The Tana Forum’s Special Envoys’ Dialogue officially commenced today in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, bringing together high-level diplomats and regional leaders to discuss the evolving geopolitics of the Horn of Africa and the growing security challenges in the Red Sea.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Redwan Huseen, Director General of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service, underscored that the region’s vast economic potential and critical maritime trade routes are increasingly threatened by growing militarization, rivalries among foreign powers, and renewed attacks on commercial shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
He emphasized that Red Sea security cannot be ensured by a few states alone, but requires urgent and collective cooperation among regional states and reliable global partners.
As an anchor state entirely dependent on the Red Sea for its maritime trade, Ethiopia has a vital responsibility to safeguard its commercial shipping and avert emerging security threats, he added.
Following the opening remarks, high-level panel discussions are underway under the theme “Regional Security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.” Moderated by Paul-Simon Handy, Regional Director for East Africa and Representative to the African Union, the panel brought together prominent African and international envoys to discuss the region’s evolving geopolitical dynamics.
The speakers included Getachew Reda, Minister Advisor on East African Affairs; Guang Cong, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa; Frédéric Clavier, French Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa; Ambassador Heiko Nitzschke, Germany’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa; and Pekka Haavisto, Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Sudan.
The 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa is being held under the theme “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation,” bringing together regional and international stakeholders to address Africa’s evolving security landscape.
#AWeekintheHorn | 23 October 2026
This week’s edition highlights key diplomatic engagements and developments, including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s participation in Kenya’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Eldoret, the Ethiopia-UAE Investment Forum in Addis Ababa, and the establishment of a six-month caretaker administration for Tigray Regional State, among other developments.
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Warm greetings from Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, as we welcome distinguished delegates, policymakers, and security experts assembling for day 1⃣ of the 12th Tana High-Level Forum. Today marks the official commencement of #TanaForum2026, bringing together leaders to address pressing regional peace governance and geopolitical transformations within the international system. We anticipate robust diplomatic dialogue and strategic policy solutions throughout the gathering.
#PaxAfricana #AfricanSecurity #Ethiopia
The 12th Tana Forum, taking place on 23–25 October 2026 in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, to explore “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation.” The Forum remains a vital platform for advancing African-led solutions to peace and security challenges.
A Pre-Tana Forum Dialogue was held today in Bahir Dar under the theme “Navigating a Changing World: The Role of Diplomacy and Dialogue in Advancing Peace and Security in Africa.” The event emphasized the importance of African agency, dialogue and diplomacy in addressing the continent’s peace and security challenges.
Delivering opening remarks on behalf of Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos, Chief of Staff Adam Tesfaye highlighted the importance of dialogue amid rapid geopolitical shifts, global fragmentation and uncertainty.
He noted that navigating the changing international landscape requires Africa to champion its own solutions, reinforce African agency and rely on durable instruments such as diplomacy, dialogue and mutual trust.
Mr. Adam also emphasized the interconnection between economic sovereignty, development and peace and security, noting that lasting peace and stability require African countries to build economic resilience through regional integration, industrialization and trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He further underscored the importance of platforms such as the Tana Forum in fostering strategic dialogue, strengthening trust, developing a shared understanding and advancing coordinated, African-led approaches to addressing the continent’s peace and security challenges.
Highlighting Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to collective security and peaceful coexistence, he reaffirmed that dialogue remains the only viable path to durable peace and security.
The dialogue brought together diplomats, scholars and other stakeholders to assess changing global and regional dynamics, explore the role of preventive diplomacy and inclusive dialogue, and discuss the contribution of platforms such as the Tana Forum to advancing practical approaches to peace and security in Africa.
The Pre-Tana Forum Dialogue precedes the 12th edition of the Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, scheduled to take place from 23 to 25 October 2026 in Bahir Dar under the theme “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation.”
#Ethiopia and #UAE are exploring new opportunities to expand trade, attract investment, and deepen economic ties through the Ethiopia–Sharjah Trade and Investment Forum.
The Ethiopia-UAE (Sharjah) Trade and Investment Forum opened today in Addis Ababa under the theme “Fostering New Partnerships and Driving the Future Together,” bringing together 19 Emirati delegates representing 10 companies and more than 140 Ethiopian business representatives.
In his keynote address, State Minister of Industry, Hassan Mohammed, highlighted Ethiopia’s natural resources, youthful workforce and competitive labor costs, inviting Emirati businesses to invest in local manufacturing and build mutually beneficial industrial partnerships.
Ambassador Dewano Kedir, Director General of Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored the strategic partnership between Ethiopia and the United Arab emirates (UAE). He noted that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, both nations continue to share a strong commitment to expanding private-sector partnerships and driving mutual prosperity. Ambassador Dewano encouraged the delegation to use trade as a gateway to manufacturing and long-term investment.
Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Abdulla Sultan Al Owais, on his part, highlighted the strong economic growth, diversification, and market expansion linking the two countries, emphasizing the importance of further strengthening trade and investment ties between Ethiopia and the UAE.
