Commissioner Yonas Adaye (PhD)
Concerns Rise Over Inclusion of Tigray’s Occupied Areas in National Dialogue
By Chekole Alemu
February 26, 2026
Questions over the participation of communities in Tigray’s occupied territories dominated discussions as the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission met with media leaders and professionals to assess progress and outline the next phase of the national dialogue process.
The consultation focused on the Commission’s upcoming activities and the role of the media in shaping public understanding. Yet the issue of Tigray emerged as one of the most sensitive topics raised during the session.
Opening the forum, Commissioner Mahmoud Dirir said media institutions carry a national responsibility to present the dialogue within its full constitutional and political context. He called for consistent and balanced reporting as the process moves forward.
Commissioner Yonas Adaye (PhD) presented guiding principles for covering the dialogue, stressing inclusivity, representation, transparency and responsible synthesis of information. He noted that careful reporting would be critical to strengthening public trust.
Participants raised concerns about how residents in parts of Tigray described as still under Eritrean control could safely and meaningfully take part in the agenda-setting phase. They questioned whether communities living under occupation would have practical access to consultations and whether their voices could be fully reflected in the national process.
The return of internally displaced persons was also highlighted as a pressing issue. Participants argued that without resolving territorial disputes and ensuring safe return, a significant portion of affected citizens could remain excluded from shaping the country’s political future.
Additional concerns were directed at federal institutions, including the National Election Board of Ethiopia. Some participants warned that decisions affecting constitutionally recognized areas risk creating confusion among the public and could weaken institutional credibility at a time when national consensus is being sought.
The question of the upcoming national elections was also raised. Participants asked whether holding elections during the dialogue period might complicate or overshadow the process. In response, Commissioner Yonas said the two processes are not mutually exclusive. He stated that the country can conduct elections while continuing dialogue, arguing that democratic competition and national consultation can proceed in parallel if managed responsibly.
The meeting concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to support the success of the national dialogue. They pledged to contribute constructively to resolving Ethiopia’s long-standing political challenges that have hindered the nation-building process and to help foster a legitimate, inclusive national narrative.
It is worth noting that the Ethiopian House of Peoples’ Representatives recently extended the mandate of the National Dialogue Commission by eight months.
The decision was made during the first urgent session of the House’s fifth-year term, where lawmakers reviewed the Commission’s performance report and deliberated on its future priorities.
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