Speaking at the National Dialogue Conference, the athletic legend argues that Ethiopia’s political grievances must be resolved through negotiation rather than warfare.
Addis Ababa, (AMECO) — Former Ethiopian long-distance running legend Belayneh Dinsamo has called on armed groups across the nation to lay down their weapons and participate in the ongoing National Dialogue, framing the process as a historic opportunity to forge lasting peace.
Speaking to Gazette Plus during the National Dialogue Conference, Belayneh made a direct appeal to insurgent factions operating in the Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia regions to abandon armed confrontation. He urged fighters to bring their grievances to the negotiating table through the dialogue framework and traditional conflict-resolution channels.
“No country has achieved lasting peace through war,” Belayneh told Gazette Plus, stressing that political differences and historical grievances can only be resolved through direct conversation, mutual understanding, and compromise.
Belayneh is attending the multi-stakeholder conference as a representative of the Ethiopian diaspora in North America, as well as athletes and various professional associations. He noted that the forum gives citizens from diverse backgrounds an unprecedented platform to deliberate on fundamental national challenges and build a shared vision for Ethiopia.
Addressing the country’s social fabric, the former world-record holder described Ethiopia’s linguistic and cultural diversity as a core asset that should reinforce national unity rather than fuel division.
He concluded by calling on all Ethiopians to actively back the dialogue process, warning that peace cannot take root without widespread public support and a collective commitment to non-violence.
