Participation of former members of armed group in nat’l dialogue demonstrates inclusiveness: NDC

Addis Ababa, December 27, 2024 (FMC) – The participation of former members of armed group in Ethiopia’s national dialogue demonstrates the inclusivity of the process, fostering transparency and ensuring local ownership, National Dialogue Commissioner Yonas Adaye said.

The National Dialogue Commission (NDC) has successfully concluded the process of selecting agendas in the Oromia Region where prominent personalities, armed groups, and various stakeholders participated.

Commissioner Yonas stated that the entire process in the region was participatory and inclusive.

“What we witnessed in Adama during the Oromia regional national dialogue was genuine engagement with active participation, commitment, and strong sense of enthusiasm,” he added.

The commissioner further explained that the goal was to gather opinions and ideas to better understand the fundamental issues contributing to the various differing ideas in the country for centuries.

Yonas emphasized that participation of members of the armed group made the process unique.

“They (members of the armed group) took part in the dialogue, and we were absolutely delighted to communicate with them, to interact with them, and appreciated their commitment.”

According to him, “they have called on other armed groups to welcome the peaceful path and join the dialogue.”

Members of the armed group who chose peace and dialogue to resolve differences are real heroes for they believe in transformation through discussion, not violence, the commissioner underscored.

“Their participation is significant because it firstly shows their belief in peaceful processes, secondly their commitment and surely their call for other armed groups in Oromia, Amhara and other parts of the country to follow their footstep.”

Moreover, he stressed that it highlights how the commission is diligently working to make the process inclusive, transparent, and above all make it a process owned by all Ethiopians regardless of differences, as ENA reported.