Ethiopia Opens First National Dialogue Conference in Addis Ababa

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has inaugurated a month-long dialogue with 4,000 participants to address contentious political issues after years of conflict.

• Abiy Ahmed called for ending political violence through dialogue and warned against external exploitation of internal divisions.
• The conference is discussing eight key issues, including federalism models, the form of state, and self-determination for the twelve regions.
• Representatives from 11 regions are participating, while some factions of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front boycotted the talks.
• Araya Meseven, head of the National Dialogue Commission, said peace and development require broad popular participation.