Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — July 8, 2026
Prime Minister told Parliament on Wednesday that Ethiopia’s national dialogue remains a central mechanism for fostering national unity, strengthening democratic institutions, and addressing longstanding historical and political divisions.
During his address, the Prime Minister said the country’s historic challenges cannot be resolved immediately but emphasized that an inclusive dialogue grounded in truth, mutual respect, and broad public participation offers the most viable path toward a lasting social contract. He stressed the importance of extending the dialogue process to grassroots communities, where citizens can openly express their concerns and aspirations.
According to the Prime Minister, providing safe and inclusive platforms for citizens to voice grievances encourages dialogue over confrontation and contributes to national reconciliation. He said such engagement is essential for narrowing divisions, rebuilding trust among communities, and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The Prime Minister also stated that the national dialogue is critical to strengthening Ethiopia’s democratic foundations and reducing recurring cycles of violence. He described overcoming historical divisions as both a political responsibility and an expression of national commitment, adding that building a peaceful and prosperous Ethiopia requires collective effort from all segments of society.
The remarks come as the continues facilitating consultations across different parts of the country as part of the national dialogue process, which aims to encourage inclusive discussions on key national issues.
The national dialogue initiative was established to provide a platform for Ethiopians from diverse backgrounds to engage in dialogue on matters affecting the country’s future. Its belvieved that the process as an opportunity to promote consensus and reconciliation, while some stakeholders have called for broader participation and additional confidence-building measures to enhance its inclusiveness and credibility.
