Staff Writer August 23, 2026 National Dialogue reaches a historic milestone as Ethiopia reasserts its sovereign right to develop the Abay, while diplomacy, security and strategic partnerships reinforce the country’s growing regional profile. The past week marked a defining chapter for Ethiopia, one shaped by historic political dialogue at home and an increasingly assertive posture on the regional and international stage. After 40 days of intensive deliberations involving nearly 4,000 Ethiopians from diverse backgrounds, the National Dialogue Conference concluded in Addis Ababa with approximately 400 recommendations addressing some of the country’s most pressing political, social and institutional challenges. At the same time, Ethiopia strongly reaffirmed its sovereign right to utilize its water resources, pushing back against criticism over plans to develop additional dams on the Abay (Nile) River. The message from Addis Ababa was unequivocal: Ethiopia will develop its resources to meet its national needs while pursuing cooperation with fellow Nile Basin countries.   Beyond these two defining developments, Ethiopia remained in the international spotlight through high-level engagement on security, diplomacy, regional affairs and strategic partnerships. National Dialogue: From Differences to a Search for Common Ground The conclusion of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue represented a significant milestone in the country’s attempt to address longstanding challenges through a nationally driven process. For 40 days, participants from different regions, political, social and professional backgrounds listened to competing perspectives, debated difficult questions and sought common ground. The process culminated in nearly 400 recommendations intended to contribute to a more peaceful, inclusive and stable Ethiopia.   The closing ceremony brought together senior government officials, former presidents, religious leaders, national figures and international guests, underlining the wider significance attached to the process. Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta described the dialogue as an important opportunity for Ethiopians to turn the country’s diversity into a source of strength and make inclusive dialogue a foundation for lasting peace and prosperity. He praised the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission for bringing thousands of voices together, calling the initiative an “act of patriotism of the highest order.” Kenyatta also placed Ethiopia’s experience within a broader African context, recalling the country’s historic role in the continent’s political consciousness—from the victory at Adwa to Emperor Haile Selassie’s international leadership and Addis Ababa’s role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity.   But he also stressed that lasting peace requires reaching those who remain outside the process. “Your peace is not a favor. Your peace is the condition of your own rest, and our peace is a condition for all of us in our region,” he said, linking Ethiopia’s stability directly to peace and security across the Horn of Africa. Former Nigerian President and African Union High Representative Olusegun Obasanjo likewise described Ethiopia’s National Dialogue as historic and potentially exemplary for the rest of Africa. Congratulating Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the National Dialogue Commission, Obasanjo said the ultimate objective of the process should be lasting peace, security and stability—conditions he described as essential for development and national growth.   “Peace is so important and it is worth giving everything,” he stressed, noting that preparations for the dialogue had taken four years. With its 40-day deliberations and thousands of participants, the process, he said, was “a serious and great undertaking” and “an example for the rest of us in Africa.” Abay: Ethiopia Draws a Clear Line on Sovereign Resource Development While the National Dialogue focused on finding common ground within Ethiopia, the country delivered an equally firm message abroad over the utilization of its water resources. Ethiopia has reaffirmed plans to develop additional dams on the Abay River, triggering strong reactions from Egypt and once again placing the Nile at the center of regional attention. Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa made Ethiopia’s position clear: the country does not require permission from another state to develop its own water resources. “Ethiopia is a sovereign country,” the Minister said, pointing to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as an example of the country’s determination to pursue its development priorities.   In an exclusive interview with Pulse of Africa, Habtamu said the GERD was built primarily for electricity generation and is already contributing hydropower to Ethiopia while creating opportunities for regional energy cooperation. He categorically rejected proposals for joint management of the dam, arguing that Ethiopia would not accept arrangements that could give another country control over infrastructure built and financed by Ethiopians. “How come any entity asks to jointly manage the dam built by Ethiopians. This is impossible and unacceptable,” he underscored. Ethiopia’s broader position is that Nile Basin countries should pursue negotiation, cooperation and equitable development rather than arrangements that restrict Ethiopia’s ability to utilize its water resources. For Addis Ababa, the issue is ultimately tied to development: expanding electricity access for its population, generating economic opportunities and exporting power to neighboring countries. The Abay, therefore, is not simply a waterway in Ethiopia’s development discourse. It has become a central symbol of the country’s pursuit of energy security, economic transformation and sovereign decision-making. A Stronger Security Partnership with the United States   Ethiopia’s strategic engagement also expanded on the security front. A high-level Ethiopian delegation led by Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of Foreign Relations and Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defense, visited the United States from August 19–20. During consultations at the Pentagon, Ethiopian officials met with senior U.S. defense and diplomatic officials to discuss bilateral security and defense cooperation. The talks, co-led with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for African Affairs Brian J. Ellis, resulted in an agreement to elevate military and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries to a new level. The development signals Ethiopia’s interest in strengthening strategic partnerships at a time when security dynamics across the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region are rapidly evolving. Ethiopia–China Ties: From Partnership to Strategic Alignment China also remained central to Ethiopia’s international engagement. Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai described the two countries’ all-weather strategic partnership as a cornerstone of efforts to build a community with a shared future between China and Africa. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador Chen said the relationship had moved beyond traditional diplomacy, evolving into a broad partnership based on political trust, economic cooperation and mutual support.   “China and Ethiopia support each other politically and economically,” he said, emphasizing closer coordination to deliver benefits to both peoples. The partnership also carries significance beyond bilateral relations. Ethiopia’s role as a major African diplomatic center and China’s expanding engagement across the continent give the relationship wider implications for Africa-China cooperation. A Week That Signals a More Assertive Ethiopia Taken together, the week’s developments point to an Ethiopia seeking to balance national reconciliation at home with greater strategic confidence abroad. The conclusion of the National Dialogue offered a platform for Ethiopians to confront difficult questions through dialogue and compromise. The firm position on the Abay demonstrated Addis Ababa’s determination to defend its development interests and sovereign rights. Meanwhile, renewed engagement with the United States and China showed Ethiopia’s continuing effort to diversify and deepen strategic partnerships. The common thread is clear: Ethiopia is seeking greater national consensus, greater control over its development choices and a stronger voice in shaping the political and strategic future of the Horn of Africa. The coming months will reveal Ethiopia’s increasingly assertive approach to its resources, security and diplomacy can help reshape its role in the region. For a country at the crossroads of the Nile Basin, the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, last week was more than a sequence of major events. It was a week that underscored Ethiopia’s determination to define its future on its own terms while remaining a consequential actor in Africa and beyond.

Addis Ababa, August 23, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia has called for stronger BRICS cooperation in tourism, positioning the sector as a strategic driver of economic growth, sustainable development and people-to-people ties. At the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Jaipur, the Ethiopian delegation highlighted the country’s cultural heritage and natural attractions while promoting cooperation in sustainable tourism, digital innovation, artificial intelligence and skills development, according to the Ethiopian Embassy in New Delhi.   Ethiopia proposed establishing a BRICS Travel Mart and a Tourism Centre of Excellence to facilitate joint tourism products, investment, research and capacity building. The delegation also highlighted Ethiopian Airlines’ role in connecting Africa with BRICS partner countries and promoted Addis Ababa as a potential international hub for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE). Ethiopia expressed readiness to translate BRICS tourism cooperation into concrete initiatives, investment opportunities and joint ventures. The meeting, held under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship, concluded with the adoption by consensus of the BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Communiqué 2026, known as the Jaipur Declaration.   The declaration prioritizes AI and tourism, sustainable and responsible tourism, skills and capacity building, and tourism exchanges and seamless travel facilitation, while encouraging cooperation in investment, infrastructure, destination management, data sharing and best practices. For Ethiopia, the initiative places tourism at the intersection of BRICS cooperation, economic diplomacy and the country’s broader effort to expand its global tourism and investment profile.

