National Dialogue: A silver bullet to what ails Ethiopia or too much ado about nothing?

As it undertakes the third phase of its implementation, the work of the Ethiopian National
Dialogue Commission (ENDC) continues to be under close public scrutiny

Tasked with the objectives of leading trust-building negotiations; investigating past crimes;
redressing injustices; and facilitating open dialogue as stated under Proclamation No. 1265
/2021), many cast doubt in its ability to achieve its goals on grounds of impartiality,
representativeness and claims of non-insulation from ruling party interference.

Given the high expectation to resolve decade old national disagreements among diverse
constituencies, Habegar Debates took up the topic “National Dialogue: A silver bullet to what
ails Ethiopia or too much ado about nothing?” for a more in-depth discussion on ENDC’s
current challenges and future opportunities in attaining its intended goals.

On 17th July 2023, Negusu Aklilu (PhD) and Zelalem Teshome (PhD) took the floor of Habegar
Debates in Debre Berhan, Amhara Region, arguing pro and against the aforementioned
resolution consecutively.

As a strong believer of open dialogue and coming from a culture where elderly wisdom is widely exercised to settle disputes, Dr. Negusu professed his commitment to promote dialogue among the disgruntled although he may not have the power to stop any war. He argued that it will be foolish to expect ENDC to make all causes of controversies magically disappear.