ADDIS ABABA — The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission has launched a series of countrywide consultations aimed at setting the agenda for upcoming national dialogues. The initial session was held in Addis Ababa, with the participation of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the meeting marked the beginning of a participatory phase that involves stakeholders from various sectors including community representatives, political parties, and members of the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches, along with other institutions and influential figures. Araya highlighted the commission’s efforts in overcoming challenges since its inception, emphasizing its dedication to achieving reconciliation and consensus through dialogue.

The commission has already facilitated the selection of representatives for these consultations in over 1,000 districts across ten regions and two city administrations, starting with the Addis Ababa City Administration. Araya announced that similar consultations are scheduled to occur in all regions, including the Dire Dawa City Administration, with ongoing participant selection in the Amhara and Tigray regions.

Araya appealed to the youth to use this platform not just for airing grievances but for generating solutions and ideas that promote peace and development. He stressed the commission’s commitment to maintaining an open dialogue for all Ethiopians, encouraging them to contribute individually or collectively to the agenda setting process, thereby enhancing the inclusiveness, transparency, and credibility of the dialogues.