Pre-Tana Dialogue Emphasizes African Agency in Tackling Peace and Security Challenges

A Pre-Tana Forum Dialogue held in Bahir Dar emphasized the need for African-led solutions, diplomacy and dialogue to address the continent’s growing peace and security challenges amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.

The dialogue, held under the theme “Navigating a Changing World: The Role of Diplomacy and Dialogue in Advancing Peace and Security in Africa,” highlighted the importance of strengthening African agency, building mutual trust and advancing coordinated approaches to sustainable peace.

Delivering opening remarks on behalf of Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, Chief of Staff Adam Tesfaye underscored the importance of dialogue as Africa navigates rapid geopolitical shifts, global fragmentation and growing uncertainty.

 

He noted that the changing international landscape requires African countries to champion their own solutions, reinforce their collective agency and rely on durable instruments such as diplomacy, dialogue and mutual trust.

Adam also emphasized the strong interconnection between economic sovereignty, development, peace and security, noting that lasting stability depends on Africa’s ability to build economic resilience through regional integration, industrialization and expanded trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He further highlighted the role of platforms such as the Tana Forum in fostering strategic dialogue, strengthening trust, building a shared understanding and advancing coordinated, African-led responses to the continent’s security challenges.

Reaffirming Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to collective security and peaceful coexistence, he stressed that dialogue remains the only viable path to achieving durable peace and security.

 

The dialogue brought together diplomats, scholars and other stakeholders to assess changing global and regional dynamics, explore the role of preventive diplomacy and inclusive dialogue, and examine how platforms such as the Tana Forum can advance practical approaches to peace and security across Africa.

The Pre-Tana Forum Dialogue precedes the 12th edition of the Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, scheduled to take place in Bahir Dar from October 23 to 25, 2026, under the theme “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation.”