National Dialogue Offers Historic Opportunity to Resolve Long-Standing Challenges, Forge New Social Contract: PM Abiy

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has described Ethiopia's National Dialogue process as a historic opportunity to address Ethiopia's long-standing political challenges and establish a new, inclusive national social contract.

The Premier also called on all political actors to engage constructively in shaping the country's future.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while responding to lawmakers during the 30th Regular Session of the Fifth Year of the House of People's Representatives, where he presented the federal government's performance report for the 2018 Ethiopian Fiscal Year and answered questions on governance, national reconciliation and key policy priorities.

Addressing the parliament, PM Abiy said the national dialogue is the product of immense national sacrifice and should be embraced as a rare opportunity to build lasting peace and consensus.

"The national dialogue is a historic opportunity secured through the heavy sacrifices of many Ethiopians. It must not be taken lightly, but utilized to its fullest potential," he told lawmakers.

The Prime Minister stressed that Ethiopia must move away from a culture of overlooking valuable opportunities only to regret them later, noting that the country should act decisively while opportunities for reconciliation and reform are available.

He also emphasized that the dialogue is not being rushed, explaining that the house granted additional time to ensure the process remains inclusive, credible and responsive to public expectations.

PM Abiy further noted that  the national dialogue is distinguished by its grassroots foundation, having been shaped through extensive public consultations and agendas gathered from communities across the country.

"This process originates directly from the people. Because it is built on grassroots participation and public priorities, it represents an important democratic exercise not only for Ethiopia but also as a model for the African continent," he said.

The Prime Minister stated that the dialogue seeks to confront Ethiopia's long-standing historical grievances through peaceful deliberation, with the ultimate goal of forging a renewed social contract founded on national consensus, mutual respect and constitutional governance.

He underscored that many of the issues under discussion are historical in nature and were inherited over generations rather than created by the current administration.

"The challenges before us are deep-rooted historical burdens. They cannot be resolved overnight, but they can be addressed through sincere dialogue and collective national commitment," PM Abiy said.

Calling for broad political participation, the Prime Minister urged opposition parties, political leaders living abroad and other stakeholders to move beyond entrenched political divisions.

He stressed the need for contributing constructively to the dialogue process.

He said resolving Ethiopia's complex national questions requires the involvement of all citizens and political actors committed to peaceful solutions and democratic coexistence.

The Premier further explained that the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission will consolidate the recommendations gathered from citizens nationwide and formally present them to the government.

He pledged that the government would carefully consider the Commission's recommendations and work with relevant institutions to adopt reforms capable of building lasting national consensus and strengthening democratic governance.

The Prime Minister's remarks come as Ethiopia prepares for a major milestone in the reconciliation process, with the country's principal National Dialogue Forum scheduled to convene on July 15, 2026.

 The forum is expected to bring together representatives from diverse sectors of society to deliberate on key national issues and lay the groundwork for a shared vision of Ethiopia's future.

Prime Minister Abiy reaffirmed that genuine and inclusive dialogue remains the most sustainable path toward overcoming historical divisions, strengthening national unity and building a peaceful, stable and prosperous Ethiopia for future generations.