Ethiopia's National Dialogue Moves to Next Chapter, says Commissioner
Ethiopia's National Dialogue Commission has transitioned to a new phase of discussions involving larger groups to build national consensus. However, the process faces significant criticism from opposition parties and anonymous insiders who allege the ruling party has compromised the dialogue's inclusivity.
Why it matters
The success of the national dialogue is seen as vital for Ethiopia's political stability and the resolution of long-standing internal conflicts.
TORONTO, Canada — Mesfin Araya (Prof.), commissioner of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commission, announced on Sunday that the “National Dialogue Conference has moved to the next chapter of the discussion.”
The commission started the conference on July 15 to discuss eight agenda items announced after classifying and categorizing what it said were more than 2,000 collected agenda items.
The initial discussions took place at the 10-member group level. The process now transitions to a 50-member group discussion, with agenda items evaluated in the smaller units transferred to the 50-member group chairpersons and secretaries.
According to the commissioner, outcomes from these groups will subsequently be presented to 250-member groups for further deliberation.
“Participants are presenting their views with mutual respect and freely,” the commissioner added.
Furthermore, the commissioner stated that the process of building a shared perspective out of differing viewpoints remains crucial for achieving the ultimate goal of the dialogue: consensus.
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