CONFLITS | CONFLICTS 
APA -Addis Ababa(Ethiopia)
01 June 2025 | 20:35
No single armed group has shown interest in participating in the ongoing national dialogue process, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) said over the weekend.
During its three-day agenda collection session with federal stakeholders, marking the 14th round in the nationwide process, the commission has expressed concern over the absence of armed groups from the ongoing national dialogue process, emphasising the need for inclusive participation to ensure lasting peace in conflict riddled Ethiopia.
Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Araya highlighted the significance of broad-based involvement in the dialogue but expressed concern about the lukewarm attitude of the armed militias roaming the country.
“It is troubling that our armed brothers and sisters who have gone to the jungle are not part of this historical process,” he lamented.
“This is a concern not only for the commission but also for all stakeholders engaged in the dialogue.”
Despite the progress, there remains skepticism regarding the commission’s representation and inclusivity. Critics argue that key political and armed groups — especially those in regions experiencing active conflict such as Amhara and Oromia — have been sidelined or have opted not to participate due to mistrust.
In an earlier public statement, Araya claimed that some armed groups in the Amhara region had submitted their agenda to the commission. However, he later walked back those remarks, denying that any formal submission had occurred — a reversal that has deepened concerns over transparency and credibility.
The commission acknowledged that while many political parties have taken part in the dialogue, others have chosen to abstain.
Araya renewed calls for all non-participating entities — armed factions and political organizations alike — to join the process, framing it as a pivotal moment in Ethiopia’s future.
ENDC is entrusted to create conducive conditions for national consensus by: identifying the root causes of deep division and discord among the Ethiopian society through research, and public dialogues; conducting national dialogue and presenting recommendations to the concerned bodies as well as designing the implementation monitoring system.
MG/as/APA