The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, today wins the 2019 Noble Peace Laureate Prize for his contribution in restoring peace with the neighboring Eritrea.
“In close cooperation with Isaias Afwerki, the President of Eritrea, this year’s Peace Laureate Abiy Ahmed quickly worked out the principles of a peace agreement to end the long “no peace, no war” stalemate between Ethiopia and Eritrea,” said The Nobel Prize, which is awarding its 100th prestigious award to Prime Minister Abiy.
“In Ethiopia, even if much work remains, Peace Laureate Abiy Ahmed has initiated important reforms that give many citizens hope for a better life and a brighter future. As Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed has sought to promote reconciliation, solidarity and social justice,” it said.
The Awarding organization has also stated that the Norwegian Nobel Committee believes it is now that Abiy Ahmed’s efforts deserve recognition and need encouragement. “The committee hopes that the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize will strengthen Prime Minister Abiy in his important work for peace and reconciliation,” it said.
Following the announcements PM has continue to receive congratulations messages ad twits. “Congratulations to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali of Ethiopia for being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. His vision helped Ethiopia and Eritrea achieves a historic rapprochement & his leadership has set a wonderful example for others in & beyond Africa,” twitted UN Secretary General António Guterres.
The Embassy of the United Sates in Ethiopia has also issued a statement congratulating PM Abiy ad expressing its support to the ongoing reforms he is undertaking I the country.
“This prestigious award highlights the incredible progress under Dr. Abiy’s leadership as Prime Minister. In addition to his extraordinary efforts to rebuild relations with Eritrea, Dr. Abiy has shown a commitment to the values of democracy and inclusive development by opening up political space, strengthening freedom of the press, releasing political prisoners, and working for the transformation of Ethiopia’s economy,” the Embassy said.
Reacting to the announcement the global human rights organization, Amnesty International has also issued a statement applauding Prime Minister Abiy’s achievements and urging to do more.
“…However, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s work is far from done. This award should push and motivate him to tackle the outstanding human rights challenges that threaten to reverse the gains made so far. He must urgently ensure that his government addresses the ongoing ethnic tensions that threaten instability and further human rights abuses,” it said.
“He should also ensure that his government revises the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation which continues to be used as a tool of repression, and holds suspected perpetrators of past human rights violations to account. Now more than ever Prime Minister Abiy must fully espouse the principles and values of the Nobel Peace Prize to leave a lasting human rights legacy for his country, the wider region, and the world,” Amnesty said.