Ethiopia's National Dialogue Offers Historic Chance for Peaceful Resolution of Differences, Says GCS

January 2, 2026 (ENA)—The Government Communication Service (GCS) has described Ethiopia’s inclusive national dialogue as a unique opportunity to resolve longstanding differences through peaceful and constructive means.

In a statement issued under the theme ‘Consultation for Mutual Victory, Lasting Peace, and Building a Strong Nation-State,’ the ministry emphasized that the country’s entrenched political culture, responsible for centuries of disagreement, conflict, and internal strife.

According to the statement, these political polarizations must now be addressed at their root.

 It added that national consultation provides a critical pathway to resolve this challenge and reconcile differences surrounding national issues and shared agendas.

Moreover, the statement stressed that the government firmly believes Ethiopians should resolve their problems around the table rather than through confrontation.

In this regard, it noted that sustained efforts are underway to entrench a culture of peace and build a civilized political tradition.

“The inclusive national consultation that has begun in Ethiopia is an irreplaceable opportunity to resolve our differences in a civilized and peaceful manner,” the statement said. It further emphasized that the dialogue is open to all parties without discrimination and called on all Ethiopians to seize this opportunity.

At the same time, the GCS explained that the consultation process is designed not only to heal a damaged political culture that has weakened the spirit of brotherhood, but also to secure lasting peace. The national dialogue, it added, will play a decisive role in building national consensus on fundamental issues, strengthening the developing democratic system, and restoring mutual trust, cooperation and unity among citizens.

Reflecting on Ethiopia’s history, the statement underscored that neither conflict nor revolution has ever delivered lasting solutions. “We have learned that victory achieved through such means is temporary and often leaves behind resentment and renewed conflict,” it emphasized.

Furthermore, the statement recalled Ethiopia’s long standing tradition of resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, noting that this value has gradually eroded due to divisive political practices and narrow thinking.

“Many countries around the world have successfully used national dialogue to overcome deep-rooted differences and conflicts,” it said, adding that Ethiopians are no less capable, as demonstrated by the country’s rich cultural values across various regions.

Against this backdrop, the GCS called for collective responsibility and urged all stakeholders to engage with genuine political will. It stressed that achieving a lasting solution requires sincere commitment to dialogue and meaningful contribution to a shared national outcome.

Emphasizing urgency, the statement noted that the time has come for Ethiopians to break free from the recurring cycle of conflict and war.

Since conflict leaves no true winner, it said, making the national dialogue process successful, resolving problems peacefully, and upholding the rule of law will help build a country that belongs to all Ethiopians and make everyone a common winner.

The statement concluded by urging broad participation in the process and reaffirming its central message, “Dialogue for mutual victory, dialogue for lasting peace and building a strong state.”