People Centered Foreign Policy Driving Ethiopia's Diplomatic Renewal: Expert

Addis Ababa, July 1, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia's renewed diplomatic engagement is being driven by a people-centered foreign policy that places national unity, public participation, and legitimate governance at the heart of international relations, according to an international relations expert.

Speaking exclusively to ENA, International Relations and Diplomacy lecturer at the Ethiopian Public Service University, Endale Nigussie said the government's reform agenda established a strong domestic foundation that has strengthened Ethiopia's diplomatic engagement with the international community.

"From a diplomatic perspective, one of the choices we made was to lay the foundation for diplomacy. Diplomacy looks outward from within; that is what true, scientific diplomacy entails," Endale said.

According to the lecturer, the government's initial focus on addressing domestic challenges through dialogue, reconciliation, mutual understanding, and forgiveness created favorable conditions for a more effective foreign policy.

"The first task was doing its homework by resolving internal matters through discussion, dialogue, mutual understanding, and forgiveness. That became a tremendous source of strength for diplomacy," he stated.

Endale said Ethiopia's diplomatic approach also draws on the country's long tradition of statehood and international engagement.

"When we speak of Ethiopia, it is one of the few countries with a history spanning thousands of years. As a result, it is also one of the few nations with extensive experience in statehood and diplomatic engagement," he said.

Building on that historical legacy, he noted, the government has developed diplomatic pillars that are closely aligned with Ethiopia's national interests.

Endale identified the democratization of diplomacy as one of the most significant reforms undertaken in recent years.

"It was to move away from being the domain of a few individuals and instead empower the people or citizens to become the owners of diplomacy," he said.

He stressed that greater public participation and stronger regional engagement would enable Ethiopia to reinforce its Pan African role and serve as "the voice of Africa" on issues affecting the continent.

The academic also linked Ethiopia's democratic electoral process with improvements in the country's international standing, saying legitimate governance has enhanced the credibility of its diplomatic engagement.

Citing the country's handling of the Nile issue as an example, Endale described the progress achieved as "a major diplomatic success," attributing it to a foreign policy approach that transformed diplomacy into a shared national responsibility rather than the preserve of a limited group of officials.

He said Ethiopia's recent diplomatic achievements demonstrate that an inclusive, people centered approach remains central to advancing the country's foreign policy objectives and strengthening its position on the regional and global stage.