Addis Ababa, August 23, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference has laid the groundwork for building a resilient nation and nurturing a generation that embraces dialogue, participants told ENA. The concluding session of the National Dialogue Conference, which had been underway at the Addis International Convention Center since July 15, 2026, was held yesterday, marking the completion of 40 days of deliberations on some of the country’s most consequential national questions. For 40 days, nearly 4,000 Ethiopians from diverse backgrounds came together to deliberate, exchange views and seek common ground on issues that have long shaped the country’s political, social and economic landscape.   Participants told ENA that the dialogue created an important opportunity to bring together diverse ideas and perspectives and lay a foundation for nation-building and future generations. Among the participants, Aynalem Muna said the conference served as a platform for generating ideas aimed at resolving longstanding problems and disagreements. Expressing her pleasure at participating in the National Dialogue Conference, she noted that the dialogue has been crucial for building a strong nation-state. Another participant, Ayu Ketema, said the National Dialogue serves as a key avenue for addressing national challenges by facilitating in-depth discussions and generating ideas that can lay the foundation for future generations.   Participant Feysal Jibril, on his part, emphasized the inclusive nature of the National Dialogue, noting that it laid the groundwork for building a resilient nation and nurturing a generation that values dialogue. Throughout the 40-day process, participants listened to one another, debated difficult and often deeply contested issues, challenged competing views and sought areas of common ground, it was learned. Their deliberations culminated in approximately 400 recommendations aimed at addressing major national challenges and laying foundations for a more peaceful, inclusive and stable Ethiopia.   The conference addressed eight broad thematic agendas: nation-building; state structure, governance, and political and electoral systems; the status of Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa; religious affairs, historical grievances and reconciliation; institution-building, the rule of law and human rights; socio-economic issues, including the concerns of farmers and pastoralists; corruption and good governance; and peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Participants said the significance of the National Dialogue extends beyond the recommendations produced during the conference, emphasizing that the process itself created an opportunity for Ethiopians from diverse backgrounds to listen to one another and engage on difficult national questions through dialogue. They expressed hope that the recommendations and lessons from the process would contribute to resolving longstanding challenges, strengthening national unity and building a resilient Ethiopia for current and future generations.

Addis Ababa, August 23, 2026 (ENA) —Eritrean regime is fueling regional conflicts and supporting opposition forces in neighboring countries as part of what he described as a “strategy to preserve its grip on power,” Eritrean Blue Revolution Front (EBRF) Central Committee member Dawit Teferi said. Speaking to ENA, Dawit said Eritrea’s leadership has maintained an adversarial approach toward neighboring countries for decades, arguing that the regime relies on external threats and regional conflicts to sustain its political control. He said the pattern extends beyond Ethiopia, citing Eritrea’s past conflicts and involvement with Sudan, Yemen, Djibouti and Somalia. According to Dawit, the leadership in Asmara has consistently sought to maintain a role in regional conflicts, contributing to instability across the Horn of Africa. He described the Eritrean government as an “antenna for conflicts,” arguing that its continued involvement in the affairs of neighboring countries has made the region more vulnerable to instability. Dawit also accused the Eritrean regime of directing national resources toward Ethiopian opposition groups, describing its alleged support for such forces as a major factor aggravating Ethiopia’s security situation. “The aggravating factor is the Eritrean government,” he said, arguing that the regime’s involvement with Ethiopian opposition forces has made efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Horn of Africa more difficult. Dawit linked Eritrea’s regional posture to its system of governance at home, arguing that the leadership’s militarized background has shaped both its domestic and foreign policies. He said the Eritrean government has militarized society and turned national service into a mechanism of population control. According to him, the indefinite nature of national service is closely linked to the leadership’s efforts to maintain a permanent state of mobilization and political control. Dawit also identified the 2001 detention of members of the G-15, a group of senior Eritrean officials who publicly called for political reform, as a major turning point in Eritrea’s political development. He argued that the detention of the G-15 paved the way for the consolidation of power by the most repressive elements of the ruling leadership and further narrowed the space for political reform. Dawit further argued that political repression has been accompanied by economic stagnation, saying the leadership failed to establish a clear economic vision following independence and subsequently developed a highly centralized economic system. According to him, the combination of political repression, militarization and economic stagnation has reinforced the regime’s dependence on maintaining an atmosphere of insecurity and confrontation. Turning to current regional developments, Dawit said the renewed relationship between the Eritrean leadership and the illegal Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) should also be viewed in the context of the regime’s concerns over opposition movements and its efforts to rebuild previous political alliances. He said the developments are particularly concerning amid existing conflicts and political tensions across the Horn of Africa, warning that continued involvement by the Eritrean government could further complicate efforts to establish lasting regional peace. Dawit maintained that political change in Eritrea is therefore important not only for the Eritrean people but also for Ethiopia and the wider Horn of Africa, arguing that a more stable and politically open Eritrea would contribute to greater regional stability. Eritrea’s regional role has long been shaped by its difficult relations with neighboring countries and the wider security dynamics of the Horn of Africa. Eritrea has been involved in a series of military confrontations and regional disputes, including the 1998 to 2000 Ethiopia- Eritrea war, the 2008 conflict with Djibouti, and tensions involving Somalia and Sudan since its split. Eritrea also became involved in the Somali conflict, while its relations with Sudan and Djibouti were periodically marked by military and political tensions.

Addis Ababa, August 22, 2026 (ENA) — Former Nigerian President and African Union High Representative Olusegun Obasanjo said Ethiopia’s national dialogue is historic and exemplary for the rest of Africa. Addressing the closing ceremony of Ethiopia’s historic National Dialogue Conference at the Addis International Convention Center today, Obasanjo congratulated Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the National Dialogue Commission for the successful conclusion and great achievements of the dialogue. The African Union High Representative noted that the primary objective of the national dialogue is ensuring lasting peace, security, and stability in order to achieve conditions for total development and growth of the nation. Peace is so important and it is worth giving everything, Obasanjo stressed, highlighting that the preparation of this national dialogue took four years. The historic national dialogue conference which brought together 4,000 participants from across the nation, lasted 40 days. “It was a serious and great undertaking,” he stated, adding that “it is historic and an example for the rest of us in Africa.” The African Union High Representative further emphasized that there is no substitute for dialogue and peace, noting that the recommendations of the outcomes of the historic dialogue will bring lasting solutions for various outstanding national issues. Further underscoring the significance of the dialogue as a crucial step, he also stressed the need for further strengthening national unity, development, security, inclusiveness, and prosperity. “We must promote common security, stability, shared responsibility and prosperity communally nationally, bilaterally, regionally, continentally, and globally,” he said. Obasanjo elaborated that peace, security, stability, unity and sustainable development are instrumental for advancing the growth of the nation and double its GDP. Stressing the need to put the past of conflict, war, violence, division, and destruction behind, he expressed his hope that the concluded national dialogue set the foundation for the ideals of good governance with great attributes. The Ethiopian National Dialogue successfully concluded today, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to address long-standing political, social and institutional challenges through dialogue.

