Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Ends After Deep Debate Over Country’s Future

August 24, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference has concluded after weeks of discussions marked by significant differences over some of the country’s most contested political and social issues, with participants reaching agreement on most of the matters considered, according to the National Dialogue Commission.

The conference, which brought together about 4,000 Ethiopians, ran from July 15 to August 22 and focused on eight major national agendas. Participants have submitted recommendations to the commission aimed at addressing longstanding disagreements.

Hirut Gebreselassie, deputy commissioner of the National Dialogue Commission, said the discussions reflected differing views and perspectives, including on fundamental questions concerning the country’s political and institutional future.

"The biggest success of the conference was not simply reaching agreement on every issue, but being able to listen to one another, show mutual respect and jointly seek better solutions for the country despite our differences," Hirut said at the closing session.

The eight agendas discussed included state-building, the structure and form of government, federal cities, religious affairs, peace and institution-building.

Hirut said participants reached agreement relatively easily on some issues, while others required lengthy and difficult discussions. Despite those differences, consensus was reached on most of the issues discussed.

The commission said the dialogue sessions were conducted with an emphasis on listening, mutual respect and tolerance.

The national dialogue was established to bring together stakeholders with differing positions and create an opportunity to develop common understanding and identify ways for the country to move forward, according to the commission.

Hirut said the process should not be viewed as a contest between opposing sides.

"National dialogue is not a process of identifying winners and losers," she said, describing it instead as a process through which Ethiopians can exchange views and seek areas of common ground.

The commission said participants had also built relationships during the process and gained an opportunity to hear perspectives different from their own while discussing the country's challenges.

The recommendations emerging from the conference are expected to form the basis for the next stage of the national dialogue process, as the commission consolidates the outcomes of the deliberations.

Source: FSX Business News