Addis Ababa, November 6, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s experience of bringing together political forces with different backgrounds under the Medemer philosophy offers an approach to strengthening political inclusion and shared responsibility in Africa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said.
Addressing the Second African Political Parties Summit in Addis Ababa, the Prime Minister said political parties should recognize that every citizen has an equal stake in the state, irrespective of the party they support.
He explained that the Prosperity Party was established by bringing together organizations with different regional roots into one national political organization, guided by the principle of combining the strengths of different groups around a common purpose.
“ For us, unity is a duty. We owe one another,” Abiy said, describing the philosophy underpinning the party’s formation.
He said the approach also shaped the party’s conduct in the political process, including its decision not to field candidates for 15 percent of parliamentary seats in this year’s election.
The Prime Minister further cited the formation of the Medemer Government last month, which includes leaders from opposition parties, as an expression of the belief that political differences should not prevent parties from contributing to national progress.
He noted that although political parties compete for votes, they should remain willing to recognize the contributions of others, even when disagreements persist.
Abiy also identified the treatment of political opponents as a critical measure of responsible leadership, emphasizing that accountability must apply equally to party leaders and members.
The experience, he said, is rooted in the broader Medemer principle of bringing together the capabilities of society for a shared national purpose.
His remarks placed Ethiopia’s political experience within the wider continental discussion on how African parties can build inclusive political systems in which competition coexists with cooperation and a shared commitment to the public interest.