Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has praised Ethiopia’s rich history, cultural diversity and resilience, describing the country as far more than a modern African state but an ancient civilisation whose heritage remains a source of strength.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference at the Addis International Convention Centre, Uhuru said his long association with Ethiopia had given him a unique appreciation of the country and its people.
“I stand before you as a friend of Ethiopia, a country that has become to me a friend and a second home,” Uhuru said.
He said friends sometimes have the advantage of looking at a country from outside and reminding its people of extraordinary things they may fail to notice because they encounter them every day.
“Sometimes a friend has the privilege of looking at a country from outside and reminding its people of something extraordinary that they encounter so often that they do not see it-the riches of what they hold together,” he said.
Uhuru urged Ethiopians to recognise the immense diversity and historical wealth that exists across the country, saying the different communities and traditions form part of Ethiopia’s unique identity.
“Ethiopia is not just an African State, Ethiopia is an ancient African civilisation,” he said.
Reflecting on his travels across Ethiopia, the retired President highlighted the historical and cultural significance of different regions.
“Allow me in humility to travel across this country, to Tigray, one of the greatest civilisations in Africa,” Uhuru said.
He then turned to the central parts of the country, highlighting the Oromo heartland and the vast landscapes inhabited by the Oromo people.
“We move to the centre, Oromo heartland, vast landscape of Oromia and Oromo people, the Gadaa system,” he said.
Uhuru also spoke about communities in southern Ethiopia, pointing to their traditions of enterprise, commerce and community organisation.
His remarks came as Ethiopia concluded a month-long National Dialogue Conference aimed at addressing some of the country’s longstanding political, social and institutional challenges through dialogue and consensus-building.
The landmark forum, organised by the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, brought together nearly 4,000 delegates drawn from different parts of the country and diverse sections of society.
The conference officially commenced on July 15, 2026, with participants spending about 40 days deliberating on some of the most consequential questions facing Ethiopia.
The discussions were structured around eight fundamental national issues identified through nationwide public consultations.
They included state-building, identity and shared history; the structure of government, federalism and power-sharing; the status of federal cities such as Addis Ababa; religious and cultural affairs; institutional building, human rights and the rule of law.
The closing ceremony brought together religious leaders, former and serving presidents, senior government officials, national figures and invited guests.
