Tana Forum Closes in Bahir Dar With Call to Turn African Peace Commitments Into Action

The 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa has concluded in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. African leaders and experts at the forum stressed that dialogue and continental commitments must be translated into concrete steps to address the continent's peace and security challenges, according to state-affiliated broadcaster Fana, which reported the close of the gathering on October 25, 2026.

The state-run Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) also reported that the forum ended with a call to action on peace in Africa. ENA had earlier reported the opening of the forum's 12th edition.

Red Sea security

Security threats in the Red Sea were among the topics on the agenda. The forum's Special Envoys' Dialogue opened in Bahir Dar in a session datelined October 24, bringing together senior diplomats from Africa and beyond to examine rising security risks in the Red Sea region, according to Horn Diplomat.

Leaders in attendance

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed honored African leaders during the forum, ENA reported.

Kenya's Deputy President Kithure Kindiki traveled to Ethiopia to take part in the forum, according to Kenya's The Star.

President Mahama described the forum as a genuinely African venue for frank reflection and strategic foresight, according to ENA.

A foreign ministry spokesperson said the forum gives African voices a platform on continental affairs, ENA reported.

Picture: Fana (state-affiliated)