By Ayele Addis and Tigest Dereje (africaunionmedia@gmail.com)

As Ethiopia embarks on the ambitious journey of its National Dialogue, aimed at mending years of deep-seated divisions, the Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations (CEHRO) has emerged as a critical player. With the establishment of a Community of Practice (CoP) of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), CEHRO ensures that the dialogue process is inclusive but also transparent and accountable. The Ethiopian National Dialogue is a critical initiative to address the deep-rooted divisions and conflicts within the country. The importance of this dialogue cannot be overstated, as it seeks to identify the causes of discord among political leaders and foster national consensus. The Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations (CEHRO), a network of 30 local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), has taken on a pivotal role in this process by establishing a Community of Practice (CoP) of CSOs to monitor and engage with the National Dialogue.

Mesud Gebeyehu, Executive Director at CEHRO, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “By creating a platform for CSOs to monitor and analyze the national dialogue, we are ensuring that the process remains inclusive, transparent, and accountable.” The establishment of the CoP has enabled CEHRO to monitor the national dialogue process closely. The CoP comprises CSOs with a shared concern or interest in the national dialogue. These CSOs conduct thematically focused analysis and monitoring of the dialogue process, share best practices, and create new knowledge to advance the dialogue’s success.

CEHRO serves as the secretariat for the CoP hubs across Ethiopia, coordinating their activities and ensuring timely information exchange. Each CoP hub submits bi-monthly monitoring reports to CEHRO, which are then compiled into comprehensive reports for stakeholders.

A Nation at a Crossroads

The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) is at the heart of a nationwide effort to address the root causes of the country’s prolonged conflicts. The dialogue is expected to bring political and social leaders together to heal the nation’s fractures. However, CEHRO’s Executive Director, Mesud Gebeyehu, warns, “The success of this dialogue hinges on its inclusivity and transparency. Without the active involvement of civil society, the dialogue risks being a missed opportunity for genuine reconciliation.”

CEHRO, representing a network of 30 local CSOs, has monitored the dialogue process. Through the CoP, CEHRO has brought together CSOs committed to ensuring that the dialogue remains focused on crucial human rights issues. These include minority rights, land governance, accountability, and the shrinking civic space.

The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC) was established to renew social and political cohesion and establish sustainable peace in Ethiopia. The dialogue process aims to be inclusive, involving diverse stakeholders to address the root causes of the country’s challenges. This inclusive approach is essential for the dialogue’s success, as it ensures that the voices of all segments of society are heard and considered.

CEHRO, through its Community of Practice (CoP) initiative, has been instrumental in promoting transparency and inclusivity in the dialogue process. As a human rights organization, CEHRO understands the importance of ensuring that the dialogue addresses vital human rights issues, including minority rights, land and natural resource governance, accountability, and civic space. By closely monitoring the process, CEHRO is working to ensure these issues are not overlooked.

CEHRO’s Voices from the Frontline: Ethiopia’s New Strategic Engagement

Beresa Abera, CEHRO’s Program Manager, highlights the critical role that capacity building plays in the dialogue’s success. “We have conducted multiple rounds of consultation workshops,” Beresa states, “to equip our member CSOs with the tools they need to engage effectively in the national dialogue. We aim to ensure that these organizations are not just participants but key contributors to the dialogue.”

These workshops are part of CEHRO’s broader strategy to ensure that all stakeholders, especially those from marginalized communities, have a voice in the dialogue. CEHRO’s emphasis on inclusivity is reflected in its efforts to involve women, youth, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced persons. “This dialogue must be for all Ethiopians,” stresses Beresa, “not just the privileged few.”

CEHRO’s role in the Ethiopian National Dialogue is multifaceted. The organization has been actively engaged in awareness creation, human rights agenda deliberation, and capacity building for CSOs participating in the dialogue. CEHRO has identified and articulated key human rights agendas through a series of consultation workshops for the National Dialogue Commission’s consideration. These agendas are based on relevance, urgency, impact, feasibility, and potential for real change.

