. He said the two communities have been interconnected for centuries through intermarriage, political alliances, trade, cultural exchange, and shared institutions, making their relationship one of the cornerstones of Ethiopia’s historical evolution. The Prime Minister elaborated that the Amhara and Oromo, who together constitute a substantial share of Ethiopia’s population and territory — have developed deep social and political ties through traditional marriages, customary adoption systems, and longstanding alliances.   He cited historical examples including the Shewa and Yifat Sultanates, as well as the Gondar, Yeju, and Were Himenu dynasties, as evidence of the extensive integration that has shaped Ethiopia over centuries. PM Abiy said Ethiopia’s peoples have advanced, struggled, and dreamed together throughout history, and that modern Ethiopia emerged from this long process of integration and collective endeavor. “It is impossible to imagine Emperor Menelik II without Ras Gobena, or Ras Gobena without Emperor Menelik II,” he said. “Modern Ethiopia was built through the integration and joint efforts of these great peoples.” The Prime Minister described the Victory of Adwa as the clearest expression of Ethiopia’s national unity. He stated that leaders from different regions and communities fought side by side to defend the country’s sovereignty and secure a historic victory against colonial aggression. He also cited the Gojam and Bale peasant uprisings as examples of the shared struggle of Ethiopians against feudal oppression and for justice and social transformation. PM Abiy concluded that centuries of coexistence, trade, intermarriage, and social integration have created a distinctive Ethiopian tradition of unity in diversity. This historical legacy remains one of the country’s greatest strategic strengths as Ethiopia pursues peace, prosperity, and national renewal, the Premier stated.

Addis Ababa, July 31, 2026 (ENA) — Myanmar plans to send a delegation to Ethiopia to study the country's National Dialogue process, describing Ethiopia's approach to promoting peace and addressing the root causes of conflict as a valuable model worthy of emulation. The commitment was made during talks between Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing and Ethiopia's Ambassador to Japan and Special Envoy, Ambassador Daba Debele. According to a social media post by the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides discussed bilateral relations, regional issues, and matters concerning Ethiopian nationals residing in Myanmar. During the meeting, President Min Aung Hlaing said Ethiopia and Myanmar face similar contemporary challenges, particularly in addressing the underlying causes of disagreements and conflicts. He commended Ethiopia's progress in advancing an inclusive National Dialogue despite complex domestic and external challenges, describing the country's experience as admirable and one from which valuable lessons can be drawn. To benefit from Ethiopia's experience, the president said Myanmar will dispatch a dedicated delegation to Ethiopia to closely study the National Dialogue process. Ambassador Daba Debele briefed the Myanmar president on Ethiopia's recent political and economic developments, noting that the country has been registering rapid economic growth through its macroeconomic reforms while successfully overcoming domestic and external challenges. The ambassador also highlighted Ethiopia's ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening peace, stability, and national development, while reaffirming the country's commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation with Myanmar. President Min Aung Hlaing further congratulated Ethiopia on the peaceful conduct of its recent general election and extended his best wishes to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He said Ethiopia's resilience and continued progress offer valuable lessons for countries confronting similar challenges, expressing confidence that the country's experience could serve as an important reference for Myanmar's own peacebuilding efforts.

Addis Ababa, July 31, 2026 (ENA) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has officially reopened its Mission in Khartoum, marking renewed regional engagement to support peace and stability in Sudan and the wider Horn of Africa, following Sudan’s return to full IGAD participation earlier this year. IGAD Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, officially reopened the mission during his high-level visit to Sudan, reaffirming the regional bloc's commitment to supporting a Sudanese-led path toward lasting peace and recovery. In a post on his X account, the Executive Secretary said the mission would resume its role as a vital link between IGAD, the Government of Sudan and the Sudanese people, strengthening dialogue, partnership and cooperation. "As a testament to IGAD's unwavering commitment to Sudan's journey towards peace, stability, and recovery, today I officially reopened the IGAD Mission to the Republic of Sudan," Workneh said. He added that the reopening reflects IGAD's renewed commitment to supporting dialogue and accompanying Sudan in its pursuit of lasting peace and recovery. During his visit to Khartoum, Workneh held discussions with officials in Khartoum on the current situation in Sudan and the collective responsibility to advance a lasting Sudanese-led peace process. He also held a meeting with Kamil Idris, Prime Minister of Sudan, in Khartoum, regarding the actions needed to advance Sudan’s journey toward peace, stability, and recovery. ‘‘As IGAD, we remain committed to supporting Sudan’s pursuit of lasting peace and sustainable recovery. This journey will require concerted action by the Government, IGAD, and our partners, united by one shared goal: restoring a safe and stable Sudan for its people,” he said. He noted that IGAD will continue supporting efforts toward peace, stability and recovery in Sudan. "The future of our region is inseparable from the future of Sudan," Workneh said, emphasizing that peace in Sudan is vital not only for regional stability but also for millions of Sudanese people affected by the conflict. The Executive Secretary's visit to Khartoum was aimed at engaging the Sudanese leadership, assessing developments on the ground and strengthening dialogue, regional solidarity and cooperation. The reopening of the mission comes as IGAD strengthens its engagement with Sudan following the country's return to active participation in the regional organization, creating renewed opportunities for regional cooperation and coordinated efforts toward peace. Sudan's stability remains closely linked to peace and security across the Horn of Africa, where IGAD continues to play a central role in promoting dialogue and regional cooperation. Ethiopia, as a founding member of IGAD and host to several of the organization's regional offices, has consistently supported regional mechanisms aimed at addressing shared challenges and advancing peace and stability.

