Ethiopia Moves Closer to Final Phase of Nationwide Reconciliation Process, Says Commission

Addis Ababa, May 15, 2026 —The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) has presented its implementation report today, highlighting the progress achieved so far, challenges encountered, and the upcoming steps of the national consultation process.

The presentation took place in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, senior federal and regional leaders, and members of the House of Peoples’ Representatives Standing Committee.

 The report outlined the commission’s key activities to date and the strategic measures taken to address operational challenges, while setting clear expectations for stakeholders to ensure continuity in the upcoming phase.

 During the presentation, Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya emphasized that the commission's efforts have successfully culminated into their final stage.

 “The Commission's work over the past years has now entered its final phase,” he noted.

 The Chief Commissioner added that the process has been significantly strengthened by blending local, national knowledge with international best practices, a dual approach that has enhanced the commission's overall effectiveness at this critical juncture.

 

 According to Professor Mesfin, a key milestone of the initiative has been its inclusive and participatory nationwide consultation process.

 To date, agenda-gathering and consultation activities have been successfully completed in 1,234 districts, representing 93 percent of the country, he noted.

 In the Tigray region, standard district level consultations could not be conducted within the region due to prevailing conditions, he said, adding that to ensure representation, a separate forum was held in Addis Ababa, bringing together representatives from Tigray alongside various indigenous communities from across the country.

 The discussions focused on incorporating these voices into the broader national consultation process and shaping a shared collaborative agenda.

 Professor Mesfin emphasized that broad public participation has remained central to every stage of the process, from initial stakeholder engagement through to final agenda setting.

 

 Moving forward, the Commission said its work will concentrate on three main priorities including strengthening the active participation of political actors, finalizing the national consultation agendas, and convening the formal national consultation conference.

Preparations for the national consultative conference are currently underway, with the exact timing to be announced at a later date.

 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his appreciation to all participants involved since the launch of the initiative.

 He highlighted that the process has yielded vital lessons alongside its primary outcomes, contributing significantly to broader institutional learning.

 According to the premier, the national consultation process is a forward-looking initiative designed not only for present needs but also for future generations.

He further reaffirmed that the government will continue to provide all necessary support to the Commission in alignment with its previous commitments.