Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference Closes With Calls for Continued Consultation
Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference closed in Addis Ababa on August 22, with commission leaders presenting the process as a new platform for addressing political and historical differences through consultation.
In short
- Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference closed in Addis Ababa on August 22, with commission leaders presenting the process as a new platform for addressing political and historical differences through consultation.
Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference concluded in Addis Ababa on August 22, 2026, with leaders of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission saying the process had created space for the country to address political differences, historical grievances and other national challenges through consultation.
Chief Commissioner Mesfin Araya said at the closing ceremony that participants from different backgrounds had advanced a shared national vision. Deputy Chief Commissioner Hirut Gebre Selassie separately described the conference as an opportunity to confront deep divisions through dialogue.
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who attended the closing ceremony, commended the commission’s effort to bring together a broad range of voices in support of peace, reconciliation and national cohesion.
The closing statements mark the end of the conference stage reported on August 22. They do not, by themselves, resolve disputes over individual agenda items or establish how recommendations will be implemented. Those questions will depend on the commission’s next steps and the response of political and community stakeholders.
