‘No Problem Is Unsolvable When Ethiopia Is at the Centre,’ Says National Dialogue Delegate

Addis Ababa, (AMECO) — Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference reached its tenth day in Addis Ababa, with delegates reporting measurable progress toward building consensus and addressing long-standing national grievances.

Afe Memhir Abba Gebresilassie Getanet, Head of the Legal Services Department at the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Patriarchate, described the conference as a vital opportunity to heal national fractures through open communication.

Restoring Shared Values and Mutual Understanding

“We entered this national dialogue out of a conviction that the fractures caused by failing to preserve our historical values can only be healed through collective discussion and mutual understanding,” Abba Gebresilassie said.

He noted that the forum offers a unique platform for participants to acknowledge one another’s hardships and foster mutual support:

• Restoring Civic Values: The dialogue aims to revive foundational values of mutual respect, tolerance, and compassion across political and cultural divides, ensuring that the ultimate outcome reinforces a shared Ethiopian identity.

• Institutionalizing Dialogue: Reaching consensus on key agenda items will help establish a lasting culture of peaceful deliberation across the nation.

• The Role of Faith Institutions: While individual religious groups have distinct concerns, faith communities must lead by example by understanding one another’s challenges and resolving differences, thereby providing constructive guidance for political leaders.

Prioritizing Peace Over Political Agendas

Emphasizing his non-partisan stance, Abba Gebresilassie stated that his sole objective is the restoration of security across affected communities.

“I have no political agenda,” he said. “My only desire is to see an end to the instability that has deprived our citizens of peace.”

Urging delegates to remain focused on the overarching goal of national unity, he called on representatives to set aside personal and factional interests. “When we discuss our issues with Ethiopia at the centre, there is no problem that cannot be solved,” he remarked.

Countering Misinformation and Building Public Trust

Abba Gebresilassie cautioned the public against social media campaigns and online misinformation aimed at undermining the conference’s legitimacy. He urged citizens to trust the delegates they dispatched to the forum and to honor and implement the joint consensus that emerges from the talks to secure a peaceful future for Ethiopia.