Addis Ababa, August 22, 2026 (ENA) —The just-concluded Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference is a monumental milestone that reinforces shared aspirations and national unity, President Taye Atske Selassie said, noting that dialogue is the cornerstone of national strength, wisdom, and resourcefulness. Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the Convention Center today, the President extended his profound gratitude to the leadership and staff of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, collaborating entities, and all 4,000 participants—including religious leaders, elders, Abba Gadas, women, youth, farmers, pastoralists, scholars, political representatives, and civic groups—who carried the trust and voice of 130 million Ethiopians. He commended the dialogue members for organizing a structured process grounded in national knowledge and values, formulating agendas focused on national interests, and establishing clear procedures for deliberation. President Taye also praised the participants for conducting the discussions with reason, transparency, credibility, mutual cooperation, and quintessential Ethiopian decency. While dialogue is a long-standing culture embedded in the nation's social fabric, giving form and structure to this traditional practice turns it into a cornerstone for modern nation-building and a safeguard against contemporary challenges. He also expressed sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for driving the realization of this initiative, as well as the House of People's Representatives for providing the process with a firm legal foundation. Highlighting the historic value of the dialogue, President Taye outlined five key outcomes. First, the conference created a mature environment where constructive ideas emerge from competing perspectives to serve the common good. Second, it enabled political discussions to shift away from impulsive reactions toward composure and deep reflection, allowing delegates to advocate for their respective communities while maintaining a balanced national perspective under a unified umbrella. Third, it established a foundation to move Ethiopia’s political landscape away from confrontation and enmity toward forgiveness and reconciliation. Fourth, it opened a path to permanently transition away from political strife, violence, and armed conflict, anchoring future political practices in peace, active listening, and the free exchange of ideas. Fifth, it elevated social interactions by fostering respectful language and setting a new benchmark for civilized political discourse. Addressing broader narrative challenges, President Taye rejected political tropes such as "Ethiopia is at a crossroads" or "Ethiopia is about to collapse," noting that those who repeatedly propagate such rhetoric pursue their own livelihoods rather than the true path of the nation. He emphasized that Ethiopia's trajectory is not at a crossroads, but a direct and continuous path of growth and unity built on patience. The Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference closing ceremony capped 40 days of continuous deliberations. Discussions throughout the 40-day event focused on eight major agenda pillars:- Government Structure and Political System: Deliberating on the overall structure and form of the state and governance systems; Status of Federal Cities: Deciding on the administration, legal status, and national roles of cities like Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa; Religious Affairs: Fostering interfaith harmony, equality, and mutual respect among different religious groups; Institutional Building, Rule of Law, and Human Rights: Strengthening public institutions and protecting legal rights; Socio-Economic Issues: Focusing on economic development and concerns specific to farmers and pastoralists; Corruption and Good Governance: Tackling administrative accountability, transparency, and public service delivery; and Peacebuilding: Resolving conflicts and establishing sustainable national reconciliation and security.

Addis Ababa, August 22, 2026 (ENA) —Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged Ethiopians to sustain the spirit of dialogue, embrace their diversity and translate the outcomes of the National Dialogue into lasting peace and national consensus. Kenyatta made the call today at the closing ceremony of Ethiopia’s month-long National Dialogue Conference at the Addis Ababa Convention Center. He described the conclusion of the conference not as the end of the dialogue process, but as the beginning of a broader national journey toward reconciliation, inclusion and peace. “What you are concluding today is just the beginning of a journey,” Kenyatta said, acknowledging that participants may not have agreed on every issue. He urged Ethiopians to extend the dialogue beyond those represented at the conference and reach out to those who were not present, The sustainable peace requires broader inclusion, he stressed. Kenyatta said Ethiopia’s extraordinary diversity should be viewed as a national strength rather than a source of division. “I do not see one people, I see many people,” he said.   The former president further emphasized that Ethiopia’s identity has been shaped by the histories, cultures, traditions and contributions of its many communities. He said the country’s peoples are bound together by roads, rivers, commerce, languages, faith, families and shared history, arguing that Ethiopia’s diversity can serve as a foundation for national unity. Reflecting on the cost of conflict, Kenyatta said the loss of lives, displacement and destruction underline the urgency of sustaining dialogue. “No political disagreement anywhere on this earth is worth what a season of violence costs,” he said. Kenyatta stressed that Ethiopia’s peace has consequences well beyond its borders. “When Ethiopia chooses peace, trade routes open, economy is steady, and our shared borders grow more secure,” he said, adding that Ethiopia’s embrace of dialogue would strengthen confidence across Africa. He also highlighted the historic relationship between Ethiopia and Kenya, recalling Ethiopia’s influence on his father, Kenya’s founding President Jomo Kenyatta, during Africa’s struggle against colonialism. He said Ethiopia’s green, gold and red flag became a symbol of freedom for his father and many Africans living under colonial rule. Recalling the peaceful settlement of the Ethiopia-Kenya border, Kenyatta said the two countries demonstrated that African states can resolve sensitive issues through dialogue rather than conflict.   “Your peace is not a favor. Your peace is the condition of your own rest, and our peace is a condition for all of us in our region,” he said. Kenyatta urged Ethiopians to ensure that the national dialogue reaches all parts of society and contributes to ending bloodshed and destruction. He called for a future built on “dialogue, inclusion, peace, and prosperity,” urging Ethiopians to transform their diversity into a reason to build together rather than stand apart. “When Ethiopia embraces dialogue, the whole continent gains confidence,” Kenyatta said, warning that Africa cannot achieve shared prosperity while the continent’s heart remains in distress. He concluded with a call for unity across Ethiopia, saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Kenyatta said Ethiopia’s journey toward peace should inspire Africa, while Africa’s unity should inspire the world.

Addis Ababa, August 22, 2026 (ENA) —The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) has successfully laid a historic foundation to resolve deep-seated grievances and political differences through dialogue rather than force, Deputy Chief Commissioner Hirut Gebre Selassie announced. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the National Dialogue Conference today at the Convention Center, Hirut stated that the event opens a new chapter in Ethiopia's political and social history. "We have opened a new historical chapter that enables us to solve deep-rooted disagreements, historical fractures, and differences of opinion through civilized consultation rather than by force and guns," Hirut said.   The conference brought together 4,000 delegates representing diverse segments of society across the nation, including political parties, civil society, government bodies, prominent personalities, former combatants, and the diaspora. Delegates engaged in extensive deliberations centered on eight major thematic agendas aimed at creating a stable and prosperous future for the country. Hirut emphasized that while discussions involved sharp differences of opinion, the true success of the process lies in the delegates' ability to listen to one another, uphold mutual respect, and seek shared solutions. "The greatest achievement is not merely the compiled set of recommendations, but the fact that we have laid the foundation for a culture of resolving differences through dialogue," she added. The Commission expressed confidence that the resulting recommendations will be implemented by the government and relevant stakeholders to guide Ethiopia toward a peaceful and inclusive future.   The plenary session marked the conclusion of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference, which took place on August 22, 2026, at the Addis Ababa International Convention Center in Addis Ababa. The closing ceremony capped 40 days of continuous deliberations aimed at addressing key national issues. The conference convened 4,000 delegates representing diverse societal sectors, political organizations, institutions, government bodies, prominent figures, former combatants, and the diaspora. Discussions throughout the 40-day event focused on eight core agenda areas: nation-building; state structure, governance, and political and electoral systems; special administrative affairs regarding Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa; and religious affairs, historical grievances, and national reconciliation.   Furthermore, the delegates engaged in deliberations covering institutional building, the rule of law, and human rights; socio-economic affairs, including issues impacting farmers and pastoralists; anti-corruption measures and good governance; as well as peacebuilding and national conflict resolution.

