Ethiopia Launches National Dialogue to Resolve Political Divisions

Ethiopia initiated a month-long national dialogue conference in Addis Ababa on July 15, 2026, to address deep-rooted socio-political divisions and end recurring cycles of violence. Organized by the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, the event gathered over 4,000 representatives from 1,200 districts, civil society, religious groups, and marginalized communities.

Abiy Ahmed stated that the ruling Prosperity Party proposed a constitutional amendment to limit executive power to two terms. The discussions focus on eight key areas, including federalism, governance, human rights, and peacebuilding, as the government seeks to rebuild national consensus amid ongoing conflicts in the Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray regions.

While the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development endorsed the process, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front rejected the dialogue, challenging its credibility and inclusiveness. The outcome of the conference will determine Ethiopia's future constitutional direction and its ability to reduce ethnic tensions through negotiation rather than military force.