Addis Ababa, July 31, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and Morocco have reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with a particular focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, education, manufacturing, and capacity building. The mutual commitment was highlighted during a reception hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Addis Ababa to celebrate Throne Day, marking the 27th anniversary of the enthronement of King Mohammed VI. Speaking on behalf of Nezha Alaoui, Morocco’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mohamed Arrouchi, Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa-emphasized that the longstanding relationship between the two nations is anchored in friendship, mutual respect, and a shared vision for Africa’s development.   Arrouchi noted that bilateral cooperation continues to expand across strategic sectors, key among them trade, investment, and capacity building. "Our partnership with Ethiopia continues to deepen across strategic sectors, reflecting our shared vision of solidarity, cooperation, and shared prosperity for Africa," Arrouchi added. According to him, Morocco remains committed to advancing regional integration, sustainable development, and South South cooperation to promote shared growth across the continent. Amsalu Tizazu, representative from Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on his part stressed that Ethiopia and Morocco enjoy longstanding relations founded on solidarity, mutual respect, and partnership.   The two countries continue to work closely through bilateral engagements as well as regional and multilateral forums while enhancing cooperation on issues of common interest, he added. Amsalu further noted that economic ties have grown steadily in recent years, particularly in trade and investment, while emphasizing the untapped potential for expanding collaboration in agriculture, manufacturing, education, trade, and investment. "Ethiopia remains fully committed to working closely with Morocco to elevate our bilateral partnership to new heights," Amsalu said. He added that both countries are looking forward to convening the Joint Ministerial Commission to unlock additional opportunities for bilateral cooperation and further deepen their partnership.   The celebration brought together senior Ethiopian government officials, ambassadors, diplomats, and representatives of regional and international organizations, reflecting the enduring friendship and growing cooperation between Ethiopia and the Kingdom of Morocco.

Addis Ababa, July 31, 2026 (ENA) —Leaders of the hardline TPLF, including the chairman Debretsion Gebremichael, have been beating the drums of war, actively encouraging, agitating, and rallying public support for military confrontation with the Federal Government of Ethiopia. The group’s top leaders carried out series of public forums across Tigray region, stirring the public to prepare for an "inevitable war". Former TPLF leaders with sober mind, like the first Tigray Interim Chief Administrator Getachew Reda, on the other hand have loudly condemned the destructive campaign the faction is fueling in the region. In a recent interview, former Tigray Chief Administrator Gebru Asrat has exposed that the banned TPLF is serving as a Trojan horse for anti-Ethiopian forces. He noted that the faction has been serving the interests of external actors, including the Eritrean regime and others, seeking to destabilize Ethiopia. Gebru underscored that the group continues engaging with foreign actors on issues that, under the Pretoria Agreement, fall within the constitutional mandate of Ethiopia’s federal government. He further revealed that the faction retained heavy weapons and reinforced its military structures instead of completing the agreed disarmament process. In a similar interview, Tigray Interim Regional Administration Cabinet Secretariat Head, Professor Kindeya Gebrehiwot, said the TPLF criminal clique is pursuing a course that could drag Tigray back into a devastating cycle of conflict. Warning against external destabilization efforts, he raised concerns over attempts to build alliances involving anti-peace actors both inside and outside Ethiopia. Referring to the so-called Tsimdo alliance, Professor Kindeya said certain actors were promoting arrangements aimed at escalating tensions and undermining Ethiopia’s stability. He stressed that any efforts designed to re-ignite conflict should be unequivocally rejected by all stakeholders committed to regional peace. “There must be sustainable peace in the region,” he said. “We should strongly condemn such unholy alliances. Having witnessed the last war firsthand, I know the immense suffering that conflict brought to Tigray.” At this moment in time, Ethiopian political figures and former TPLF officials are echoing similar concerns. They strongly underscore the need for preventing another catastrophic war through sustained international vigilance, firm diplomatic engagement, and unequivocal support for peaceful political dialogue. Above all they have been urging resolute international pressure against the belligerent TPLF. In relation to this a political analyst told ENA that “global pressure on the defunct TPLF must continue because peace is not yet secure and because preventing the next war is far less costly than responding to it”. At this critical moment, Ethiopian political figures and rational minded former TPLF officials are echoing similar concerns, arguing that preventing another catastrophe will require sustained diplomatic engagement and unequivocal support for peaceful political dialogue. They contend that growing international pressure on the defunct TPLF should be viewed not as a symbolic measure, but as a preventive one. “Global pressure on the defunct TPLF must continue, precisely because peace is not yet secured and because preventing the next war is far less costly than responding to it,” another political analyst concurred.

