The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) has announced the completion of detailed recommendation documents for full implementation, following a month-long national conference that senior officials have hailed as a historic milestone in resolving the country’s deep-seated political divisions.
The conference, which ran from July 15 to August 22, 2026, brought together over 4,000 delegates representing a broad cross-section of Ethiopian society. Participants included representatives from political parties, civil society organizations, religious institutions, federal and regional government bodies, academia, former combatants, and the diaspora.
“This process has opened a new chapter in our country’s history,” said Hirut Gebreselassie, Deputy Chief Commissioner of the ENDC. “We have established a political culture where long-standing disputes and historical fractures are addressed through civilized dialogue and collaboration rather than the barrel of a gun.”
Throughout the month-long session, delegates were organized into working groups of 10, 50, and 250 to refine core concepts across eight major thematic areas. These key agendas focused on state-building, government structure, federal cities and heritage, religious affairs, institutional capacity, socioeconomic development (including pastoralist and agrarian issues), peacebuilding, and anti-corruption and good governance.
Addressing the closing ceremony, President Taye Atske-Selassie described the outcome as a testament to national commitment and resilience. He urged Ethiopians to guard against divisive narratives and remain unified in building the nation’s future.
“Ethiopians are a people who know how to cross rivers and history,” President Taye remarked, invoking the imagery of the River Nile to emphasize the nation’s resilience in overcoming complex challenges.
With the conclusion of the deliberations, the commission highlighted that the primary responsibility now shifts to executing the final framework.
“We trust that these hard-earned recommendations will be fully implemented by the government and all relevant stakeholders,” stated Deputy Commissioner Rebqa. “This was a monumental national effort, and its ultimate success depends on our collective responsibility.”
Established by Parliament in 2021 as an independent body, the ENDC has pursued its mandate amidst significant political and security complexities. Its consensus-building approach has drawn commendations from international partners, including the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as a vital step toward long-term peace and stability in Ethiopia.
