On 2 April 2019, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed will celebrate first anniversary as Head of government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE). Seizing the power in the middle of unrest that raged in the nation for about three years, the premier has succeeded to bring
about drastic changes in the political landscape of the nation.
Furthermore, he has exhibited an unprecedented caliber not only in soothing the turmoil that occurred during that time but also showed innovative ways of leadership and transformation that aims to bring about lasting solution to the social , economic and political situation of the country.
Accordingly, we have attempted to recapitulate some of the most notable achievements of the premier since he came to power.
• Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed Was able to reinvigorate the national feeling of Ethiopians during his acceptance speech “we are Ethiopians alive, and become Ethiopia after death” on 2 April 2018. He travelled to all corners of the country and preached about peace, forgiveness, unity and synergy. As he pledged during his swearing ceremony,
• Removed the terrorist label from exiled political parties like Ginbot 7, OLF, and ONLF, Political leaders, journalists released from prisons,
• In addition to his decisive leadership in implementing the decision to release the politicians, journalist and human rights activists who were in jail at home, Dr. Abiy has also successfully brokered the release of compatriots in various countries and has fetched them home with the same flight,
• Dr. Abiy has made active contribution in reconciling the divided Holy Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church,
• He has also worked to solve the problem between the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council and the Muslim Arbitration Committee,
• With his visit in three American cities, entitled “Demolish the wall and build the bridge” Dr. Abiy has scored magnificent diplomatic success by reconciling the disgruntled Ethiopian diaspora to work in unison for their country,
• He has made various economic reforms and is pursuing their implementation. The actions he took have managed to meaningfully address the crisis that the country’s economy faced due to shortage of foreign currency. Especially his initiative of diaspora Trust Fund which the diaspora can channel their support to their nation is believed to contribute a lot,
• Dr. Abiy has also successfully ended the no war no peace situation between Ethiopia and Eritrea, “deathless war” in his words. He played a determinant role in ensuring peace by declaring Ethiopia’s readiness to fully implement the Algiers Peace Agreement. He received Eritrean President Isaias Afeworki for reciprocated love and peace,
• Dr. Abiy has paid visit to various east African countries to boost regional cooperation and ensure mutual trust. He has especially played a key role in bringing together the rival south Sudanese factions SalvaKiir and Dr.Riek Machar for an eye to eye meeting after years of discord,
• Premiers visit Sudan and Djibouti to discuss bilateral and multilateral relation and fostering economic ingratiation among the countries. The premier held talks with Kenyan president Uhuru Keniyata discussed on bilateral and multilateral relation for the two countries,
• Premier discussed with Saudi Arabia’s Crown prince Mohammed bin Salaman Alsaud in Rayad on comprehensive cooperation of the two countries. He discussed investment, peace, and stability with Italy’s president Giuseppe Conte during his official visit to Ethiopia,
• The premier discussed strengthening bilateral ties with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurze during his official visit to Ethiopia. The Premier also met former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and paid visit to agricultural development projects in Bale, Oromia State of Ethiopia,
• Dr. Abiy has also visited various Middle Eastern countries and Egypt to reinvigorate the countries relations with Ethiopia in a mutual benefit principle.
• Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni has awarded Dr. Abiy the highest honorary medal which is given for people who have done well for Uganda or Africa. Has received the highest honorary medal from the United Arab Emirates.
The Ethiopian Herald March 23/2019
BY STAFF REPORTERS
