AMN PLUS – July 21, 2026
Ethiopia’s National Dialogue is emerging as a landmark initiative in the country’s pursuit of lasting peace, national reconciliation, and sustainable unity. Bringing together representatives from diverse communities and stakeholders, the dialogue seeks to address long-standing political and social differences through inclusive discussions and consensus-building rather than conflict.
In an exclusive interview with AMN PLUS’s “Talk to Addis” program, governance and public policy analyst Jiregna Terfa said the successful implementation of the National Dialogue will have far-reaching implications not only for Ethiopia but also for the wider Horn of Africa.
According to Jiregna, Ethiopia’s stability is closely linked to regional peace and prosperity. As the host of the African Union headquarters and a key regional actor, Ethiopia plays a pivotal role in promoting peace, security, trade, and diplomatic cooperation across East Africa.
“The peace of Ethiopia is the peace of the rest of the region,” Jiregna emphasized.
He noted that a stable, peaceful, and united Ethiopia would strengthen regional efforts to address cross-border challenges, deepen economic integration, and enhance collective security throughout the Horn of Africa. He added that Ethiopia’s National Dialogue could become a model for other African countries seeking inclusive, homegrown approaches to conflict resolution and national reconciliation.
Jiregna further stressed that the success of the dialogue requires the commitment and participation of all stakeholders.
The analyst called on regional organizations, particularly the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to continue supporting both the dialogue process and the implementation of its outcomes.
He also urged the Ethiopian government to demonstrate strong political will, embrace constructive compromise, and ensure that the process remains fair, transparent, and inclusive. Such efforts, he said, are essential to achieving the dialogue’s ultimate goal of building broad national consensus and securing lasting peace for Ethiopia and the region.
By Abebech Mekonnen
