Ethiopian National Dialogue faces objections over Addis Ababa's status
The Ethiopian National Dialogue encountered a last-minute obstacle as representatives from the Oromia region objected to a proposal regarding Addis Ababa's legal status. The 4,000-participant assembly was forced to send the issue back for review after Oromia representatives called for the city to be constitutionally recognized as the capital of Oromia Regional State. The current recommendation suggests Addis Ababa remain the capital of Ethiopia and become a self-administering federal entity. Oromia representatives argued that without constitutional recognition, the region's status in the city would be uncertain and could disadvantage them, also raising concerns about construction projects undertaken by the Oromia administration in Addis Ababa. While most regional leaders reportedly supported Oromia's objection, representatives from the Amhara Regional State called for the issue to be deferred for public discussion. Consequently, the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission requested a new committee, comprising representatives from regional states, city administrations, political parties, religious institutions, elders, Tigray Regional State, teachers' associations, and higher education institutions, to consider the objection and prepare a final recommendation. This development delayed the approval of the National Dialogue Assembly's recommendations, which were scheduled to be submitted to the participants.