Addis Ababa, August 22, 2026 (ENA) —Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta called on Ethiopians to transform the country’s rich diversity into a source of national strength and make inclusive dialogue the foundation of lasting peace and prosperity. Speaking at the closing ceremony of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference in Addis Ababa, Kenyatta commended the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission for bringing thousands of voices together, describing the effort as “an act of patriotism of the highest order.” He said Ethiopia’s historic contributions to Africa from the victory at Adwa and Emperor Haile Selassie’s international leadership to the establishment of the Organization of African Unity in Addis Ababa—have given the country a significance that extends far beyond its borders. “Ethiopia’s history is also African history,” Kenyatta said.   He further emphasized the country’s enduring role in shaping Africa’s political consciousness, unity and dignity. He urged Ethiopians to see their diverse peoples, cultures, faiths and traditions not as sources of division, but as a powerful national asset. “I do not see one people. I see many people,” he said, stressing that Ethiopia’s strength lies in the many communities that together constitute the nation. Kenyatta also called for broader participation in the national dialogue, urging Ethiopians to reach out to those who remain outside the process. “Your peace is not a favor. Your peace is the condition of your own rest, and our peace is a condition for all of us in our region,” he said, linking Ethiopia’s stability to peace and security across the Horn of Africa.   Drawing on the historic ties between Ethiopia and Kenya, Kenyatta reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to Ethiopia’s peace and stability and endorsed the principle of “African solutions to African problems.” He further s tressed that Africa must increasingly draw on its own institutions, traditions and wisdom to resolve its challenges. Kenyatta urged Ethiopians to choose dialogue, inclusion and reconciliation, emphasizing that national unity must be renewed and sustained by every generation. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” he said.   Kenyatta concluded by calling on Ethiopia to turn its peace process into a model capable of inspiring the continent, saying Ethiopia’s journey toward reconciliation could strengthen Africa’s confidence while Africa’s unity could inspire the wider world.

Addis Ababa, August 22, 2026 (ENA) —The closing ceremony of Ethiopia’s month-long National Dialogue Conference is underway at the Addis Ababa Convention Center, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to address longstanding political, social and institutional challenges through dialogue. The ceremony opened with the Ethiopian national anthem, followed by prayers from religious leaders. Religious leaders, former and current presidents, senior government officials, national figures and invited guests are attending the closing session. For 40 days, nearly 4,000 Ethiopians from diverse backgrounds came together to deliberate on some of the country’s most consequential national questions.   They listened to one another, debated difficult and often deeply contested issues, challenged competing views and sought areas of common ground. Their deliberations culminated in approximately 400 recommendations aimed at addressing major national challenges and laying foundations for a more peaceful, inclusive and stable Ethiopia. The conference addressed eight broad thematic agendas: nation-building; state structure, governance and political and electoral systems; the status of Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa; religious affairs, historical grievances and reconciliation; institution-building, the rule of law and human rights; socio-economic issues, including the concerns of farmers and pastoralists; corruption and good governance; and peacebuilding and conflict resolution.   The breadth of the discussions reflects the scale of the challenges confronting Ethiopia—and the determination of participants to confront them through dialogue rather than division. What unfolded over the past 40 days was more than a formal political gathering, it was indicated. It was an attempt to bring Ethiopians with different experiences, interests and perspectives around the same table and create space for difficult national conversations. The conclusion of the conference therefore represents not an end, but a new phase: translating the recommendations generated through dialogue into meaningful action, institutional reform and lasting national consensus.   For Ethiopia, the real measure of the National Dialogue will ultimately lie beyond the conference hall—in whether its recommendations can help build a more inclusive political system, strengthen institutions, address historical grievances, deepen social cohesion and contribute to lasting peace.

