Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Calls for Reconciliation to End Conflict in Northern Ethiopia
Addis Ababa – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has underscored the crucial need to break what he calls a “circle of animosity” in Northern Ethiopia. In a recent interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), conducted in Tigrinya, he reaffirmed that enduring peace can only be achieved through dialogue and mutual compromise.
Reflecting on the roots of the conflict that has affected the region, Abiy highlighted that, despite the end of hostilities following the Pretoria Peace Agreement in 2022, underlying tensions remain. “The triggers for that conflict can be numerous and interconnected,” he stated. However, he categorized the root causes into three main issues stemming from the actions of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the region’s former ruling party.
The Prime Minister criticized the TPLF for exhibiting what he described as an outdated mindset, which he believes hampers the party’s ability to adapt to modern political realities. He explained, “This rigidity led to decisions that not only put public safety at risk but threatened the very existence of the organization itself.” He asserted that the TPLF often took actions that endangered the welfare of the people, a reflection he argues is not characteristic of a healthy political entity in a rapidly evolving world.
Stressing the importance of practicality in governance, Abiy noted that ideas should be evaluated based on their benefits to the populace. “On a global level, this is referred to as pragmatism. The utility of an idea should be the primary measure of its value,” he emphasized. He believes that the former ruling party’s adherence to ideologies formed decades ago has led to a failure to compromise, viewing his reformist government as a primary adversary from the outset.
Abiy described the TPLF’s expectations of easily neutralizing reformist elements as misguided. “They thought they could easily achieve their desires, but that was not possible. Instead of collaborating with reformists, they chose conflict, leading to unnecessary strife,” he lamented. This self-imposed isolation has resulted in significant suffering, particularly among the people of Tigray.
He acknowledged the severe impact of the conflict on Tigray’s populace, emphasizing that extremist factions continue to exacerbate divisions rather than foster unity. “Had the youth been in a position of power, I’m confident we wouldn’t have faced the troubles we have today,” he stated, advocating for a fresh perspective that resonates with the current generation.
Beyond the immediate strife in Northern Ethiopia, Abiy noted that various recurring issues highlight a deeply rooted and unhealthy political structure within the country. He remarked, “These systemic challenges cannot be fixed solely through elections, court rulings, or military interventions.” Rather, he sees the need for a broader, more comprehensive approach to addressing these issues.
Abiy remains committed to reconciliation, reiterating that “the circle of animosity” must be decisively broken. He stated, “Dialogue is essential; we don’t seek war. Addressing our issues and finding common ground is the path forward. We see the National Dialogue as a crucial element in resolving our national problems and have established a National Commission for Dialogue to facilitate this.”
Nevertheless, he voiced concerns over certain extremist groups in Tigray obstructing efforts to revive meaningful dialogue among citizens. “I do not believe this is a beneficial stance,” he remarked, reiterating the necessity of inclusive discussions for sustainable peace and national unity.
As Ethiopia navigates this complex landscape, Abiy Ahmed’s calls for dialogue and compromise offer a glimmer of hope. The Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of past failures and his emphasis on modern solutions reflect his recognition of the need for change—a vital step toward a more peaceful future.
— Reported by Nexio News
