ADDIS ABABA – The initial activities that have been carried out by the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) within the past two months are encouraging and promising, according to House of Peoples’ Representatives.
ENDC Commissioners and Chairpersons of the standing committees of the House held discussion yesterday on commission’s plan and its performance report since its establishment, last February.
During the discussion, Chairpersons of the standing committees repeated that the commission has done many inspiring works: organizing office, hiring manpower, reaching potential stakeholders, creating common understanding about commission’s establishment proclamation, gathering and documenting research papers on indigenous knowledge, as well as compiling experience of countries that have implemented national dialogue, among others.
Among the standing committees’ Chairperson, Christian Tadele – Chairperson of Public Expenditure Administration and Control Affairs Standing Committee, and Dima Negewo (PhD) – Chairperson of Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee have praised the commission’s activities.
They also urged that the performance that has been showed during the preliminary phase should be repeated in the remaining phases.
Christian further urged the Commission to prepare a roadmap, communication strategy, code of conduct, and other guidelines in accordance with its establishment proclamation.
He added that the Commission needs to be precautious while involving various associations during the dialogue process, and has to evaluate the inclusiveness and impartiality of these associations.
Dima on his part stated that the Commission should strengthen its capacity to ensure that its activities are free from any interference.
Addressing Christian’s and others’ comment, House Speaker Tagesse Chaffo said that Commission’s communication strategy, roadmap, code of conduct, and other manuals are being prepared.
He added that potential stakeholders’ participation is very important for the successful completion of the National Dialogue.
Tagesse also promised that the House will provide all necessary support for the success of the Commission.
Meanwhile, ENDC Chief Commissioner Prof. Mesfin Araya noted that the support of the general public, government, contending political parties, civic societies, and other stakeholders for the Commission is encouraging and inspiring for better work.
BY ABDUREZAK MOHAMMED
The Ethiopian Herald 27 April 2022