It Is Time to Stop Pretending Ethiopia Has No Stake in the Red Sea By Yordanos D. August 22, 2026 The strategic importance of Ethiopia’s maritime question has become increasingly difficult to separate from the wider security crisis unfolding across the Middle East, the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa. Recent disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have demonstrated how quickly instability at a single maritime chokepoint can affect energy prices, shipping networks, insurance markets, supply chains and consumers thousands of kilometres away. These developments offer a wider lesson: maritime chokepoints are not simply geographical passages. They are arteries of the global economy. When their security deteriorates, the consequences can spread rapidly across continents. This raises a critical question for the Horn of Africa: what would happen if prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz were accompanied by a major disruption at Bab el Mandeb? The consequences could be severe. Hormuz is vital to the movement of energy from the Persian Gulf, while Bab el Mandeb connects the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, forming a crucial trade route between Asia and Europe. A simultaneous disruption at both chokepoints could force ships to choose between navigating dangerous waters and taking substantially longer routes around Africa. The resulting increase in fuel consumption, insurance costs, freight rates and transit times could create another major shock to global trade.   It is against this backdrop that Ethiopia’s pursuit of reliable access to the Red Sea assumes significance far beyond its own commercial interests. For a country of more than 130 million people, secure maritime access is an economic necessity. But Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea could also have broader implications for regional connectivity, maritime security, investment and the resilience of international trade. Let us break down the calculus. The central question, therefore, is not simply whether Ethiopia should regain access to the sea. It is whether a stable and legally negotiated Ethiopian maritime presence could become part of a broader regional system capable of protecting one of the world’s most important trade corridors. Let us break down the strategic calculus. Hormuz and Rising Cost of Global Maritime The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz is enormous. In the first half of 2025, about 20.9 million barrels of oil and petroleum liquids per day passed through the strait, equivalent to roughly one fifth of global petroleum liquids consumption and about one quarter of global maritime oil trade. The strait also carries substantial volumes of liquefied natural gas, making it one of the world’s most important energy corridors. The disruption of these flows illustrates the vulnerability created by such dependence. By the second quarter of 2026, data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed that oil flows through Hormuz had fallen sharply compared with 2025 levels, reflecting the impact of regional conflict and maritime restrictions. Oil prices have responded to the uncertainty. Brent crude reached about $91.62 per barrel on August 19, 2026, and remained above $93 per barrel on August 21 amid continuing concerns over supply disruptions. The lesson is clear: instability at a strategically located maritime chokepoint can increase the cost of energy, transportation and insurance almost immediately. The significance of Hormuz, however, cannot be understood only through oil prices. The strait is embedded in a wider commercial system that connects energy producers in the Gulf with consumers across Asia, Europe and other regions. Any prolonged disruption can therefore generate secondary effects across manufacturing, transportation, electricity generation and food production.   Bab el Mandeb: The Other Critical Gateway Bab el Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean. Together with the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, it forms part of one of the world’s most important maritime corridors linking Asia and Europe. When vessels cannot safely navigate the Red Sea, many are forced to travel around the Cape of Good Hope. The longer route requires more fuel, crew time and vessel capacity and significantly increases voyage times. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, disruptions around Bab el Mandeb or the Suez Canal can force ships onto the longer southern African route, increasing freight rates and shipping costs. Container ships carrying manufactured goods, bulk carriers transporting commodities, tankers carrying petroleum products and vessels carrying agricultural inputs can all be affected. A ship that spends several additional weeks at sea is also unavailable for another shipment during that period. Consequently, effective global shipping capacity can decline even when factories, warehouses and ports remain operational. The world has already experienced this problem following attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, which prompted major shipping companies to divert vessels around Africa. The resulting increase in voyage distances and transit times demonstrated how quickly maritime insecurity can spread through freight markets, supply chains and consumer prices. For Africa, the implications are particularly serious. Many countries depend on imported fuel, fertilizers, machinery, food and manufactured products. Higher shipping costs can therefore translate into higher domestic prices and increased pressure on foreign exchange reserves. The Dual Chokepoint Crisis A simultaneous or successive disruption of Hormuz and Bab el Mandeb would transform two regional security problems into a potentially much larger global maritime crisis. Hormuz is principally critical for Gulf energy exports, while Bab el Mandeb is a key gateway for commercial vessels moving between the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. If both were seriously disrupted, shipping companies could face a difficult choice between navigating insecure waters and taking dramatically longer alternative routes. Freight rates and insurance premiums could rise sharply. European manufacturers could experience delays in receiving Asian components and finished products, while Asian exporters could face higher costs in reaching European and North African markets. African economies would also be exposed because many depend heavily on imported fuel, fertilizers, machinery, food and manufactured goods. Governments could require more foreign currency to purchase the same volume of imports, while businesses could pass higher transportation, insurance and energy costs on to consumers. Recent shipping data further illustrates the sensitivity of the two corridors to regional insecurity. Reuters reported that only nine commodity vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on both August 18 and 19, 2026, while traffic through Bab el Mandeb fell from 32 to 27 vessels over the same period. By August 21, Reuters reported that Hormuz traffic had fallen further to seven commodity vessels, while Bab el Mandeb recorded 23 vessels. These figures do not establish that either waterway has been permanently closed. They do, however, demonstrate how quickly geopolitical uncertainty can change commercial shipping behaviour. Even without a formal blockade, heightened security risks can discourage operators, increase insurance costs and force vessels onto longer routes. A prolonged disruption at both chokepoints would therefore be more than a regional maritime crisis. It could become a major shock to global energy markets, international trade and supply chains.   Egypt’s Spoiler Role in Both Horn Africa and Red Sea Region Evidently, Egypt’s destabilizing activities in the Horn of Africa can be examined historically through its security and political engagement with countries surrounding Ethiopia. Its growing military cooperation with Somalia has particular strategic significance because Somalia lies close to the Bab el Mandeb, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. The deployment or potential deployment of Egyptian military forces in Somalia could intensify strategic rivalry with Ethiopia and contribute to the militarization of an already fragile security environment. Egypt’s close political and security alignment with Sudan’s military establishment is another source of regional concern. The continuing war in Sudan has weakened state institutions, expanded armed networks and generated displacement and instability across the region. External military and political involvement risks prolonging the conflict and creating additional security pressures along Ethiopia’s western frontier and the Red Sea. A prolonged crisis in Sudan, where Egypt is behind this ongoing catastrophic civil war, could also create wider instability across the Horn, disrupting trade routes and increasing the movement of armed groups and illicit networks. Egypt has also supported Eritrea’s regime, whose strategic position on the Red Sea gives a leverage its proxy ambition. Closer Egyptian engagement with Eritrea, combined with its military cooperation with Somalia and its relationship with Sudan, could contribute to competing security alignments around Ethiopia and increase tensions across the Horn. The most serious concern is the strategic importance of the Bab el Mandeb. Egypt has a vital interest in the waterway because it provides access to the Suez Canal and is central to Egypt’s maritime trade. Egypt has an operational plan to physically close the Bab el Mandeb, the expansion of Egyptian military and political influence around the Horn raises concerns that the waterway could become an instrument of strategic pressure. Any attempt by Egypt or forces aligned with its interests to obstruct navigation through the Bab el Mandeb would have consequences far beyond the Horn of Africa. Such a disruption could create chaos in world trade. The Bab el Mandeb is a critical link between the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean trade system. Its disruption could force ships to take longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope, sharply increasing transportation costs, insurance premiums, delivery times and fuel consumption. It could also disrupt energy supplies and the movement of food, manufactured goods and essential commodities between Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Coming on top of instability around other major maritime chokepoints, a serious disruption at Bab el Mandeb could place additional pressure on already vulnerable global supply chains. Taken together, Egypt’s expanding military partnerships, political alliances and strategic positioning in Somalia, Sudan and Eritrea risk intensifying polarization in the Horn of Africa. If these relationships are used as instruments of confrontation with Ethiopia, they could contribute to greater militarization around the Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb. The consequence would not be limited to Ethiopia or the Horn. A crisis affecting Bab el Mandeb could escalate into a wider maritime emergency, threatening regional stability and creating severe disruption to international commerce and global trade. Why Ethiopia’s Maritime Return Matters? This is where Ethiopia’s maritime question takes on significance beyond national economic interests. Ethiopia’s dependence on external maritime gateways leaves its international trade vulnerable to disruption along regional transport corridors. More than 90 percent of Ethiopia’s import and export trade has historically moved through the Addis Djibouti corridor. Heavy dependence on a single principal gateway creates economic exposure when congestion, conflict, political disputes or maritime insecurity affect that route. A reliable and legally negotiated Ethiopian maritime presence could provide an additional option. It could diversify transport corridors, reduce dependence on a single gateway and strengthen Ethiopia’s ability to withstand regional disruptions. The objective should not be Ethiopian control of the Red Sea. Rather, it should be predictable and mutually agreed access established through arrangements that respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of coastal states. Such an arrangement could provide benefits extending well beyond Ethiopia’s immediate maritime interests. It could strengthen the resilience of global trade by creating additional options for the movement of goods and reducing the risks associated with excessive dependence on a limited number of vulnerable maritime corridors. It could also contribute to stronger maritime security by encouraging greater cooperation among Red Sea and Horn of Africa countries in protecting shipping routes and responding to emerging security threats. At the same time, improved access to the Red Sea could reduce pressure on existing trade corridors, particularly those facing congestion, insecurity or rising transportation costs, while providing Ethiopia and neighbouring countries with more efficient routes to international markets.   Ethiopia’s maritime engagement could also deepen regional economic integration by linking its large domestic market with the economies and ports of the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea region. Greater connectivity could support cross border trade, logistics, manufacturing and infrastructure development, creating opportunities for countries to benefit from Ethiopia’s expanding economy while strengthening regional supply chains. Improved access to maritime trade would further enhance food and energy security by giving Ethiopia more reliable and diversified channels for importing essential commodities, fuel and industrial inputs. Such connectivity could also make the region more attractive to investors by improving access to markets, lowering logistics costs and encouraging investment in ports, transport networks, industrial parks and related infrastructure. Ethiopia’s maritime agenda should therefore be approached as part of a wider regional economic and security framework rather than as a contest for control over strategic territory. A negotiated arrangement could bring together Ethiopia’s need for reliable maritime access with the legitimate interests of coastal states. Ethiopia could secure predictable commercial access, while coastal states could benefit from transit revenues, infrastructure investment, employment, expanded markets and stronger economic links with one of Africa’s largest domestic markets. Such a framework could also help separate economic connectivity from military confrontation. Commercial maritime access does not necessarily require territorial control. A carefully negotiated arrangement can provide access while preserving the sovereignty of the coastal state and supporting the security interests of neighbouring countries. This distinction is critical. Ethiopia’s maritime return will be sustainable only if it is based on mutual interest, international law, transparency and respect for sovereignty. The wider strategic objective should be a Red Sea in which economic interdependence becomes a source of stability rather than a trigger for confrontation. Greater trade, infrastructure connectivity and shared maritime security could create incentives for countries to protect the same commercial system from which they benefit. In this sense, Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea could become part of a broader effort to build a more resilient regional economy. The country’s large population, expanding domestic market and growing industrial and agricultural potential could generate substantial demand for maritime services, while improved access could help connect neighbouring economies to Ethiopian markets.   In a nutshell, the significance of Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea extends far beyond the question of ports, trade routes or national economic interests. In an era when disruptions at Hormuz and Bab el Mandeb can reverberate through energy markets and global supply chains, the Horn of Africa needs a more resilient and balanced maritime system. Reliable Ethiopian access to the Red Sea, achieved through a peaceful, legally negotiated and mutually beneficial arrangement, could provide such an opportunity. It could diversify regional trade routes, reduce dependence on a single corridor, strengthen maritime security, attract investment, improve access to essential commodities and deepen economic integration across the Horn of Africa. For Ethiopia, maritime access would reduce a fundamental vulnerability associated with being landlocked. For coastal states, it could generate investment, transit revenues and expanded markets. For international shipping, it could contribute to a stronger regional security environment. For global markets, it could add another layer of resilience at a time when maritime chokepoints are increasingly vulnerable to geopolitical disruption. The strategic objective, therefore, should not be domination of the Red Sea by any single state. It should be the creation of a stable maritime order in which Ethiopia has legitimate and predictable access, coastal states retain their sovereignty, and international shipping enjoys greater security. In this sense, Ethiopia’s return to the Red Sea should be understood not merely as a national aspiration but as a potential contribution to regional stability and global trade resilience. A peaceful maritime settlement could turn Ethiopia from a vulnerable landlocked economy into a more active economic and security stakeholder in one of the world’s most consequential maritime regions.

