Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/London
Commission Concludes First Tigray-Focused Dialogue Session with Media Stakeholders
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia —The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) has concluded a two-day consultative forum in Addis Ababa with media professionals amd activists drawn from the Tigray region. The discussions marked the first round of engagement between the Commission and Tigray-based journalists as part of efforts to advance the national dialogue process.
Opening the session, Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya said that while the Commission has completed preliminary dialogue work in other parts of the country, meaningful engagement in Tigray had not yet begun. He emphasized that a truly national dialogue cannot proceed without the participation of Tigray, describing the region as a “central pillar” of the broader reconciliation process.
Professor Mesfin urged media professionals to play a constructive role in shaping public understanding and fostering dialogue. He said journalists can help bridge divides, promote accurate information, and build confidence among citizens to participate in the process.
During the forum, participants raised several key issues they believe must be addressed to ensure effective dialogue. These included the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, the return of displaced persons to their homes, the withdrawal of Eritrean forces from Tigray, and the return of Western Tigray (Welkait) to Tigray’s regional administration. Participants also voiced concerns that the region is not receiving an equitable share of federal budget allocations, which they said has contributed to ongoing humanitarian and livelihood challenges.
The media professionals acknowledged that the Commission does not have the authority to directly resolve these matters but suggested it could help create an environment conducive to addressing them through dialogue and by encouraging government engagement.
In his closing remarks, Commissioner Dr. Ambaye Ogato noted that while Ethiopia as a whole faces challenges, the situation in Tigray is unique and requires special consideration. “We understand that Tigray’s challenges are distinct, and the Commission is committed to ensuring these are heard and addressed through dialogue,” he said.
Dr. Ambaye reaffirmed the Commission’s belief that open discussion is the best path toward sustainable peace and reconciliation. He encouraged participants to use their media platforms to promote constructive communication and to help the public understand the goals of the national dialogue.
The forum concluded with participants expressing optimism that continued engagement between the Commission and stakeholders from Tigray will strengthen trust in the national dialogue process. The Commission announced plans to organize similar discussions in the future, including forums that will bring together various community representatives from across Tigray.
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission was established on February 23, 2021, under the Proclamation Number 1265/2021 with the mandate of facilitating dialogue on the country’s most pressing national issues. Since then, the Commission has conducted agenda collection and preliminary consultations across various regions and social groups.