Addis Ababa, July 31, 2026 (ENA) — Pledging to further deepen cooperation between Ethiopia and Rwanda, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe noted that the countries enjoy tremendous relations at both bilateral and multilateral levels. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Rwanda Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister said Rwanda and Ethiopia should, however, expand exports and imports. He also revealed that the countries are working together in health, pointing to 130 Rwandan students pursuing PhD and master’s programs in health institutions in Ethiopia. Besides, Nduhungirehe stated that Rwandan Defence Force personnel and members of the World International Police have been in Ethiopia for training. Moreoever, Ethiopia and Rwanda are long-standing pan-Africanist states that have been working to foster unity and economic integration of Africa. According to him, such Ethiopia and Rwanda engagement can encourage broader African unity and economic integration. On issues of ongoing efforts to reform the African Union’s institutional and financial systems, the Minister pointed out that stronger leadership of African countries like Ethiopia is crucial to help ensure that more projects are financed from within Africa. He elaborated that Africa’s resources, including a young population, arable land, and natural wealth, should be leveraged to make the continent the richest. Nduhungirehe noted that the challenge is partly one of mindset and financing. Regionally, the Minister emphasized on the need to boost intra-African trade, saying many African countries still face barriers that make trade within the continent more difficult than trade with other regions. Rwanda was one of the early joining countries in signing the African Continental Free Trade Area. Furthermore, he emphasized that climate change affects the whole continent and that South-South knowledge exchange, including sharing Ethiopia’s climate mitigation experiences with other countries, could support development while protecting the environment. In this regard, the Minister said the two nations will continue to exchange best practices through bilateral engagement and within African Union platforms.

Addis Ababa, July 31, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia and Canada are stepping up efforts to strengthen bilateral relations by expanding direct trade and investment, with both countries seeking to establish commercial links that will enable Ethiopian exports to reach the Canadian market without intermediaries. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ethiopia's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Canada, Tewodros Girma, said the renewed focus on direct trade reflects the two countries' commitment to advancing economic cooperation beyond their longstanding political and people-to-people partnership. As Ethiopia and Canada mark six decades of diplomatic relations, the ambassador noted that both governments are working to elevate economic ties by creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and business collaboration. The two countries established formal diplomatic relations in 1965, following Ethiopia's opening of diplomatic representation in Canada in 1962. Since then, the partnership has grown steadily, with recent efforts placing greater emphasis on strengthening commercial engagement and expanding direct market access for Ethiopian exports. "This year we are celebrating 60 years of anniversary of our bilateral relationship, which has endured through several progresses that we can tell, be it in economic, diplomatic, and people-to-people ties," the ambassador said. He noted that both countries are now prioritizing expanded trade and investment as Ethiopia advances broad economic reforms designed to create a more competitive and business-friendly investment environment. According to him, the first phase of Ethiopia's macroeconomic reform program successfully opened previously restricted sectors to foreign investors, including telecommunications, while the second phase is focused on improving the overall business climate and strengthening macroeconomic stability. "The first phase has been implemented fully, which mainly focused on opening up our economy for international competition, opening the door for foreign companies to come and compete with our local companies, mainly in those areas which were exclusively closed for foreign investors like telecom sectors," he said. The second phase of our reform is focusing on improving our macroeconomic posture, mainly in creating a more conducive environment for ease of doing business in Ethiopia, he added. Ambassador Tewodros said the reforms have created favorable conditions for Canadian companies seeking opportunities in Ethiopia, particularly in mining, manufacturing and agriculture. While bilateral commercial relations have traditionally been anchored in aviation, with Ethiopian Airlines operating more than 36 Canadian-manufactured Bombardier Q400 aircraft, he said both countries are now seeking to diversify cooperation into broader areas of trade and investment. A key priority, he explained, is creating direct commercial connections between Ethiopian exporters and Canadian importers to increase the presence of Ethiopian products in the Canadian market. Although Ethiopia exports coffee, textiles, sesame and cut flowers to Canada, most of these products currently reach Canadian consumers through intermediaries based in countries such as the United States and the Netherlands. "Now we are mainly focusing on creating a direct link between Ethiopian exporters and Canadian importers in terms of our exportable items, focusing on the coffee sector," Ambassador Tewodros said. He stressed that the main obstacle is not market access. "Frankly speaking, there is no legal barriers, no tariff barriers that are hindering our imports here. But the very fact that our exporters and Canadian importers didn't have that strong relationship is causing this problem. So, we are trying to target in solving this problem from the root," he stated. The ambassador expressed confidence that stronger business-to-business engagement will expand Ethiopia's exports, enable producers to retain greater value and further strengthen the economic partnership between Ethiopia and Canada as the two countries commemorate six decades of diplomatic relations.

