Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday highlighted progress towards »lasting peace» in the framework of the implementation of the agreement with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), while opening the door to contacts with groups such as the rebel Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).
Peace implies that everybody should be at the forefront of the efforts towards peace», he said in an appearance before the Parliament, before underlining that the Government is working to strengthen democracy in the country, as reported by the Ethiopian television channel Fana.
»We have to think about sustaining these efforts, even with their shortcomings, as an alternative path is not useful for Ethiopians,» Abiy argued, reiterating that »while peace is relative, there are many initiatives underway to achieve lasting peace.»
In this sense, he stressed that Addis Ababa is open to a »peaceful solution» to the conflict with the OLA, although he stressed that »the security sector is on guard to ensure that no more blood is spilled while following the path of dialogue».
Abiy has further said that »much remains to be done to achieve complete peace» and explained that »peace does not come immediately after the end of the war». Peace is like war. It requires courage,» he stressed.
On the other hand, he responded to a question about the possibility of his resignation, which he described as »very good», as reported by the newspaper ‘Addis Standard’. »I cannot be the only one who is the source and responsible for all the problems. I think it would be good for us to take responsibility together,» he said.
Ethiopia and the TPLF are embarked on a peace process following the cessation of hostilities agreement signed in November in South Africa’s capital Pretoria. The Oromia authorities have also asked the OLA for a »reconciliation» process, although no official process is underway.
The OLA, split from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) following the 2018 peace deal and allied with the TPLF as part of the war in Tigray, has claimed responsibility for several attacks–especially in Oromia–over the past few months. The OLF fought for decades for the secession of the Oromia region, but in 2018 announced it was giving up the armed struggle, accepting the prime minister’s offer of amnesty.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
