ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has praised Ethiopia’s rich civilisation, cultural diversity and indigenous governance systems, saying the country’s heritage offers important lessons on national cohesion and governance.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has hailed Ethiopia’s rich civilisation, diverse cultural heritage and indigenous systems of governance, urging the country to recognise the historical institutions that have helped shape its society.
Uhuru spoke in Addis Ababa during the closing ceremony of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference, where he described Ethiopia as one of Africa’s ancient civilisations and reflected on the country’s cultural diversity.
The former Kenyan president said his visits to different parts of Ethiopia had allowed him to appreciate the traditions and governance systems of its various communities.
“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 outsiders sometimes have the advantage of recognising aspects of a country’s heritage that citizens may overlook because they encounter them regularly.
“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 describes Ethiopia as ancient African civilisation
Uhuru said Ethiopia’s significance extends beyond its status as a modern African state, describing it as an ancient civilisation with a deep historical and cultural identity.
“Ethiopia is not just an African State, Ethiopia is an ancient African civilisation,” he said.
He particularly highlighted the Gadaa system of the Oromo people, which he encountered during his travels in the Oromia region.
The former president described the indigenous governance system as an important part of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage that deserves greater recognition.
“We move to the centre, Oromo heartland, vast landscape of Oromia and Oromo people, the Gadaa system,” he said.
The Gadaa system is an indigenous Oromo institution through which communities historically organised leadership, governance and social responsibilities.
Ethiopian National Dialogue brings together thousands
The Ethiopian National Dialogue Conference was organised by the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission and brought together nearly 4,000 delegates representing different communities and sections of Ethiopian society.
The conference began on July 15, 2026, with participants spending about 40 days discussing issues considered critical to the country’s future.
The deliberations were organised around eight broad national issues identified through nationwide public consultations.
They included state-building, national identity and shared history, the structure of government, federalism and power-sharing, and the status of federal cities including Addis Ababa.
Other issues addressed included religious and cultural affairs, institution-building, human rights and the rule of law.
The dialogue was intended to provide Ethiopians with a platform to discuss longstanding differences, exchange views and seek consensus on matters of national importance through peaceful political engagement.
Uhuru urges appreciation of indigenous institutions
Uhuru’s remarks placed emphasis on the role of indigenous institutions and cultural heritage in strengthening national identity and cohesion.
His reference to the Gadaa system underscored the importance of recognising governance traditions that predate modern state structures and remain significant to communities today.
The closing ceremony was attended by religious leaders, former and serving presidents, senior government officials, national figures and other invited guests.