Addis Ababa, July 31, 2026 (ENA) — Political parties’ representatives at the National Dialogue Conference said that they have been conducting constructive discussions to foster consensus on fundamental national issues and build a better Ethiopia. The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission commenced the national conference on July 15, 2026, bringing together over 4,000 delegates from across the nation and abroad. The National Movement of Amhara (NaMA) party representative Tahir Mohammed and the President of Kucha People’s Democratic Party, Genene Gerebu, told ENA that the national dialogue conference has opened a new culture of dialogue in Ethiopia. The dialogue conference is proceeding in a peaceful and participatory manner based on the supremacy of ideas among the participants, reducing personal and group interests and putting the country first on fundamental national issues, they added. National Movement of Amhara (NaMA) party representative, Tahir Mohammed, said a dialogue that can take the country into a better chapter is being held at the conference. The major and sub-agendas recommended by the national dialogue conference are being discussed freely and inclusively among the participants, he stated. According to him, the conference is beneficial in solving Ethiopia's fundamental and structural problems by creating a consensus based on the supremacy of ideas. It is also a crucial opportunity that provides lasting solutions on fundamental issues and creates consensus, he added. For his part, Kucha People’s Democratic Party President, Genene Gerebu, said any public agenda is freely expressed at the dialogue conference in a way that allows everyone to understand one another's views. The dialogue conference is being conducted to ensure that long-standing disputes are not transferred to the next generation, he stated, adding that free dialogue that can be considered exemplary are being conducted.

The World Public Summit, underscoring Africa's growing influence in shaping global dialogue and international cooperation, is for the first time holding its summit in Addis Ababa under the theme “A New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future.” The two-day summit has brought together more than 700 representatives of international organizations, public institutions, government agencies, experts and business communities from 54 African countries. The holding of the regional summit of the Public Summit in Ethiopia is a strategically significant step in the development of international public and humanitarian dialogue. Speaking on the occasion, World Public Summit Africa Organizing Committee Head Yanina Dubeykovskaya said the summit focuses on how Africa needs to actively participate globally in various areas, including in social, technological and economic Affairs, among others.   Holding the World Public Summit in Addis Ababa is a recognition of Africa's role as one of the centers shaping a new world, she added. General Secretary of the Global Black Center and Co-chair of the summit, Tsegaye Chama, for his part said the hosting of the World Public Summit Africa 2026 by Ethiopia is not merely a strategic or tactical decision. "It is a profound affirmation of the nation's stature as a well-entrenched state with the capacity and proven experience to establish precedents for events and institutions of global significance."   Ethiopia already stands as the seat of the African Union and the Global Black Centre, and the holding of this summit reinforces its role as a continental and international hub of dialogue, vision, and unity, he added. According to him, the summit embodies a unity that is not transactional but purposeful and conscious, a unity that shapes new contours for a world that works for all peoples of the world. Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin, said ''today, we are witnessing the emergence of a multipolar world based not only on the equality of sovereign states, but also on mutual respect for fundamental political, cultural, intellectual, and spiritual values."   The Ambassador added that "our task today is to build a fair world order, untainted by hypocrisy and standard frameworks, respecting the identity, history, and sovereignty of each state".