Addis Ababa, August 21, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa revealed that opposition from Egypt and Sudan is slowing the establishment of a permanent Nile River Basin Commission, despite the entry into force of the Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA). The Commission, ratified by six Nile Basin countries, is envisioned as the Nile Basin’s permanent legal and institutional mechanism for managing and developing shared water resources, replacing the transitional Nile Basin Initiative. Habtamu said Ethiopia is among the countries pushing for the Commission to become fully operational, but resistance from Egypt and Sudan has prolonged the process. “Because of this kind of mindset from that side, the Nile River Basin Commission is taking more time than what it’s used to be to be functional,” he told Pulse of Africa. He argued that the CFA represents a major shift from previous arrangements that, in Ethiopia’s view, excluded upstream countries from meaningful participation in Nile water management. The Minister said the CFA establishes a shared principle that the Nile belongs to all its basin countries, calling for joint management, development, protection and respect among riparian states. He said Egypt and Sudan oppose this approach, placing them at odds with the majority of Nile Basin countries.   “CFA is telling to the globe and to the beneficiary member countries to say, ‘The Nile belongs to all of us.’ We have to take care of it. We have to manage the river. We have to develop the river. We don't have to pollute the river. We have to respect each other. These are the contents. Our brothers from the downstream side, Egypt and Sudan, they oppose this idea. They are against the voice of the majority.” The Minister said the framework is designed around equitable and reasonable utilization, sustainable management and information sharing, rather than denying the interests of downstream countries. He has urged Egypt and Sudan to engage with the framework rather than oppose it. According to Habtamu, Ethiopia has supported efforts to give countries that had not joined the CFA additional time to participate. However, he said continued opposition to the Commission’s functionality is becoming an obstacle to advancing basin-wide cooperation. He maintained that Egypt’s resistance is also part of a longer pattern of opposition to Ethiopian development of Nile water resources, including projects that preceded the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The Minister rejected the idea that Ethiopia’s development of its Nile tributaries should depend on approval from downstream countries, arguing that Ethiopia has the right to pursue development while ensuring that its projects do not cause significant harm to other riparian states. At the same time, Habtamu emphasized that Ethiopia prefers cooperation over confrontation. Habtamu said Ethiopia remains willing to wait for countries that have not ratified the CFA or continue to oppose the Nile River Basin Commission. He stressed that cooperation, mutual understanding and flexibility are the only ways to resolve Nile water disputes, warning that continued disagreements could lead to a situation similar to the Tigris and Euphrates basins. He outlined Ethiopia’s position that the Nile should ultimately serve as a platform for shared development, with upstream countries benefiting from hydropower opportunities while downstream countries contribute expertise in areas such as irrigation and agricultural development.   The Nile Basin Initiative describes the CFA as a framework for integrated management, sustainable development and harmonious utilization of Nile waters, with the proposed Commission serving as the permanent institution to facilitate cooperation among basin states. For Ethiopia, Habtamu said, delays to the Commission will not stop the country from developing its water resources. “If they keep on opposing that, nothing will hinder Ethiopia not to develop its water resources and one of the tributaries of the Nile River Basin,” he stressed. For Ethiopia developing its Nile tributaries is essential to expanding electricity generation, driving industrialization and creating jobs, while upholding the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization of shared transboundary water resources.

Addis Ababa, August 21, 2026 (ENA) — President of the Ethiopian Institute for Public Diplomacy Yassin Ahmed has warned that conflict-driven regional alliances threaten the stability of the Horn of Africa, pointing to Egypt’s role in supporting regional actors, foremost among them the Eritrean regime. Yassin made the remarks in an interview with the Ethiopian News Agency, explaining that what is known as “Tsimdo,” which means “Alliance,” began between the Eritrean regime and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) before expanding to include the Sudanese regime as a third party, while Egypt, according to his assessment, supports the Eritrean regime. He said the involvement of multiple regional actors in such dubious alliances deepens polarization in the region and increases the likelihood of tensions and conflict, rather than promoting cooperation, development, and stability. “These alliances are not based on economic partnership and regional integration, but rather on hostility and conflict, and therefore threaten the stability of the Horn of Africa,” Yassin said. He stressed that attempts by certain external and regional forces, foremost among them Egypt, alongside the Eritrean and Sudanese regimes, to influence the course of events inside Ethiopia will not achieve their objectives. Regarding Ethiopia, Yassin said the Ethiopian government views the Pretoria Agreement as a historic milestone that ended a phase of conflict and paved the way for peace, reconstruction, and the restoration of essential services in the Tigray region. He said the Tigray People’s Liberation Front is facing a political and ideological crisis, noting that it has undergone no fundamental transformation in its political approach since its establishment in 1975 until it lost control of the central government. He explained that the continuation of political and ideological stagnation is pushing the movement toward choices that do not align with the population’s aspirations for peace and stability, at a time when public awareness of the importance of dialogue is growing. He noted that a number of young people in the Tigray region are leaving their areas for neighboring regions, fleeing the risks of war and what he described as attempts at forced recruitment. “The people of Tigray have become aware of their rights and understand that peace and security come through dialogue, while the TPLF continues to rely on military force to attain power,” Yassin said. He stressed that the unity of the Ethiopian people and growing national consensus constitute a barrier against attempts to destabilize the country, noting that the Ethiopian National Dialogue is playing an important role in promoting peace and preventing external interference. “The success of the National Dialogue and the unity of the Ethiopian people will constitute an impregnable barrier against attempts at external interference and efforts to destabilize Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa,” Yassin said. He concluded by emphasizing that stability in the Horn of Africa cannot be achieved through military alliances or regional polarization, but rather through dialogue, economic cooperation, and integration among the countries of the region.

Addis Ababa, August 21, 2026 (ENA) — The all-weather strategic partnership between Ethiopia and China serves as a cornerstone to build a community with a shared future between China and Africa, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai said. "All-weather strategic relationship means China and Ethiopia always stand side by side, supporting each other shoulder by shoulder," the Ambassador explained. According to him, the relationship between the two countries has been elevated to an all-weather strategic partnership, demonstrating the potential of international solidarity and mutually beneficial cooperation which serves as a vital anchor for broader Africa-China relations. In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian News Agency, Ambassador Hai stated that the bilateral relation has transcended traditional diplomatic boundaries, evolving into a multifaceted alliance characterized by unwavering political trust and mutual solidarity. Under the leadership of both nations, the partnership has yielded substantial progress across multiple fronts, he noted. “In recent years, under the guidance of the leaders of two countries, China and Ethiopia support each other politically and economically. We are making closer coordination and cooperation to benefit both peoples.” The Ambassador also underscored the global and regional significance of the alliance, pointing to both nations' roles as representative voices of the Global South and vital member states within the BRICS framework. Through these platforms, Ethiopia and China maintain close coordination on international and multilateral affairs, jointly advocating for a fairer global order. Furthermore, Ambassador Hai said that while the partnership is deeply anchored in long-standing historical friendship, it is entering an accelerated phase of development designed to meet the demands of a new era. “In the new era, I believe the all-weather strategic partnership will develop faster and the goal to build a community with a shared future between China and Africa will bring us a better future.” The strategic alignment between Addis Ababa and Beijing continues to provide a vital framework for elevating China-Africa cooperation, ultimately driving regional economic integration, shared prosperity, and mutual growth. Elevated to an all-weather strategic cooperation partnership, this bilateral engagement drives massive infrastructure development, trade growth, and diplomatic alignment across the continent. Ethio-China relations have evolved into an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, anchored by massive infrastructure financing, robust foreign direct investment, and growing trade volumes.

