PM Abiy Says Peaceful Dialogue Remains Ethiopia’s Strongest Tool for Building Lasting Peace

Addis Ababa, July 7, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has emphasized that peaceful dialogue remains the country’s strongest instrument for addressing differences, resolving challenges, and building lasting peace.

Presenting the federal government’s performance report to the House of Peoples’ Representatives during its 30th regular sitting of the fifth year of its tenure, the Prime Minister said the government has prioritized creating platforms where citizens can openly express longstanding grievances and contribute to national understanding.

He said more than 4,000 dialogue forums involving hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians have been conducted across the country, describing the initiative as one of the largest national consensus-building efforts in Ethiopia’s history.

Prime Minister Abiy said these engagements have helped reduce differences among communities, strengthen people-to-people understanding, and provide opportunities for citizens at home and abroad to contribute their views on issues affecting the country.

He noted that while dialogue efforts have created greater understanding, some forces continue attempting to exploit grievances and push violent agendas. He said citizens are increasingly rejecting destructive approaches and choosing peace.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that security challenges remain in some parts of Ethiopia, but said the government is pursuing a combined approach of continued public engagement and strengthened security capacity to address them.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to peaceful discussions with armed groups, noting that dialogue efforts with groups operating in Oromia and Amhara regions are continuing.

Prime Minister Abiy also highlighted outcomes from the Pretoria Peace Accord, including the disarmament, demobilization, and rehabilitation of more than 60,000 former combatants, the release of prisoners of war, and the restoration of public services in the Tigray region.

He said Ethiopia will continue pursuing peaceful solutions while working with citizens to consolidate stability, combat armed and extremist groups, and safeguard the country’s unity and sovereignty.