National Dialogue Commission Calls for Inclusive Solutions to Ethiopia’s Challenges

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Ambassador Mohamoud Dirir, Commissioner of the National Dialogue, has issued a strong appeal to all Ethiopians to engage in a comprehensive dialogue to address the nation’s persistent challenges. This call comes as part of an effort to avoid passing current issues down to future generations.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Commissioner Mohamoud highlighted the longstanding requests from various societal sectors—including political parties and intellectuals—for a national dialogue due to the ongoing crises in Ethiopia. Despite such calls in the past, a formal dialogue had not been initiated until the current government established the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission. This independent body is dedicated to fostering a non-partisan, inclusive dialogue across the country.

Commissioner Mohamoud acknowledged the daunting nature of this task, recalling missed opportunities in Ethiopia’s recent history to resolve conflicts through peaceful means. “We call upon all Ethiopians to seize this opportunity and only through dialogue solve the problems that we are currently facing and not to pass them to future generations,” he stated. He emphasized that the commission aims to include the full spectrum of Ethiopian society in these discussions, ensuring that the process is seen as legitimate and democratic.

The Commissioner also addressed the futility of attempting to solve political disputes through armed conflict, which has only led to further bloodshed, displacement, and economic disruption. He stressed that “the only solution that we have in Ethiopia is to sit down sanely and solve our problems through dialogue.”

Furthermore, Commissioner Mohamoud invited armed groups to participate constructively in the national dialogue, hinting at mechanisms in place to ensure their involvement is peaceful and productive. He underlined the destructive outcomes of past armed conflicts and expressed hope that this new approach of dialogue will pave the way for peace and stability.

“The national dialogue is not an elite bargain,” he clarified, asserting its inclusivity and the high expectations of the Ethiopian people, who are eager for resolutions that will restore stability and prevent future generations from inheriting today’s conflicts. Commissioner Mohamoud concluded with a call to all stakeholders, including the government, regional states, and the general populace, to commit to this process, which he described as the sole viable path forward for Ethiopia.