By Yohannes Fentahun
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission disclosed that it will launch into the regional consultation stage of the national dialogue come Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
The announcement was made during a press briefing here today at the commission's headquarters, attended by both local and international media.
In December 2021, at the height of the war in the north, Ethiopia set the stage for a national dialogue and started the ball rolling with the establishment of the National Dialogue Commission to resolve differences of opinion on fundamental issues and forge a national consensus. While the commission had three years to accomplish these goals, it is now left with only eight months of it.
The consultations, scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, will convene over 2,500 delegates representing 11 diverse societal factions.
During a media briefing, Deputy Commissioner, Hirut Gebresilassie, outlined the objectives for the regional consultation phase in Addis Ababa. These include engaging in intensive dialogue to set the agenda, selecting representatives for the nationwide dialogue, and deliberating on draft solutions.
As relayed by the Commission, their tenure is characterized by a multi-tiered approach, encompassing the identification of participants at regional, city, and federal levels, alongside representatives from the Diaspora. Simultaneously, they're diligently collecting diverse agendas through public consultations, exhaustive studies, and various channels, paving the way for robust deliberations.
In a significant stride towards inclusivity, the Commission is poised to embark on the state-wide consultation phase in Addis Ababa, where discussions will ensue to curate the most pressing agendas. Accordingly, over 2,500 representatives from all walks of life are slated to partake in this pivotal phase, ensuring broad spectrums of voices are heard. From farmers and pastoralists to community leaders and government officials, every segment of society is represented, promising a dialogue that truly reflects the nation's diversity.
Ever since its inception, the Commission has been diligently orchestrating a series of preliminary activities, gearing up for the monumental task ahead. Notably, the Commission has already pinpointed representatives across nine regions and two city administrations, primed to partake in the forthcoming national dialogue, while actively laying the groundwork for the agenda-setting process.//