Addis Ababa, July 25, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopian political parties have reaffirmed their shared commitment to upholding national unity, safeguarding peace, and strengthening democratic governance, according to a joint declaration issued today.
The statement was released at the conclusion of a national conference held in Bishoftu over the past two days. The conference, themed “The Role of Political Parties in Strengthening Peace,” was jointly organized by the Ministry of Peace and the Joint Council of Ethiopian Political Parties.
Participants held wide-ranging discussions on the national, regional, and global peace landscape, emphasizing the vital role political parties must play in sustaining peace and democratic progress. They acknowledged their collective responsibility to lead by example and stated: “We are symbols of peaceful political struggle, committed to ensuring lasting peace for our society, our country, and generations to come.”
Concluding the conference, the parties issued a seven-point joint declaration that calls on all stakeholders to fulfill their respective responsibilities in building a peaceful and democratic Ethiopia.
In the declaration, the political parties pledged to pursue their goals through legal, democratic, and orderly means, and to cultivate a political culture grounded in civility, mutual respect, and nonviolence. They also committed to strengthening democratic institutions and working together to promote inclusiveness, national consensus, and the country’s broader interests.
Acknowledging ideological and political diversity as the hallmark of a functioning democracy, the parties expressed their resolve to foster a political environment centered on ideas, policy, and merit-based engagement—key foundations of democratic good governance.
Above all, they reiterated their dedication to the national interest and democratic order, pledging to work collaboratively toward establishing a stable political system that protects citizens’ dignity and secures the nation’s future.
In his opening remarks on July 23, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh stressed that building a democracy rooted in Ethiopian values requires not only political competition, but also meaningful cooperation among parties. He urged political actors to resolve differences peacefully and move away from the historical use of force as a tool of conflict resolution.
He also denounced extremism and incitement to violence, commending parties for increasingly embracing lawful and peaceful political practices. He called on all stakeholders to remain committed to peace and to foster a culture of dialogue and mutual understanding.
Peace Minister Mohamed Idris, speaking at the same forum, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to national peacebuilding and highlighted the indispensable role political parties play in advancing unity and inclusive dispute resolution mechanisms.
Chairman of the Joint Council of Ethiopian Political Parties, Solomon Ayele, also addressed the conference, underscoring that a vibrant democratic culture is essential to lasting peace. He stressed that political stability and inclusive governance—anchored in respect for rights and recognition of all identities—are critical to Ethiopia’s democratic future.