AMN PLUS-July 16, 2026
In an exclusive interview with AMN, Peace and security lecturer and researcher at higher education institutions, Alex Birhanu said that the ongoing national dialogue is a crucial solution to mending Ethiopia’s historical fractures.
He recalled that history has repeatedly demonstrated how internal instability invites foreign aggression and invasion.
Alex stated that Ethiopia lost its access to the seaโan outlet he said the country had possessed and used for centuriesโbecause of political conspiracies and internal weaknesses at the time.
According to him, if the country had maintained greater internal strength, the current discussion would focus on how to strategically utilize port access to advance Ethiopia’s economic and political interests, rather than on port ownership.
He observed that, historically, all political transitionsโduring the Imperial, Derg, and EPRDF regimeโbegan with strong rhetoric and concluded with armed force, merely postponing deep-rooted problems rather than resolving them sustainably. In contrast, the current national dialogue has transcended the control of political elites, offering a historic opportunity for the public to directly discuss and voice their grievances, thereby paving the way to heal historical fractures.
The researcher indicated that this process lays a vital foundation for future generations to transcend the conventional division and embrace a shared national vision.
He warned that while Ethiopians squabble over localized and minor issues, external forces remain poised in the region to seize the larger share. However, he emphasized that when united, Ethiopians have practically demonstrated their capacity to successfully execute mega projects, such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
By Leta Teresa
