PM Abiy: Ethiopia’s Medemer Philosophy Draws Strength from Indigenous Values and Social Practices 

Addis Ababa, August 2, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia’s Medemer philosophy was built on the country’s own longstanding values, social practices, and cultural traditions, describing them as the foundation for a governance approach rooted in local experiences.

In an interview with Amhara Media Corporation (AMECO), the Prime Minister said Medemer state takes Ethiopia’s established beliefs, traditions, and ways of social interaction as its starting point, rather than seeking solutions separate from the country’s historical and cultural realities.

He said the philosophy emerged from an effort to identify elements within Ethiopian society that promote understanding, cooperation, and collective progress.

Prime Minister Abiy explained that Ethiopia’s traditional knowledge systems contain practices that encourage dialogue and coexistence. He cited Qine, a form of expression known for carrying layered meanings, as an example of a tradition that can serve as a bridge for understanding different perspectives.

He also pointed to Debo, a long-standing practice of collective support among farmers, as another example of an indigenous system based on cooperation and shared responsibility.

According to the Prime Minister, these social practices demonstrate values of working together and finding common ground — principles that underpin the Medemer approach.

He further said the Medemer state has sought to apply these ideas in addressing national issues, including strengthening inclusion, encouraging participation, and building a governance model based on Ethiopian experiences.

The Prime Minister said Medemer represents an effort to draw from Ethiopia’s own social and cultural foundations while pursuing national progress.