House Extends National Dialogue Commission’s Mandate by Eight Months

Addis Ababa, February 18, 2026 (ENA) –The House of Peoples’ Representatives has unanimously approved a resolution extending the mandate of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission by eight months, reaffirming parliament’s backing for the ongoing national dialogue process.

The decision was endorsed during the first emergency session of the House in its fifth year of operation, where lawmakers reviewed the Commission’s performance report and outlined priorities for the next phase of its work.

Established in 2021 to steer an inclusive national conversation, the Commission was mandated to address longstanding political, social and constitutional differences through structured consultations across the country.

Presenting the report, Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya said the Commission has conducted extensive agenda gathering and stakeholder consultations across regional states and city administrations over the past four years.

Engagement efforts, he added, also reached members of the diaspora and international partners to ensure wider participation.

According to the Chief Commissioner, the agenda collection process involved consultations with political parties, elders, religious institutions, civil society organizations, women and youth representatives, and other segments of society.

The discussions identified key national issues requiring structured dialogue.

“The Commission has worked to ensure that the voices of citizens from all corners of the country are heard and reflected in the process,” Mesfin said, noting that the collected agendas are now being consolidated and organized into thematic areas for deliberation.

HPR Chief Government Whip Tesfaye Beljige, on his part, said the Commission has carried out activities that have made the consultation process credible and exemplary since its establishment.

He stated that the body has undertaken foundational work aimed at addressing longstanding historical grievances and correcting structural weaknesses in the political system.

“These efforts have laid the groundwork for inclusive dialogue and strengthened national understanding,” Tesfaye said.

He further indicated that expanded agenda gathering activities will soon take place in the Tigray region. Preliminary consultations conducted earlier will now be broadened to ensure wider public participation, he added.

Lawmakers acknowledged the progress achieved so far while underscoring the need to complete remaining tasks in a timely and credible manner.

Ewenete Alene, Chair of the House Standing Committee on Democracy Affairs, said the Commission’s work has established a firm institutional and procedural foundation for the consultative stage.

“The groundwork completed over the past years provides a strong basis for the next phase of national consultations,” Ewenete said, adding, “Extending the Commission’s term will help ensure that the remaining responsibilities are carried out effectively and responsibly.”

Members of parliament expressed broad support for the extension, emphasizing that the dialogue process remains vital for strengthening national unity, democratic culture and peaceful political engagement.

The additional eight months are expected to allow the Commission to finalize agenda categorization, deepen stakeholder engagement where necessary and prepare for structured deliberations among representatives selected through established consultation mechanisms.

The House reaffirmed its commitment to the dialogue initiative, stressing that a transparent and inclusive process is essential to building durable peace and addressing complex national issues through consensus.