Addis ababa: Thousands of participants from across Ethiopia and the diaspora have begun arriving in Addis Ababa ahead of the country's main National Dialogue forum. The dialogue, which will officially open on July 15 at the Addis International Convention Center, is expected to run for about three to four weeks.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the National Dialogue process, launched to build consensus on key national issues, has now entered its final and most decisive stage. Around 4,000 deliberators representing communities from across the country and the Ethiopian diaspora will take part in discussions on eight major national agenda items, aiming to identify lasting solutions through broad-based dialogue.
In a press briefing, Reta Gera, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission's coordinator for regions, city administrations, and the diaspora, mentioned that diaspora representatives from the United Arab Emirates, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Sweden have already arrived in Addis Ababa. Participants from South Africa are expected to arrive on July 12, 2026.
Before the official opening of the conference, participants will engage in guided visits to historical landmarks in the capital on July 9 and 10, 2026. Reta added that the tours, organized by the Addis Ababa City Administration, include the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum and the Red Terror Martyrs' Memorial Museum.
The commission stated that participants will be accommodated at the Ethiopian Public Service University and other designated facilities. Comprehensive support services have been arranged, including transportation, healthcare, meals, childcare, and other essential amenities. Special arrangements have also been made to ensure accessibility and provide additional support for participants with disabilities and others requiring special assistance.
Earlier, Chief Commissioner Prof. Mesfin Araya announced that all preparations for the main conference had been completed. The conference will officially open at the Addis International Convention Center on July 15 and is expected to continue for between 22 and 30 days.