AN ASSESSMENT ON THE ROLE OF NATIONAL DIALOGUE IN ENSURING DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL TRANSITION IN ETHIOPIAN SINCE 2018

Abstract

Recently Ethiopia attempted a democratic political transition in 2018 by allowing opposition parties to participate in the political process. However, the initial attempt at democratic political transition has not been consolidated by numerous obstacles that need to be given serious attention to consolidating the democratic political system. Ethiopia's government organized a nationwide dialogue to solve the country's multifaceted concerns. The main objective of this study was to provide an assessment of the role of national dialogue in ensuring democratic political transition in Ethiopia since 2018. To achieve this objective, the study employed a qualitative research approach and an exploratory study design. The study used primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.Non-probable sampling, particularly purposive sampling, was employed to select key informants and FGD discussants. The thematic analysis method was applied to analyze the collected data. The findings of the study identified thatthe FDRE constitution, federal structure, historical narratives, national flag, emblems, heroes, social cohesion, and political culture are major national agendas that should be addressed during the planned national dialogue. Governments, political parties’ media, civil society, and external actors are the main stakeholders to be included in the national dialogue. According to the findings, factors influencing the success of national dialogue in Ethiopia include inclusiveness, representation, and selection criteria; setting clear objectives and agendas; credible conveners; public support; linkages with other political processes, and external actors; national ownership; and learning from experience.