Ethiopia's Nat'l Dialogue Milestone that Reinforces Shared Aspirations, Unity: President Taye

Addis Ababa, August 22, 2026 (ENA) —The just-concluded Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference is a monumental milestone that reinforces shared aspirations and national unity, President Taye Atske Selassie said, noting that dialogue is the cornerstone of national strength, wisdom, and resourcefulness.

Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the Convention Center today, the President extended his profound gratitude to the leadership and staff of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, collaborating entities, and all 4,000 participants—including religious leaders, elders, Abba Gadas, women, youth, farmers, pastoralists, scholars, political representatives, and civic groups—who carried the trust and voice of 130 million Ethiopians.

He commended the dialogue members for organizing a structured process grounded in national knowledge and values, formulating agendas focused on national interests, and establishing clear procedures for deliberation.

President Taye also praised the participants for conducting the discussions with reason, transparency, credibility, mutual cooperation, and quintessential Ethiopian decency.

While dialogue is a long-standing culture embedded in the nation's social fabric, giving form and structure to this traditional practice turns it into a cornerstone for modern nation-building and a safeguard against contemporary challenges.

He also expressed sincere appreciation to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for driving the realization of this initiative, as well as the House of People's Representatives for providing the process with a firm legal foundation.

Highlighting the historic value of the dialogue, President Taye outlined five key outcomes.

First, the conference created a mature environment where constructive ideas emerge from competing perspectives to serve the common good.

Second, it enabled political discussions to shift away from impulsive reactions toward composure and deep reflection, allowing delegates to advocate for their respective communities while maintaining a balanced national perspective under a unified umbrella.

Third, it established a foundation to move Ethiopia’s political landscape away from confrontation and enmity toward forgiveness and reconciliation.

Fourth, it opened a path to permanently transition away from political strife, violence, and armed conflict, anchoring future political practices in peace, active listening, and the free exchange of ideas.

Fifth, it elevated social interactions by fostering respectful language and setting a new benchmark for civilized political discourse.

Addressing broader narrative challenges, President Taye rejected political tropes such as  "Ethiopia is at a crossroads" or "Ethiopia is about to collapse," noting that those who repeatedly propagate such rhetoric pursue their own livelihoods rather than the true path of the nation.

He emphasized that Ethiopia's trajectory is not at a crossroads, but a direct and continuous path of growth and unity built on patience.

The Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference closing ceremony capped 40 days of continuous deliberations.

Discussions throughout the 40-day event focused on eight major agenda pillars:-

Government Structure and Political System: Deliberating on the overall structure and form of the state and governance systems;

Status of Federal Cities: Deciding on the administration, legal status, and national roles of cities like Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa;

Religious Affairs: Fostering interfaith harmony, equality, and mutual respect among different religious groups;

Institutional Building, Rule of Law, and Human Rights: Strengthening public institutions and protecting legal rights;

Socio-Economic Issues: Focusing on economic development and concerns specific to farmers and pastoralists;

Corruption and Good Governance: Tackling administrative accountability, transparency, and public service delivery; and

Peacebuilding: Resolving conflicts and establishing sustainable national reconciliation and security.