Addis Ababa, October 28, 2026 (FMC) — Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has called on Ethiopia to strengthen and sustain its commitment to peace and security, citing its diplomatic engagement in addressing the Sudan crisis and its continuing role in Somalia as examples of its regional contribution.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, Hailemariam told the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) that Ethiopia had continued to serve as an anchor for regional peace and security and should consolidate that role.
He also pointed to ongoing efforts to advance peace within Ethiopia, describing the pursuit of a domestic peace agenda as commendable. He stressed that the country’s regional responsibilities and internal stability were closely linked, given its population of more than 130 million.
Hailemariam said the government’s recent calls for peace reflected an approach that seeks to resolve differences through open dialogue, negotiation and compromise rather than avoiding underlying issues. He urged continued efforts to strengthen peace initiatives and translate them into tangible results across the region.
Reflecting on the Tana Forum, the former prime minister highlighted its role in enabling African leaders to discuss pressing security challenges through frank and open exchanges.
He said the forum differed from conventional international gatherings by giving participants greater freedom to express their genuine views, rather than relying on diplomatic language that can obscure intended messages.
“What distinguishes the Tana Forum from other well-known platforms is that it is a platform that allows people to speak their minds and express what they truly feel,” he said.
According to Hailemariam, over the past 12 years, the forum has contributed constructively to Africa’s peace and security agenda by producing actionable recommendations and preparing comprehensive reports for the African Union.
He underscored the importance of sustaining these efforts, emphasizing that peace benefits all and requires continued commitment at both national and regional levels.