Premier Underscores National Dialogue as Key Pillar for Lasting Peace

Addis Ababa, June 8, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reaffirmed that Ethiopia’s ongoing National Dialogue process will serve as a vital foundation for resolving longstanding issues through reconciliation and achieving sustainable peace.

In an exclusive interview with the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), the Prime Minister reviewed the progress made in the areas of peace and security over the past seven years, while also acknowledging the challenges encountered along the way.

He attributed the root causes of many of Ethiopia’s conflicts to a misguided political culture among elites—one that seeks to attain power through violence and force, rather than democratic competition and dialogue.

“The entrenched belief that power must be seized by force continues to deepen divisions and fuel unrest,” Abiy said. “Conspiracies and power struggles are regrettably woven into our political culture, and too often, those who take up arms do so not out of the supremacy of ideas, but out of a thirst for control.”

Reflecting on the country’s reform journey, the Prime Minister emphasized that the current administration, unlike its predecessors, chose peaceful struggle from within the former ruling coalition (EPRDF) as the path to change.

“We were determined to pursue reform through peaceful means. We knew that force alone would not lead to a successful or lasting transformation,” he noted.

Abiy further pointed out that the peace agreement ending the conflict in the Tigray region stands as a unique moment in Ethiopia’s history—marking the first time a sitting government that had secured military victory opted instead for peace through negotiation.

“We believed then, and still believe now, that real victory is not in winning wars, but in achieving enduring peace,” he said.

The Prime Minister also stated that the government remains committed to resolving conflicts in various regions through peaceful means. He noted that many armed groups have already responded positively to the government’s call for peace and are now engaged in constructive cooperation.

“We are prepared to pay any price for peace,” Abiy declared. “Our commitment is unwavering.”

He emphasized that the National Dialogue Commission has officially launched its work, creating a platform for Ethiopians to express grievances, raise questions, and share their perspectives freely—without fear or coercion.

“This forum provides an essential opportunity for citizens to be heard and for the nation to move forward together,” the Prime Minister said. “The National Dialogue offers a genuine path toward lasting peace and unity.”

Reiterating that true political power must come from popular legitimacy and the strength of ideas—not violence—Abiy urged all groups seeking to achieve their goals through armed struggle to embrace peaceful alternatives.

“I call on those who are still trying to impose their will by force to reconsider,” he said. “Time is too precious to be wasted on conflict. Let us work together for the shared good of our country.”