Commissioner anticipates National Dialogue to be a beacon for other African countries

Addis Ababa, May 29, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia is set to provide an example for the rest of Africa by demonstrating its commitment to resolve the age-old contradictions through participatory, inclusive and open-minded dialogue, Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian National Dialogue (ENDC) Professor Mesfin Arya said.

ENDC has officially launched the critical phase of the dialogue processes—i.e. agenda gathering program in Addis Ababa today.

During the opening session of the Addis Ababa city chapter of the national dialogue, Mesfin stated that Ethiopia is set to address its age-old contradictions through participatory, inclusive and open minded dialogue and be exemplary in this regard for the rest of Africa.

He stressed that any disagreement could be settled through amicable and constructive dialogue instead of trying to impose one’s ideas through force.

The dialogue process has been a highly anticipated national initiative to address historical and contemporary contradictions inherited from the past to reach national consensus among political elites and the entire population.

For the first time in the long history of the country, representatives of Ethiopians of all walks of life are now engaged in the historic national dialogue with the objective of promoting durable peace and national development.

Ethiopians are actively engaged on discussing outstanding issues of national significance in an inclusive, democratic and transparent manner to rectify age old grievances and challenges through peaceful dialogue and pass on prosperous Ethiopia to posterity.

The chief commissioner explained the ongoing nationwide consultation is a historic platform where the people can participate equally with other stakeholders and leave their legacy through meaningful participation

Today’s chapter of the national dialogue process that has been launched in the capital  is  deliberating on the most important agenda items to be selected for discussion and it is expected to elect persons that would represent the residents of the city at the national level.

Representatives of government institutions, political parties, CSOs, trade union representatives, teachers associations, women and persons with disabilities, youth groups and other representatives have converged under one roof to discuss the most salient issues, contributing their share as part of determining the fate of the country.

Established in 2021 by a proclamation, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission has carried out immense activities to discharge its responsibilities bestowed upon it by law.

To date, the Commission has successfully completed identification of candidates for the upcoming national dialogue in 11 regional states and 2 city administrations.

Addis Ababa is the third most diplomatic center of the world, the seat of the AU, a diplomatic center hosting numerous embassies and missions of international organizations and UN systems.

It therefore stands to reason that these international organizations are keen to follow up on the deliberations of city level dialogue.

On the other hand, Addis Ababa is a mosaic of ethnic groups from across the country and the discussions here have far greater implications for dialogues to be conducted in the regions and city administrations.

The Addis Ababa dialogue sessions, which will deliberate for upcoming six days, 29 May to June 4, 2024, will be rolled out in different parts of the country.

The first session which kicked off today started with benedictions, blessings and good wishes of religious fathers and elders.