The country needs a nationwide ceasefire and for political settlement through dialogue to be prioritised over factionalism and ethnic rivalry.
Considering that major political movements and actors reject the ongoing dialogue, a temporary pause and recalibration should be considered.
Immediate action is needed to prevent the Amhara conflict from extending regionally.
This monograph considers how contrasting memories of the past contribute to discord and conflict in the country.
The dialogue’s first phase is proceeding without opposition, but the format is unlikely to achieve ‘national consensus’.
National dialogue could transform cleavages in Ethiopia’s divided society if processes are navigated well.
Given the conflict’s ethnic dimensions, the war coalitions established on both sides must be persuaded to back peace.
As encouraging steps are taken to resolve the military conflict, pressure for a negotiated settlement is needed.
Dialogue will only work if all involved understand why there’s conflict – and commit to ending it.
Until a political settlement is negotiated to bridge the ideological divide among political elites, stability will remain elusive.
The polls give technical electoral legitimacy to the ruling party but aren’t enough to resolve deep political cleavages.