Addis Ababa, August 21, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia has called for stronger regional cooperation, political commitment and increased investment to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems across the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region. The call was made during a high-level learning event on agrifood systems held in Addis Ababa, bringing together members of the IGAD Parliamentary Forum, the IGAD Committee of Ambassadors, diplomats and other regional stakeholders. Solomon Lale, Chairman of the Ethiopian Standing Committee on Agriculture Affairs, attended the event as guest of honor and underscored the critical role of parliaments and policymakers in building resilient food systems. He said effective parliamentary engagement and sound policy measures are essential to translating regional agricultural commitments into concrete action and ensuring adequate resources are allocated to the sector. The event focused on implementing the Kampala Declaration on Building Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa and its accompanying 10 Year Strategy and Action Plan for 2026 to 2035. The framework calls for moving beyond traditional agricultural production toward integrated, climate-resilient and market-oriented agrifood systems across the region. Solomon also highlighted Ethiopia’s ongoing structural transformation, pointing to major investments in energy, infrastructure, urban development, industrialization, fertilizer production and other strategic sectors. Speaking on behalf of the IGAD Secretary, Omar Djama, Director of the IGAD Foreign Service Institute, said agriculture should be viewed not only as an economic sector but also as a social and political priority because of its close links to poverty reduction, conflict prevention and food security. “Translating the Kampala Declaration into action requires strong political commitment, effective institutions, aligned national budgets and deeper regional integration,” he said. The event provided a platform to strengthen national advocacy for increased agricultural investment, share the Kampala Declaration implementation plan and review member states’ performance under the fifth Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Biennial Review. Participants also discussed financial and policy support under the Kampala Action Plan and ways to strengthen cooperation among IGAD member states. The discussions emphasized the role of national and regional parliaments and diplomatic institutions in aligning legislation, securing budget allocations, and ensuring effective oversight of agricultural policies and programmes. Participants agreed that stronger collaboration among IGAD member states is essential to achieving the targets of the Kampala Action Plan and building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems across the region.  

Addis Ababa, August 21, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and the United States have agreed to establish comprehensive strategic cooperation in defense and security. A high-level delegation led by Major General Teshome Gemechu, Director General of Foreign Relations and Military Cooperation at the FDRE Ministry of Defense, visited the United States of America from August 19-20, 2026, and held bilateral consultations at the Pentagon with their counterparts and other senior leaders of the US Department of War. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the consultation was co-led with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for African Affairs at the Pentagon, Brian J. Ellis, and an agreement was reached to elevate the military and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries to a new and advanced chapter. The leadership of the defense institutions of both countries have agreed to expand institutional cooperation and further strengthen strategic coordination. The two sides agreed that the comprehensive and strategic partnership shall be guided by main pillars aiming to ensure protection of national interests and mutual benefits, establish lasting cooperation by strengthening mutual trust, and enhance joint efforts to ensure lasting peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa and the wider region. Major General Teshome Gemechu and Deputy Assistant Secretary Brian J. Ellis have affirmed their joint commitment to quickly implement the agreed frameworks and elevate the bilateral defense relationship to a better and future-oriented strategic partnership. In addition, during their stay, the delegation held extensive discussions with other leaders of US defense institutions and conducted visits.  

Addis Ababa, August 20, 2026 (ENA) —“Ethiopia does not need permission from anyone to develop its water resources as it is a sovereign country,” Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa said. “Who said that we need permission from anyone? Ethiopia is a sovereign country... Look, we built the GERD without the permission, and we will also build other dams on other river basins whenever the needs arise,” he elaborated. In an exclusive interview with Pulse of Africa, Habtamu noted that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam was built solely for electricity generation and it is providing the region with hydro power. He categorically rejected calls for joint management of the GERD, saying Ethiopia would not accept arrangements that would give other countries control over the dam nor ask permission to build others. “How come any entity asks to jointly manage the dam built by Ethiopians. This is impossible and unacceptable,” the Minister underscored. Ethiopia’s position as regards the Nile is that the Basin countries negotiate and cooperate rather than seek to restrict the country's development using its own water resources. With respect to the GERD, Ethiopia's intention is to generate hydropower supply citizens with electricity and export energy to benefit the region, the Minister explained.   Accordingly, Ethiopia has been supplying electricity to neighboring countries including Djibouti, Kenya, and Sudan, while demand is also coming from Somalia and South Sudan. Moreover, “the Kenyans are demanding more than what really we could give them,” Habtamu said. “There is again a big demand from Somalia; but the country is not yet connected. So we are working on it. Besides, South Sudan also demands power.” He also defended Ethiopia’s approach to Nile Basin cooperation, citing the Nile Basin Initiative and the Cooperative Framework Agreement as examples of efforts to promote shared use of the river. Further elaborating on the generous move of Ethiopia in developing the Nile tributaries, the Minister stated that unlike in other transboundary river basins where downstream countries often lead cooperation efforts, Ethiopia has taken the lead in bringing Nile Basin countries together. “In the case of Nile, it is Ethiopia that has been trying to lead the initiative to cooperate and work together,” he noted.   He also revealed that Ethiopia has refrained from developing potentially irrigable land”, arguing that this demonstrates consideration for downstream countries. “Technically speaking, we have more than 230,000 hectares of irrigable land. But we are not irrigating that land because we know that there is a demand from the downstream side.” Habtamu pointed out that water released from the GERD continues to flow to downstream countries after electricity generation.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia urges investment-driven action in a bid to advance Kampala Agricultural Framework, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture said. According to Senior Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture Zena Habtewold, Ethiopia called for immediate, investment-driven action to translate lessons from the latest regional agricultural performance review into national policies and accelerate the rollout of the Kampala Framework. The Kampala Framework is Africa’s master plan for agriculture spanning from 2026 to 2035. Speaking at the conclusion of the two-day regional dialogue on the fifth Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Biennial Review in Addis Ababa, the Senior Advisor emphasized that shifting to the new framework requires immediate action and boosted funding. According to Zena, the review offered a vital opportunity to assess regional agricultural performance, identify structural bottlenecks, and extract practical lessons to guide the transition from the previous Malabo commitments to the Kampala Framework. "The review highlighted the urgent need to address climate shocks, soil degradation, market fragmentation, and financing constraints while strengthening resilient agri-food systems across the region," Zena noted. He further clarified that the dialogue generated concrete recommendations to refine national domestication guidelines, harmonize indicator frameworks, and strengthen regional agricultural networks. According to Zena, Ethiopia is committed to domesticating the Kampala Framework and operationalizing its National Agri-Food Systems Investment Plan (NASIP). He further highlighted ongoing national priority initiatives, including expanded irrigated wheat production, the “Bounty of the Basket” (Yelemat Tirat) program, and integrated value-chain investments. Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) member states should refine their national strategies and mobilize the necessary resources to sustain agricultural transformation and boost food security, he urged. Echoing these priorities, Sylvia Henga, representing the Director of IGAD’s Agriculture and Environment Division, stressed that while the region shifts toward a broader agri-food systems approach, primary agricultural production must remain at the core. Henga noted that member states making progress in production must increasingly pivot toward post-harvest management, value addition, and agro-industrialization to turn higher yields into tangible economic and food security benefits. Henga emphasized that significant quantities of agricultural produce are currently lost due to food safety challenges, poor transport, and inadequate storage facilities, calling for stronger post-harvest infrastructure and cross-border food safety facilities to smooth regional trade. She further encouraged IGAD nations to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by dismantling tariff and non-tariff barriers, thereby enabling seamless trade between surplus-producing countries and those facing food deficits. Closing her remarks, Henga emphasized that as processing and trade expand, countries must maintain rigorous food safety and quality standards to feed local populations nutritious food while satisfying export market demands. She further urged sustained regional dialogue, integration, and cooperation to tackle food insecurity, malnutrition, and food waste, particularly within fragile, conflict-affected settings.

