Menu

United States Institute of Peace

Home ▶ Events

A Changing Ethiopia: Understanding Medemer

Can A New Political Philosophy Remake Ethiopia?

Date: Thursday, February 13, 2020 / Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm 

Center: Middle East North Africa Center

Share This
Print the Page

Nobel Peace Prize winner and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has unveiled a new political philosophy for his country: “medemer,” an Amharic word which literally translates as “addition,” or “coming together.” But what are the key principles of medemer, and how can they be applied both domestically and abroad? How does medemer link with the existing Ethiopian political and social structure? And amid ongoing change and volatility, with highly anticipated elections looming, is medemer a path to sustained reform, or merely a political slogan?

During this crucial period of reform and uncertainty in Ethiopia, join USIP and a distinguished panel that includes representatives of the Office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for a look at the questions, possibilities, and problems offered by medemer.

Join the conversation with #AChangingEthiopia.

Speakers

Fitsum Arega Gebrekidan
Ambassador to the U.S., Ethiopia

Lencho Bati
Senior Political, Diplomatic, and Foreign Policy Advisor, Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia

Mamo Mihretu 
Senior Adviser on Policy Reforms and Chief Trade Negotiator, Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia

Etana Dinka
Visiting Assistant Professor of African History and Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow, Oberlin College

Aly Verjee, moderator
Senior Advisor, Africa Program, U.S. Institute of Peace

Related Publications

The Latest @ USIP: What’s Next for U.S. Engagement in the Horn of Africa?

The Latest @ USIP: What’s Next for U.S. Engagement in the Horn of Africa?

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

By: Ambassador Mike Hammer

The Horn of Africa represents an area of strategic importance for the United States, and the current peace process in Ethiopia is an example of the positive role that U.S. engagement can have in the region. Ambassador Mike Hammer, the U.S. special envoy for the Horn of Africa, discusses his meetings with USIP’s Red Sea Study Group, how the cessation of hostilities agreement in northern Ethiopia came to fruition, and the latest U.S. efforts to ensure a lasting peace in Ethiopia through humanitarian assistance, accountability for human rights violations and a host of other avenues for bringing stability back to the region.

Type: Blog

Peace Processes

The Latest @ USIP: Women’s Inclusion and Transitional Justice in Ethiopia

The Latest @ USIP: Women’s Inclusion and Transitional Justice in Ethiopia

Monday, April 24, 2023

By: Filsan Abdi

During Ethiopia’s disastrous two-year civil conflict, women were subjected to countless acts of conflict-related sexual violence by security forces on both sides. Now that a peace process has begun, securing true transitional justice will require women’s participation and leadership throughout the negotiations. Filsan Abdi, founder director of the Horn Peace Institute, discusses her decision to resign from her prior position as Ethiopia’s minister of women, children and youth in protest of the violence, why women’s participation is so vital to the long-term success of peacebuilding and democracy in the Horn of Africa, and why the current peace process gives her hope despite its shortcomings.

Type: Blog

Gender;  Peace Processes

Peace for Ethiopia: What Should Follow Blinken’s Visit?

Peace for Ethiopia: What Should Follow Blinken’s Visit?

Friday, March 17, 2023

By: Susan Stigant

Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s talks in Ethiopia and his announcement of new U.S. aid this week advance vital steps for building peace in the country and greater stability in East Africa. Yet those tasks remain arduous and will require difficult compromises on all sides in Ethiopia’s conflicts. U.S. and international policymakers face a tough calculation over how to mesh critical goals: restoring full trade and economic assistance to help Ethiopia meet its people’s needs while also pressing all sides to advance justice and reconciliation to address the atrocities committed and damage caused during the war.

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Peace Processes

Ethiopia’s civil war is raging. How can it get on track toward peace?

Ethiopia’s civil war is raging. How can it get on track toward peace?

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

By: Ambassador Johnnie Carson;  Ambassador Alex Rondos

In August, the devastating conflict in northern Ethiopia resumed, effectively ending the March 2022 humanitarian truce between the Ethiopian federal government and Tigrayan forces, which many hoped would pave the way for a negotiated cease-fire and peace talks. This week, the African Union’s chairperson called for an immediate cease-fire and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also called on the parties to cease hostilities and participate in talks organized by the African Union. What comes next in Ethiopia will have major implications for its people, the strategically vital Red Sea arena and for U.S. interests in the region. Stepped up, senior-level U.S. engagement is direly needed to get Ethiopia on a path toward peace.

Type: Analysis and Commentary

Peace Processes

View All Publications