Youth Opinions and positions for National Dialogue - from Adigrat, Tigray

On Friday 6 September 2024 FES Ethiopia partnered once again with Ybuntu - Youth Peacebuilding Alliance, and Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) to host the third Youth Side Dialogue on National Dialogue in Adigrat, Tigray. The aim of the Dialogue series is to gather perspectives and concerns of young people from Tigray to help shape a more inclusive and effective national reconciliation and dialogue process.

Over the course of the day, the young people identified key issues to be addressed in the National Dialogue.  A central theme in the discussions was the immediate concern for peace and security in Tigray, but also beyond. Participants expressed a deep desire for a peaceful future for themselves and all Ethiopians. Many discussions highlighted the importance of fully implementing the Pretoria Agreement to achieve this, while additionally calling for a credible and comprehensive process of transitional justice. Moreover, participants touched on the urgent and personal needs of Tigray's youth, such as addressing humanitarian challenges and the critical need for trauma healing.

Amongst the young people was also a group of young IDPs from Western Tigray, stressing the fact that there is still no peace in their home region. Therefore, they continue living in IDP camps far from their original territory with a lot of specific challenges.

Finally, the event also raised awareness for the importance of youth involvement in politics and the availability of opportunities to engage in societal and political processes. It further underscored the new generation's eagerness to seize these opportunities and engage in constructive dialogue to drive peaceful change.