Monitoring the Dialogue: Transparency as a Cornerstone

The establishment of the CoP has enabled CEHRO to monitor the dialogue process closely. This network of CSOs is dedicated to thematically focused monitoring, ensuring that the dialogue adheres to principles of fairness and inclusivity. Mesud Gebeyehu underscores the importance of this role, stating, “We are the eyes and ears of the public in this dialogue. Our responsibility is to ensure that the process is conducted transparently and that the voices of marginalized communities are not drowned out.”

Each CoP hub across Ethiopia submits bi-monthly reports to CEHRO, which are then compiled into comprehensive assessments for stakeholders. These reports provide a detailed analysis of the dialogue’s progress, highlighting its strengths and areas for improvement. “We are not just observers,” says Mesud. We are active participants, advocating for a dialogue process that truly represents the diverse voices of Ethiopia.”

Beyond monitoring, CEHRO has been a vocal advocate for legal reforms supporting the long-term sustainability of CSOs involved in the dialogue. Tefera Degu Addis, CEHRO’s Project Coordinator, emphasizes the need for resource mobilization to ensure these organizations can continue their work. “We are pushing for the establishment of funds by governmental and intergovernmental institutions to support CSOs,” Tefera explains. “Without adequate resources, these organizations will struggle to maintain their engagement in the dialogue process.”

CEHRO’s advocacy extends to creating manuals on resource mobilization and utilizing volunteer services, ensuring that CSOs are equipped to sustain their operations. “We cannot afford to let these organizations falter,” asserts Tefera. “Their role in this dialogue is too important.”

CEHRO’s efforts to align the national dialogue with international human rights standards have also been noteworthy. The organization has coordinated the engagement of Ethiopian CSOs with global and regional human rights mechanisms, raising awareness about Ethiopia’s obligations under various human rights treaties. “Our work is not just about the dialogue,” explains Mesud. “It’s about ensuring that Ethiopia’s human rights record improves due to this process.”

To this end, CEHRO has facilitated the preparation of joint parallel reports by its members on human rights instruments, contributing to the global discourse on Ethiopia’s human rights situation. “We are ensuring that the world is watching,” Mesud adds, “and that the national dialogue leads to tangible improvements in the human rights landscape.”

While CEHRO’s efforts have been commendable, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The organization has faced significant hurdles in advocating for the inclusion of marginalized groups in the dialogue process. “There is still resistance from some quarters,” admits Beresa Abera. “But we are determined to keep pushing for a truly representative dialogue.”

Moreover, the need for sustained funding remains a pressing concern. “Our resources are stretched thin,” Tefera Degu Addis concedes. “But we are committed to seeing this process through, no matter the obstacles.”

As Ethiopia’s National Dialogue progresses, CEHRO’s role as a guardian of the process becomes increasingly critical. Through its strategic engagement, rigorous monitoring, and tireless advocacy, CEHRO ensures that the dialogue is a symbolic exercise and a meaningful step toward national reconciliation and peace.

In the words of Mesud Gebeyehu, “This is a defining moment for Ethiopia. The success of this dialogue will determine the future of our nation. We are here to make sure that it succeeds.“

With CEHRO at the helm, the Ethiopian National Dialogue is poised to be a transformative process that could pave the way for a more just, inclusive, and peaceful Ethiopia.

The Consortium of Ethiopian Human Rights Organizations (CEHRO) has emerged as a critical player in the Ethiopian National Dialogue process. Through establishing a Community of Practice (CoP) and its comprehensive capacity-building, advocacy, and monitoring activities, CEHRO has ensured that the dialogue remains inclusive, transparent, and focused on critical human rights issues. The organization’s achievements in promoting legal reform, resource mobilization, and the engagement of marginalized groups in the dialogue process are commendable and highlight the vital role that CSOs play in shaping Ethiopia’s future. As the national dialogue progresses, CEHRO’s continued engagement will be crucial in ensuring that the process leads to meaningful and lasting change for all Ethiopians.