AMN Plus-August 22, 2026
The National Dialogue Conference, which formally opened in Addis Ababa on July 15, 2026, marked a major milestone in Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to address longstanding differences and build a more peaceful and cohesive society. More than 4,000 delegates from across the country have been brought together for the historic conference.
Their participation represents a broad cross-section of Ethiopian society and reflects the country’s effort to address long-standing political, social, ethnic, and historical differences through peaceful and structured dialogue.
Speaking at the closing program, Professor Mesfin Araya, Commissioner of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, said dialogue is the only path to ensuring sustainable peace, security, and stability across the nation.
Deputy Commissioner of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, Hirut Gebreselassie, said the national dialogue has laid a strong foundation for addressing the enduring challenges and longstanding problems facing the country.
Hirut also expressed her appreciation to all stakeholders for their contributions to the successful completion of this historic national dialogue.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo delivered a keynote speech at the closing ceremony of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference, held in Addis Ababa, commending the country’s efforts to promote peace, national consensus, unity, and sustainable development.
He noted that the national dialogue has now reached its conclusion, marking an important milestone for Ethiopia.
He congratulated Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission for their efforts to advance dialogue, mutual understanding, and national consensus.
Obasanjo said the national dialogue was centered on a fundamental objective: promoting peace, security, and stability as the foundation for Ethiopia’s development and growth, while ensuring the welfare, well-being, and happiness of all citizens without exclusion.
Obasanjo described Ethiopia’s national dialogue as a historic achievement and an example for the rest of Africa.“Once again, I extend my congratulations as Ethiopia lays the foundation for the greatness that lies ahead,” Obasanjo said.
He stressed that peace must be comprehensive and shared if it is to be effective and sustainable.“Peace is indivisible if it is to be effective and sustainable.
It must be comprehensive, inclusive, and complete in order to foster common security, stability, predictability, harmony, and, ultimately, shared prosperity for all,” he said.
Obasanjo, who serves as an African Union High Representative, commended the efforts that brought the national dialogue to fruition.“On behalf of the African Union and on behalf of both of us who have been entrusted with the responsibility of working for peace in Ethiopia and across the Horn of Africa, I commend the efforts made to bring this national dialogue to fruition,” he said.
He reaffirmed that there is no substitute for dialogue in achieving lasting peace and emphasized that all segments of Ethiopian society must be included in implementing the outcomes and recommendations of the dialogue.
He explained that the ultimate objectives of implementation should include national unity, social cohesion, development, security, inclusiveness, individual welfare and well-being, prosperity, and the protection of human dignity.
According to Obasanjo, the success of Ethiopia’s national dialogue will ultimately be measured not only by the conclusions reached but also by the commitment to translating those conclusions into meaningful and lasting change for all Ethiopians.“I stand with you, just as the African Union stands with you, in the pursuit of dialogue, peace, sustainable development, and economic growth,” he said.
Drawing on his experience and understanding, Obasanjo expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s economic potential if the country achieves lasting peace, security, stability, predictability, and unity.“I firmly believe that a peaceful, secure, stable, predictable, and united Ethiopia, committed to sustainable development and growth, can double its GDP within seven years and emerge as the largest economy in Africa,” he said.
He further noted that, within a generation, Ethiopia could join the community of developed nations.
Obasanjo urged Ethiopians to work collectively toward this vision and to move beyond the conflicts, wars, violence, insecurity, division, discrimination, and destruction of the past.“We must say that we have had enough. Enough is enough,” he declared.
He emphasized the importance of national unity, saying, “Ethiopia is bigger, richer, and greater than any single ethnic group.”Obasanjo expressed hope that the completed national dialogue would provide a strong foundation for Ethiopia’s future and that good governance, supported by leadership grounded in strong values, virtues, and integrity, would turn the country’s aspirations into reality.“We stand with you. We stand by you. And we wish Ethiopia peace, unity, prosperity, and a bright future,” the former Nigerian president concluded.
By Birhanu Workneh
