25 August 2026

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta delivered a powerful address at the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission’s closing ceremony, urging unity and peace while celebrating Ethiopia’s historic role in Africa’s identity.

Kenyatta described Ethiopia as “an ancient African civilisation” and the “epicentre of African self‑determination,” recalling landmark moments from the Battle of Adwa in 1896, Emperor Haile Selassie’s League of Nations appeal in 1936, and the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.

He emphasised that Ethiopia’s resilience has long inspired the continent, noting that its victories “shattered the myth of European invincibility” and gave hope to colonised Africans.

The former president praised Ethiopia’s diversity, likening it to a tapestry woven by many hands — Amhara, Oromo, Tigrian, Somali, Afar, Sidama, and others — and warned against treating ethnic differences as political problems. “No single thread is a whole blanket,” he said, urging Ethiopians to see diversity as a national resource.

Voices of Ethiopia’s Regions

• Amhara: Kenyatta praised the Amhara for their role in preserving Ethiopia’s sovereignty, recalling their valor at the Battle of Adwa. “Your courage shattered the myth of European invincibility,” he said, noting how their resistance inspired colonized Africans across the continent.
• Oromo: He highlighted the Oromo’s cultural richness and resilience, describing them as “keepers of Ethiopia’s rhythm,” whose traditions embody the spirit of endurance and renewal.
• Tigray: Addressing the Tigray, Kenyatta acknowledged their sacrifices in recent conflicts and urged reconciliation. “The pain of war must give way to the healing of peace,” he said, stressing that Ethiopia’s future depends on unity.
• Somali: He recognized Ethiopia’s Somali population as “bridges to the Horn of Africa,” underscoring their role in connecting Ethiopia to broader regional dynamics.
• Afar: Kenyatta described the Afar as “guardians of Ethiopia’s frontiers,” whose desert resilience symbolizes the nation’s ability to withstand hardship.
• Sidama: He celebrated the Sidama for their agricultural heritage, calling them “nurturers of Ethiopia’s soil,” whose contributions sustain the nation’s growth.

Kenyatta also addressed Ethiopia’s recent conflicts, acknowledging the heavy human toll and stressing that “no political disagreement anywhere on this earth is worth what a season of violence costs.” He commended African mediation efforts, framing them as family solidarity rather than external arbitration.

Closing his speech, Kenyatta invoked both Christian and Muslim blessings, calling Ethiopians “builders of bridges” and “guardians of tomorrow.”

He reminded the audience of Kenya’s historic ties with Ethiopia, including his father Jomo Kenyatta’s admiration for Ethiopia’s flag as a symbol of freedom during colonial times.

“May Ethiopia’s extraordinary diversity become not a reason to stand apart, but a reason to build together,” Kenyatta concluded, adding: “May Ethiopia’s journey inspire Africa. May Africa’s unity inspire the world.”

A Call Beyond Borders

Kenyatta reminded Ethiopians that their diversity is not a liability but a gift. “May Ethiopia’s extraordinary diversity become not a reason to stand apart, but a reason to build together,” he said. He linked Ethiopia’s reconciliation to Africa’s broader stability, urging the continent to draw inspiration from Ethiopia’s journey.