European Union Committed to Supporting Ethiopia’s Historic National Dialogue

Addis Ababa December 21/2024 (ENA)—The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed its readiness to continue supporting the historic national dialogue process of Ethiopia.

Speaking to ENA, EU Deputy Head of Delegation David Krivanek said the national dialogue process that is underway is very crucial.

“As EU, we believe in this process. It is a historic process for the country because I don’t think anything like this ever happened in the country,” he noted.

The solution for conflict is dialogue, Krivanek stated, adding that “We saw the end of the conflict in the north by the means of the Pretoria peace agreement two years, ago.”

The deputy head further encouraged the government and the people of Ethiopia to continue with specifically the national dialogue, which is a historic process.

Stressing the need for dialogue as a crucial tool at all levels, Krivanek said the EU and member states will continue supporting Ethiopia for the success of the dialogue.

According to him, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) can play an important role in the dialogue, support the process and facilitate the process.

Civil Society is not a theoretical concept, he said, adding that they are part of the society and the whole process of the national dialogue.

As the national dialogue is a process by the people for the people, the CSOs are instrumental in helping this process and leading into success, Krivanek underscored.

On the role of international actors, the deputy head said international actors such as the EU are here to support the national dialogue process.

“We also support the national transitional justice process and the DDR process. We are here to support Ethiopia and the people of Ethiopia,” he said.

The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission was established by the government of Ethiopia with a view to bringing national consensus, sustainable peace, and reconciliation in the country through inclusive dialogue.