Ethiopian National Dialogue Exemplary for Africa, Says AU High Representative Obasanjo

Addis Ababa, August 22, 2026 (ENA) — Former Nigerian President and African Union High Representative Olusegun Obasanjo said Ethiopia’s national dialogue is historic and exemplary for the rest of Africa.

Addressing the closing ceremony of Ethiopia’s historic National Dialogue Conference at the Addis International Convention Center today, Obasanjo congratulated Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the National Dialogue Commission for the successful conclusion and great achievements of the dialogue.

The African Union High Representative noted that the primary objective of the national dialogue is ensuring lasting peace, security, and stability in order to achieve conditions for total development and growth of the nation.

Peace is so important and it is worth giving everything, Obasanjo stressed, highlighting that the preparation of this national dialogue took four years.

The historic national dialogue conference which brought together 4,000 participants from across the nation, lasted 40 days. 

“It was a serious and great undertaking,” he stated, adding that “it is historic and an example for the rest of us in Africa.”

The African Union High Representative further emphasized that there is no substitute for dialogue and peace, noting that the recommendations of the outcomes of the historic dialogue will bring lasting solutions for various outstanding national issues.

Further underscoring the significance of the dialogue as a crucial step, he also stressed the need for further strengthening national unity, development, security, inclusiveness, and prosperity.

“We must promote common security, stability, shared responsibility and prosperity communally nationally, bilaterally, regionally, continentally, and globally,” he said.

Obasanjo elaborated that peace, security, stability, unity and sustainable development are instrumental for advancing the growth of the nation and double its GDP. 

Stressing the need to put the past of conflict, war, violence, division, and destruction behind, he expressed his hope that the concluded national dialogue set the foundation for the ideals of good governance with great attributes.

The Ethiopian National Dialogue successfully concluded today, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to address long-standing political, social and institutional challenges through dialogue.