Addis ababa: The National Dialogue Conference set to commence tomorrow offers a historic opportunity to establish national consensus by addressing and peacefully resolving long-standing and deep-rooted differences in the country, stated Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) President, Ahmed Hussein.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the President, in his address to journalists today, emphasized that the dialogue process has thoroughly examined existing disparities and aims to establish a foundation for unity through peaceful engagement. He highlighted that the conference is expected to foster mutual understanding and pave the way for sustainable peace.
The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council views the dialogue as a significant opportunity to address differences among Ethiopians through discussion, encouraging mutual understanding, and enhancing sustainable peace, justice, and national unity. President Ahmed emphasized that the dialogue is not designed to claim victory or acknowledge defeat but rather as a national platform for seeking collective solutions to shared problems.
The success of the dialogue is contingent upon tolerance, active listening, mutual respect, and genuine goodwill. President Ahmed pointed out that civil societies bear a unique responsibility in this process, which includes amplifying public voices, ensuring the participation of marginalized and vulnerable groups, strengthening trust among stakeholders, and serving as a bridge to build mutual understanding.
Civil society organizations have been actively collaborating with the National Dialogue Commission by contributing participants, facilitators, and observers, while also supporting peace-building initiatives and raising awareness throughout society. The ECSOC remains committed to ensuring that the dialogue is independent, inclusive, transparent, and based on mutual trust.
The President underscored the necessity of addressing crucial issues through the dialogue process and called on participants to engage with patience, responsibility, mutual respect, and a sense of patriotism. He also urged the public to closely monitor the process, offer constructive feedback, and support peaceful discussions.
Furthermore, Ahmed stressed that the dialogue should be perceived as a shared national responsibility, requiring ownership from the media, civil societies, government entities, citizens, and stakeholders.