Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/London
Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission Holds Consultative Meeting with Tigrayan Journalists and Activists
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – October 22, 2025 – The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) is hosting a two-day consultative meeting with journalists and activists from the Tigray region, as part of its broader efforts to advance an inclusive and participatory national dialogue process aimed at addressing Ethiopia’s deep-rooted challenges.
The meeting, which began in Addis Ababa, brings together Tigrayan media professionals and activists to discuss their roles in fostering a constructive national conversation.
In his opening remarks, Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya reiterated the Commission’s commitment to inclusivity, highlighting that the participation of the Tigray Regional State and the Ethiopian diaspora is essential for the success of the dialogue. He also emphasized the need for collaboration with religious leaders, political parties, civic groups, and media organizations.
Commissioner Ambaye Ogato echoed this sentiment, urging all stakeholders to play an active role. “There can be no passive observers in a dialogue of this scale,” he said, stressing the importance of journalists and activists in supporting the Commission’s mission to help build a democratic and peaceful nation.
Participants Raise Key Concerns
During the consultations, several participants underlined the urgent need for the safe and dignified return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), particularly those affected by the conflict in Tigray War. They emphasized that any national dialogue must prioritize the rights and rehabilitation of displaced communities as a precondition for meaningful reconciliation.
Additionally, participants stressed the importance of fully implementing the Pretoria Peace Agreement, signed in November 2022 between the Federal Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). They noted that the agreement’s provisions particularly around security, humanitarian access, transitional justice, and political reintegration remain critical to fostering trust and ensuring sustainable peace.
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission was established on February 23, 2022, 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.
However, the process has faced criticism from some quarters. Detractors argue that the Commission was formed during a period of armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in Tigray, without the meaningful involvement of Tigrayan civil society, religious leaders, political parties including the TPLF or victims’ groups. As a result, questions remain about the legitimacy and inclusivity of the dialogue process.
Despite these concerns, the current meeting is viewed as a significant step toward increasing Tigrayan representation in national discussions. The ENDC maintains that it is working to ensure a comprehensive and credible process that addresses the root causes of Ethiopia’s multifaceted challenges.
The consultative meeting will continue tomorrow, with further discussions expected on the role of media, civil society, and local communities in supporting dialogue, peacebuilding, and national cohesion.
