Ethiopia’s Freedom and Equality Party Says National Dialogue Must Now Deliver Results

Ethiopia’s Freedom and Equality Party has said the conclusion of the national dialogue should mark the beginning of implementing its recommendations rather than the end of the process. In a statement issued after the conference closed, the party emphasised that the dialogue had created a valuable platform for Ethiopians with different political views, identities and interests to discuss longstanding national issues.

The national dialogue ran from July 15 to August 22, 2026, following more than four years of preparation. Participants included representatives of political parties, civil society organisations, religious institutions, elders, women, youth, people with disabilities, Ethiopians living abroad, federal and regional governments, and higher education institutions.

The discussions covered eight broad areas, including political party organisation, the electoral system, the structure of government, constitutional amendment procedures, the federal system and relations between federal and regional governments.

Other topics addressed government working languages, identity and administrative boundary disputes, national symbols, place names, heritage protection and the organisation of security institutions. Economic and social issues such as land policy, natural resource distribution, taxation, censuses, urban administration and the role of civil society were also examined.

The party said the dialogue produced recommendations on human rights, institutional neutrality, conflict drivers, peacebuilding, dual citizenship, transitional justice and an inclusive public service. Participants gained a better understanding of the concerns and aspirations of different sections of society.

According to the Freedom and Equality Party, the conclusion of the conference means the national dialogue has moved from preparation and consultation into an implementation phase. It called on the National Dialogue Commission, the House of Peoples’ Representatives and other government institutions to take the necessary steps to put the recommendations into practice.

The party stated that it would work with political parties and government institutions to support the implementation process. It also urged other participants and stakeholders to remain engaged until the recommendations are fully realised.

Among the outcomes it expects are an end to armed conflicts, stronger protection of individual and group rights, respect for human and democratic rights, freedom of religion, a stronger multiparty system and free and fair elections.

The party also called for reforms to strengthen Ethiopia’s federal system while addressing its limitations, promote equitable development among regions and reinforce national unity. It described the conclusion of the first national dialogue conference as a significant political milestone whose success will ultimately depend on implementation.

The Freedom and Equality Party said it had long advocated for a national dialogue and had prepared research-based documents and training materials to support the process.

Source: FSX Business News