Dialogue or Theatre? Ethiopia’s Future Takes the Stage in London
0
0
On the eve of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission’s London conference, anticipation is mounting across the diaspora. The Park Plaza Victoria, nestled in the heart of Pimlico, is set to host over 400 registered participants this Saturday, 11 October 2025, in what many are calling a historic moment for civic engagement abroad. The Ethiopian Tribune spoke with His Excellency Ambassador Biruk Mekonnen, who affirmed with quiet conviction, “All Ethiopians are welcomed. This is not a selective gathering, it is a national moment.”
The ambassador’s words echoed through the corridors of the embassy earlier this week, where staff were seen coordinating logistics with a sense of urgency and pride. “We’ve had registrations from every corner of the UK,” noted one senior aide, “from long-time activists to young professionals who’ve never attended a political forum before. It’s a cross-generational turnout.”
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC), tasked with facilitating inclusive consultations across Ethiopia and its global communities, has faced no shortage of scrutiny since its inception. Critics have questioned its independence, its ability to engage armed actors, and its silence on certain regional crises. Yet in London, the tone is markedly different. Community leader and long-time organiser Ato Alebachew remarked, “This is the first time in years I’ve seen diaspora members genuinely hopeful. We’re not naïve, but we’re showing up.”
Indeed, showing up seems to be the unifying ethos. Attendees are expected to arrive with valid Ethiopian ID or passport, ready to participate from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in structured sessions that will explore federalism, historical grievances, and the role of diaspora in national healing. Lunch will be provided, though one organiser quipped, “We’re not here for the injera! we’re here to make history.”
Still, not everyone is convinced. A well-known satirist in the diaspora, who asked to remain anonymous, offered a more cynical take: “It’s theatre. A well-lit stage with no script. The Commission wants legitimacy, not answers.” Another attendee, a former political prisoner now living in London, countered, “Even if it’s theatre, we’re the actors now. That’s better than being spectators to our own erasure.”
The ENDC commissioners, many of whom have backgrounds in law, academia, and peacebuilding, are expected to facilitate breakout sessions and respond to participant questions. Topics likely to surface include the exclusion of certain opposition groups, the timeline for implementation, and whether diaspora input will be reflected in final recommendations. “We’re not just here to listen,” said Commissioner Dr. Selamawit Tadesse in a pre-conference briefing. “We’re here to co-create.”
The Ethiopian Tribune will be on site to document the proceedings, capture voices from the floor, and follow up on the promises made. Whether this dialogue becomes a turning point or a footnote will depend not only on the Commission’s follow-through, but on the diaspora’s resolve to remain engaged beyond the photo ops and panel discussions.
As Ambassador Biruk Mekonnen reminded us, “This is not a one-day event. It’s a beginning.”
