As part of continued engagements with stakeholders across various sectors, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed convened a high-level consultative meeting with leaders of competing political parties on Thursday (June 19). The dialogue focused on critical national issues, including constitutional reform, national dialogue, institutional restructuring, peace and stability, displacement and return, economic transformation, corruption, social inclusion, access to the sea, and the broader vision for Ethiopia’s future.
In addressing constitutional reforms, the Prime Minister underscored that reform is not limited to amending the Constitution. It is already reflected in the government’s leadership style, policies, legal frameworks, and institutional modernization. He emphasized that any constitutional reform must be inclusive and participatory, hence the government’s support for the National Dialogue as the appropriate platform for such engagement.
Highlighting the importance of inclusive national dialogue, Prime Minister Abiy called upon all political actors to participate actively. He cautioned that disengagement weakens democratic culture, whereas constructive engagement, despite differences, strengthens the process and ensures representation of diverse perspectives.
In terms of institutional reform, the Prime Minister pointed to milestones such as the increased independence of the National Election Board and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, whose appointments have been carried out without government interference. He further noted strengthened federal cooperation between regions, particularly between Somali and Afar, as evidence of evolving political maturity.
With regard to peace and stability, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nonviolence, dialogue, and national cohesion. He criticized the use of force as a political tool and stressed the importance of rejecting extremism and divisive rhetoric that undermines long-term peace efforts.
On displacement and return, the government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe and voluntary return of displaced persons. The Prime Minister highlighted progress made in regions such as Raya and Wolkait, while warning against the politicization of resettlement processes. He affirmed the government’s readiness to prevent further conflict and safeguard human dignity.
The Prime Minister outlined Ethiopia’s ongoing economic transformation, noting that the economy has diversified beyond agriculture to include sectors such as mining, ICT, tourism, and manufacturing. He shared key macroeconomic indicators showing progress: foreign reserves have tripled, exports have doubled, public debt has declined to 13 percent, and the trade balance continues to improve. Job creation and overseas employment facilitation have also been prioritized, with 4.5 million domestic jobs created and half a million Ethiopians enabled to work legally abroad.
Addressing corruption, Prime Minister Abiy reiterated that institutional measures are being taken to root out systemic malpractice. Notable among these is the digitization of land registration processes to improve transparency and reduce fraud. He reaffirmed that land remains a public resource, with leasehold being the only legal mechanism for private access.
In the area of social inclusion, the Prime Minister cited initiatives led by the Office of the First Lady, including the construction of over 30,000 preschool centers, the modernization of prosthetics production, and the establishment of Africa’s leading school for the blind. Women’s empowerment, particularly for women in opposition politics, remains a central pillar of the government’s development approach.
Regarding access to the sea, the Prime Minister reiterated Ethiopia’s principled position advocating peaceful, lawful, and mutually beneficial solutions. He stressed that Ethiopia’s economic stability and development positively impact regional peace and prosperity, and that ensuring access to vital commodities such as fuel, fertilizer, and food is a shared interest among neighbouring states.
The Prime Minister called for a spirit of peaceful political competition. He urged all stakeholders to respect democratic outcomes and emphasized that Ethiopia’s future lies in cooperation, not confrontation. He concluded by encouraging all political parties and civic actors to actively participate in the National Dialogue process, as a genuine commitment to lasting peace, democracy, and national unity.