PM Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia calls on Tigrayan elites to resolve their differences peacefully, advocating for dialogue and unity. He emphasizes the destructive impact of ongoing fear and war rhetoric on Tigrayans’ livelihoods. The appeal comes amid heightened internal divisions within the TPLF, with tensions rising after military leaders called for changes in the interim administration, risking both political and military crises.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has urged Tigrayan elites to seek peaceful resolutions to their differences, emphasizing the need for dialogue and unity among the Tigrayan people. In his statement on February 3, he highlighted that the continued state of fear and conflict obstructs the citizens’ pursuit of stability and prosperity.
During the address, PM Abiy called for Tigrayan leaders in various sectors—politics, business, and academia—to acknowledge the high cost of war and to shift their focus towards development. He praised Tigray’s historical contribution to the Ethiopian state, but recognized the consecutive conflicts between Tigray and the central government.
He urged Tigrayan elites to assess the impact of war on their region and to seek constitutional and democratic means to settle disagreements with the federal government. The Prime Minister reassured that the federal authorities were willing to engage in constructive discussions on national matters of mutual interest.
The context of the Prime Minister’s appeal is marked by a growing division within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), particularly between factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael and Interim Administration President Getachew Reda. Tensions have escalated following an unexpected call by senior military officials for a restructuring of the interim administration, which heightens the region’s political crisis and risks leading to military conflict.
PM Abiy’s statements reflect the urgency to foster peace within Tigray, amidst divisions threatening to impact regional stability. He has emphasized the necessity of alleviating fears in Tigray, advocating for cooperation to ensure a peaceful future for all citizens.
The political landscape in Ethiopia, particularly in the Tigray region, has been fraught with conflict and division, particularly affecting how various factions interact with the central government. The Ethiopian federal government and Tigray have historically had a contentious relationship that has escalated into violent confrontations, especially over the last century. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front has been a significant entity in this dynamic, and internal divisions within it have exacerbated tensions, prompting calls for peaceful dialogue to restore collective welfare and stability.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s appeal serves as a pivotal moment in addressing the ongoing political crisis in Tigray. By encouraging Tigrayan elites to prioritize peace over conflict and recognizing the need for unity and dialogue, he aims to pave the way for development and recovery. This proactive approach is critical to preventing further escalation and fostering a collaborative political environment that can sustain the interests of all Ethiopians.
Original Source: allafrica.com
