Addis Ababa, April 1, 2026 (FMC) — The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) has underscored that the active participation of stakeholders from the Tigray region is essential to the success of Ethiopia’s ongoing national dialogue process.
ENDC Chief Commissioner Mesfin Araya made the remarks during the launch of the first-round agenda-gathering consultation forum for Tigray stakeholders, held in Addis Ababa.
The chief commissioner described the consultation as a key step toward expanding participation in the nationwide dialogue initiative.
The three-day forum brings together commissioners, political parties operating in the region, and a wide range of stakeholders to identify major concerns, priorities, and proposals that will help shape the broader national consultation process.
Mesfin emphasized that the consultation plays a vital role in generating timely, practical, and sustainable solutions to the country’s pressing challenges.
He also noted that the commission has already conducted more than 22 discussion forums involving stakeholders from Tigray.
“Due to the absence of conducive conditions in the region, we have launched the first round of agenda-gathering consultations here in Addis Ababa,” he stated.
The chief commissioner further reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting the process in an independent and impartial manner, ensuring inclusiveness and openness to diverse viewpoints.
Mesfin called on stakeholders from Tigray to engage actively and share their perspectives, noting that the commission is dedicated to incorporating all views presented during the discussions.
He added that efforts will continue to reach stakeholders who were unable to participate in the current round, with future opportunities to be created to ensure broader inclusion.
According to him, the forum will not only collect agenda items but also facilitate the selection of representatives who will participate in the main national consultation conference, stressing that inclusive participation from Tigray is indispensable.
He noted that integrating perspectives from Tigray into the process will play a decisive role in addressing long-standing national issues.
“We believe this will serve as a platform for constructive dialogue that prioritizes consultation over conflict,” Mesfin said.
Commissioner Muhamed Drir, for his part, highlighted that the commission has been compiling agenda items and undertaking preparatory activities for the main national consultation conference.
He stated that consultations conducted so far across regional states, city administrations, and within the diaspora have been inclusive and participatory.
The objective, he added, is to institutionalize dialogue as a sustainable means of resolving disputes across the country.