Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on Ethiopians to embrace their rich diversity as a source of national strength and make inclusive dialogue the foundation for lasting peace and prosperity.

Kenyatta made the call while speaking at the closing ceremony of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference in Addis Ababa on Saturday. He commended the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission for bringing together thousands of voices, describing the initiative as an act of patriotism of the highest order.

The former Kenyan leader said Ethiopia’s diverse peoples, cultures, faiths and traditions should not be viewed as sources of division but as a valuable national asset capable of strengthening unity and promoting peaceful coexistence.

He also urged Ethiopians to reach out to groups and communities that remain outside the national dialogue process, stressing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through broad participation, inclusion and reconciliation.

Kenyatta highlighted Ethiopia’s historic role in Africa, noting that the country’s contributions to the continent, from the victory at Adwa to the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity, have given it a significance beyond its borders.

He further linked Ethiopia’s stability to peace and security across the Horn of Africa, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to supporting peace in the neighbouring country.

Kenyatta also endorsed the principle of African solutions to African problems, saying the continent must increasingly rely on its own institutions, traditions and wisdom to address its challenges.

He urged Ethiopians to choose dialogue and unity, stressing that national cohesion must be continuously renewed by every generation.

The former president concluded by expressing hope that Ethiopia’s journey towards reconciliation could become a model for the rest of Africa and inspire greater confidence in the continent’s ability to resolve its challenges peacefully.