The forum featured discussions on bilateral opportunities in agriculture, agribusiness and food security. It concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry to advance future economic cooperation.
The 19th Ethiopian National Flag Day was celebrated today in a vibrant ceremony at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended by the Ministry’s leadership and staff.
Addressing the ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos noted that Ethiopia’s national flag represents the country’s proud history, victories, heroic achievements, and identity. He underscored hat Ethiopians’ pride in their national flag is further strengthened as they safeguard their country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, advance its development and prosperity, and preserve their historical legacy.
The Minister further emphasized that the contributions and active participation of all Ethiopians play a vital role in ensuring that the national flag continues to fly high.
Bearing in mind the heroes who continue to make sacrifices along the country’s borders to defend Ethiopia’s sovereignty and uphold its flag, Gedion called on every Ethiopian to diligently discharge their responsibilities in their respective fields of work.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia alongside the Tana Forum Secretariat, and the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) briefed Ambassadors, partners and the media regarding the preparations underway for the upcoming 12th Tana High-Level Forum, earlier today.
Fitsum Girma, Deputy Director General for African Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured Ambassadors, partners and the media that the Government of Ethiopia has finalized all the necessary preparations to welcome distinguished delegates and esteemed participants of the forum to Bahir Dar.
He also stated that both sitting and former Heads of States and Governments, heads of international and regional organizations, special envoys working on the region, civil society actors and experts across Africa are scheduled to attend the forum. While thanking the partners for their continued partnership and support, the Deputy Director General reaffirmed Ethiopia's dedication to hosting a successful and productive forum and turning its discussions into practical actions for lasting peace and prosperity across Africa.
The 12th edition of Tana Forum is scheduled to take place from October 23–25, 2026 in the city of Bahir Dar under the theme; “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation”. The forum serves as a pivotal platform to address Africa’s peace and security challenges by facilitating dialogue, discussion and exchange of ideas among leaders, scholars and participants.
Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos met with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed today and briefed her on Eritrea's continued aggression against Ethiopia and its implications for regional peace and security.
The Minister emphasized the urgent need for a clear and principled UN response, called for the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean forces from Ethiopian territory, and reaffirmed Ethiopia's right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law.
Congratulations my brother, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, on your re-election to lead Ethiopia for a second term.
Your new mandate by Ethiopia House of People's Representatives is a vote of confidence in your leadership and vision you have for your country.
I wish you continued success as you lead Ethiopia to achieve its transformation agenda.
Kenya looks forward to continuing working closely with you to advance our shared interests for the mutual benefit of our peoples, our region and the wider global community.
Some things are simply geography. Ethiopia is at the source of the Nile, and the Red Sea has always been part of our story. That is not something a joint declaration can rewrite.
#Ethiopia#Abay#RedSea#SeaAccess#Nile
Ethiopia is clear: no rhetoric can change geography. The Abay, aka the Blue Nile, originates in Ethiopia, and the Red Sea is integral to Ethiopia’s geography, history and legitimate interests.
#Ethiopia#Abay#BlueNile#RedSea#SeaAccess
Why did #Egypt exclude Ethiopia, source of 85% of the Nile, for a century? #Ethiopia beat financial blockades to self-fund the $5B #GERD. Now, Cairo uses regional proxies to stop it. When will #Cairo accept hydro-equity?
Read More: https://t.co/DtD2eFGOdq
#PulseOfAfrica#POA
#AWeekintheHorn | 02 October 2026
This week’s edition highlights key diplomatic engagements and developments, including Ethiopia’s participation in the 50th Annual Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Group of 77 and China, Ethiopia’s experience on Yelemat Tirufat at a UNGA81 side event, and Ethiopia’s voice on advancing the Right to Development at the United Nations, among other developments. https://t.co/dfPLVrSJbw
#AWeekintheHorn | 25 September 2026
This week’s Special Edition highlights the participation of a high-level Ethiopian delegation in #UNGA81, with additional coverage of the 74th Extraordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers in Djibouti, Ethiopia’s promotion of tourism and investment opportunities at the Dubai Tourism Roundtable, among others.
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Digital transformation is reshaping how economies grow and opportunities reach people, and Ethiopia is part of this transformation.
#DigitalTransformation#Ethiopia
On the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York, the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia to the United Nations and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) convened a high-level side event on how Ethiopia’s digital financial inclusion is accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Read more: https://t.co/w5Vmos1H7P
The global climate conversation is coming to Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia will host #COP32 in November 2027, as President Taye Atske Selassie reaffirmed the country’s readiness to contribute to global climate action at #UNGA81.
#ClimateAction#COP32
President Taye Atske Selassie at #UNGA81 called for a UN Security Council that reflects today’s global realities, with permanent and equitable representation for Africa.
#UNReform#Africa#Ethiopia