Addis Ababa, August 19, 2026 (ENA) — Participants affirmed that the ongoing National Dialogue Conference is serving as a bridge toward sustainable peace and development by fostering consensus and ensuring a win-win outcome. The main Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference has been underway since July 15, 2026, at the Addis International Convention Center, bringing together thousands of delegates for in depth discussions on eight major agenda items. A total of 4,000 participants from Ethiopia and abroad are taking part in the conference, working toward shared understanding and national consensus. The participants told ENA that the conference is laying a strong foundation for a culture of consensus based on the supremacy of ideas. They described the conference as a platform that promotes mutual gains in efforts to build lasting peace and sustainable development. Agaredech Jemaneh, one of the participants, said the conference has brought together citizens with diverse views to engage in civilized and historic national consultations. Despite differences in perspectives, Ethiopians can reach common understanding and develop joint solutions, she said. Agaredech further elaborated that expanding the practice of dialogue will serve as a crucial bridge toward building an Ethiopia grounded in consensus, with recommendations emerging from effective listening, consultation and mutual understanding. Another participant, Fatuma Yimam, also said the Dialogue Conference is conducting inclusive and participatory discussions by organizing participants into groups of 10, 50, 250 and 500. The structured approach enables participants to freely present their ideas, consult with one another and develop solutions that promote mutual understanding, she added. Abdi Kedir, another participant, also emphasized that the Dialogue Conference is creating opportunities for citizens to listen to and understand one another. Recalling past challenges, he said Ethiopia had previously paid a heavy price due to limited opportunities for consultation and dialogue. The National Dialogue Conference is helping build common consensus through democratic processes, he said, expressing confidence that the dialogue will make a significant contribution to national unity, peace and sustainable development.

Why Ethiopia Belongs in the Arab League? By Jibril Lamo August 19, 2026 The trajectory of global diplomacy is shifting toward historic truth and economic pragmatism, exposing the futility of outdated geopolitical vetoes. For decades, Egypt has extensively leveraged the Arab League to serve its own narrow interests and geopolitical agenda. Yet, this transactional dynamic begs a fundamental question: what has the Arab world received from Egypt in return? Let us confront the uncomfortable truth. The answer is virtually nothing. Rather than consistently advancing collective strength, Cairo’s policies and decades of authoritarian rule have, critics argue, contributed to instability across the region—weakening Sudan’s sovereignty while pursuing policies that have fueled tensions in East Africa and the Red Sea. These regions are not peripheral to Arab interests; they are strategically indispensable to the Arab world’s security, maritime trade, energy supplies and food security. One of the most consequential examples of Egypt’s divisive regional approach is its historical involvement in the Eritrean question and the broader struggle over Ethiopia’s territorial integrity. Cairo was overtly supporting separatist forces and political projects intended to weaken Ethiopia and constrain its regional influence. The eventual separation of Eritrea from Ethiopia remains a defining episode in the Horn of Africa’s turbulent history and a powerful reminder of how external geopolitical calculations can reshape the destiny of nations. Historical diplomacy reveals that Egyptian politician Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who served as acting Foreign Minister before becoming UN Secretary-General, played a pivotal role in advancing the Eritrean secession project to permanently weaken Ethiopia. Furthermore, Cairo’s active destabilization of the southern Red Sea basin presents a direct threat to global maritime trade and regional security. By stoking tensions around the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and proxying armed factions, Cairo has transformed vital maritime passages into arenas of geopolitical confrontation, jeopardizing the broader security architecture essential for the energy and food logistics of the entire Arab world. While Egypt’s self-serving maneuvers generate regional friction, Ethiopia’s accession to the Arab League presents a transformative opportunity from which the Arab world stands to gain immensely. Under the visionary framework of the Medemer philosophy, Ethiopia possesses the diplomatic posture and inclusive vision needed to unite and integrate the Arab world far more effectively than Cairo ever could. As the undisputed diplomatic capital of Africa and the permanent headquarters of the African Union, Ethiopia brings unparalleled experience in multilateral consensus-building. Far from being a geopolitical gamble, Ethiopia’s aspiration to join the Arab League is a natural homecoming. As a Red Sea nation with a population exceeding 135 million, a booming economy, and deep civilizational ties, Ethiopia’s membership would establish an indispensable bridge between Africa and the Middle East. Ethiopia’s connection to the Middle East is built upon millennia of shared heritage, culture, and bloodlines. In academic institutions such as Harvard University, Ethiopian studies have historically resided within Oriental and Near Eastern departments, reflecting the deep historic entanglement between Habesha civilization and the Near East. The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait was never a barrier; it served as a vibrant corridor connecting commerce, culture, and communities across the Red Sea. From the reign of King Abraha to modern genetic studies confirming shared ancestry between Ethiopian and Middle Eastern populations, these foundational bonds remain undeniable. Linguistically and culturally, the structural bedrock of the Ethiopian state is Semitic. Ge'ez, the sacred classical language of Ethiopia, alongside its modern descendants Amharic and Tigrinya, belongs directly to the South Semitic branch of the Afroasiatic language family. This linguistic heritage inextricably links Habesha syntax, vocabulary, and literary traditions to classical Arabic, Aramaic, and Hebrew. The shared linguistic infrastructure between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula offers continuous, tangible proof of a bi-directional civilizational flow. Beyond linguistics, Ethiopia holds a sacred and irreplaceable standing in the foundational history of Islam. When the companions of the Prophet Muhammad faced severe persecution in Mecca, it was to the Aksumite Kingdom that they fled for survival. The First Hijrah to Habesha, where the righteous Emperor Najashi extended royal dignity and sanctuary to the early Muslim community, saved the Islamic faith at its inception. This deep spiritual intertwining makes Ethiopia’s cultural identity inseparable from the broader Near East. Despite these undeniable facts, Cairo has systematically weaponized the Arab League as an instrument of institutional containment against Addis Ababa. For generations, Egyptian foreign policy has operated on an obsolete zero-sum doctrine that views any Ethiopian sovereign progress—whether the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam or the reclamation of direct maritime access—as a threat. By projecting its own hydropolitics onto the entire Arab bloc, Egypt has forced the League into a posture of artificial hostility toward its most powerful neighbor. In contrast to Cairo's policy of exclusion, contemporary realities demand total integration. Under the guiding principle of Medemer, Ethiopia offers the Arab world structural advantages that far surpass outdated rivalries. With an expanding industrial base and immense green energy capacity, Ethiopia serves as the primary stability anchor for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea basin. While much of the Middle East faces severe water scarcity, desertification, and vulnerable food supply chains, Ethiopia’s highland ecology and abundant freshwater resources position it to become a vital agro-industrial partner for the entire Arabian Peninsula. Integrating Ethiopia into the Arab League transforms the Red Sea into a prosperous economic zone driven by Arab capital paired with Ethiopian land, energy, and labor scale. The League of Arab States must transcend twentieth-century nationalisms and embrace the civilizational reality of the Red Sea basin. Existing member states like Djibouti, Somalia, the Comoros, and Mauritania demonstrate the bloc's capacity to accommodate diverse regional realities. Full membership for Ethiopia does not diminish its proud African identity; rather, it elevates Ethiopia to its rightful role as the primary bridge connecting the African continent to the Middle East. It is time for the Arab League to move past Egyptian gatekeeping, leverage Ethiopia’s unifying synergy, and grant Addis Ababa its full and rightful seat.