Ethiopia, South Sudan attempt dialogue to stymie conflict

South Sudan and Ethiopia have launched national dialogue forums to prevent conflicts. South Sudan plans an inter-party dialogue in August ahead of December 2026 elections, but Riek Machar's participation is uncertain as he remains under house arrest. Ethiopia opened its National Dialogue Conference on July 15, 2026, with 4,000 delegates, attended by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other dignitaries.