ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) has announced plans to launch the main National Dialogue council in six months, according to Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya.
In an interview with the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), Prof. Mesfin shared that the commission is nearing the completion of its agenda-gathering process in all areas except for the Amhara and Tigray states, along with two city administrations, within the next two months.
Over the past two and a half years, the commission has been engaged in identifying participants and gathering key agenda items for the dialogue. As the Ethiopian New Year begins, the commission plans to hold in-depth discussions on critical national issues to build a broad consensus.
This year will be crucial for all commissioners as they work to finalize the agenda gathering process across ten states and two city administrations. So far, input has been collected from over 1,000 districts nationwide.
The Chief Commissioner highlighted that agenda gathering is already in progress in states such as Benishangul-Gumuz, Central Ethiopia, and Harari, with similar efforts set to begin in the Somali and Afar states soon. Once the situation stabilizes in Tigray and Amhara, the commission will resume its work in those areas, ensuring the process stays on track.
Prof. Mesfin extended his New Year’s wishes, encouraging all to set aside divisions and focus on learning from past challenges to create a stronger and more united Ethiopia.
Many Ethiopians set high expectations on the National Dialogue’s capability to address the age-old and contentious problems and transform the nation into a lasting peace and prosperity.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2024
