Addis ababa: Ethiopia's ongoing national dialogue represents a homegrown path toward sustainable peace, Ethiopian National Dialogue Commissioner Yonas Adaye said. Speaking to Pulse of Africa (POA) on the sidelines of the National Dialogue Conference, the Commissioner emphasized that the dialogue aims to address the root causes of longstanding grievances in the country and lay a foundation for lasting peace, inclusive governance, and sustainable development.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Commissioner explained that the science and art of dialogue is to uncover the hidden truths or structural causes of conflict. He stated that conflict impedes economic and political development, as well as any governance aspirations. National dialogue, he noted, is a guarantee for sound political development, inclusive governance, and representative political progress.
Commissioner Yonas highlighted that the 4,000 representatives participating in the National Dialogue Conference are engaged in structured discussions on eight major agenda pillars, which were compiled through consultations held across the country and abroad. Delegates are organized into working groups to deliberate on issues identified by citizens.
Addressing concerns about inclusiveness, Commissioner Yonas assured that Ethiopia's national dialogue seeks to ensure representation of voices traditionally marginalized in national decision-making. He emphasized the involvement of historically marginalized occupational groups and the use of indigenous Ethiopian approaches to conflict resolution.
The Commissioner noted that the dialogue process is founded on local knowledge and cultural mechanisms, avoiding imported solutions. He further connected Ethiopia's dialogue to broader African aspirations, suggesting that Ethiopia's experience could support regional peace, integration, and cooperation. He referenced the philosophies of Ubuntu and Medemer, underscoring the connection between peace in Ethiopia and stability across the Horn of Africa.
Commissioner Yonas stressed the importance of dialogue for realizing a brighter Africa and reiterated Ethiopia's commitment to peace efforts across the continent. He underscored that the national dialogue process is a nationally led effort to promote reconciliation, consensus-building, and long-term stability. The ongoing National Dialogue Conference will continue deliberations over the coming weeks as delegates seek common ground on issues shaping Ethiopia's future.