On Monday, Ethiopia officially formed a newly elected government following a historic and democratic poll. Earlier on the same day, the Ethiopian parliament appointed the incumbent Abiy Ahmed as Prime Minister from the wining Prosperity Party giving him a new five year mandate. After taking oath in front lawmakers, Prime Minister Abiy attended the inaugural ceremony held at the refurbished Meskel Square later that day.
The inaugural ceremony of the newly elected government was attended by dozens of African leaders and diplomatic community and others. In attendance were President of the Republic of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, President Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, Minister of the Foreign Affairs of Algeria Ramtane Lamamra, Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, Former President of Nigeria and recently AU-appointed special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Olusegun Obasanjo, and other officials.
Extending their congratulatory message and best wishes to Prime Minister Abiy and Ethiopians, the leaders have pledged to stand by Ethiopia in which they described as the mother of African independence and champion of freedom.
At the inaugural ceremony that took place colorfully at Meskel Square President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo said: “ I congratulate the people of Ethiopia on strengthening their democracy by participating in the six national election and by electing a government that they feel will best represent them and their interest at this challenging time in human history. “In this regard, the government and people of Somalia congratulate Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on his landslide electoral victory and we wish his government great success in achieving their empowering policies in political agenda for Ethiopian people.”
As the world faces some of the greatest challenges and crises which pose creditable existential threat including deadly COVID-19 virus, climate change, and terrorism, there has never been a great lead for visionary and strong leadership at all levels to understand how to manage all crises. In amongst all of today’s difficulties, leaders must offer solutions, hope and deliver result that can drive progress and prosperity for the people and nations. I strongly believe that African leaders when working with the people and for the good of their common future our unstoppable force.
Farmajo also noted that the sixth Ethiopian election result clearly shows that the Ethiopian people have invested their future with Prime Minister Abiy who has proven to them that he is personally committed to their inclusive development. Having worked closely with Prime Minister Abiy, I am confident that he will do his utmost to leave up to his peoples exceptions.
Ethiopia and Somalia enjoy historical bilateral relations and strong bond of friendship built on mutual respect, strong people to people relations and increase interdependence. Our two nations are jointly confronting international terrorism, strengthening trade and working with our regional and continental partners to create a safe integrated and prosperous Horn of African region for the betterment of our people. This is an objective and an ambition that Somalia government and people are interested in with Ethiopia and all other neighboring states as well as our international partners, he added.
For his part, President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Museveni said he urged Ethiopians to transform politics of identity to a politics of interest. “I have been watching and participating in the African scene for almost the last sixty years and observed one big problem that is saying I belong to this tribe, that tribe, this religion, that religions and things of that sort. “That caused us a lot of problems.”
While on the subject, President Isaias Afwerki, the President of the State of Eritrea sent, on behalf of the people and Government of Eritrea and on his own behalf, a message of warmest congratulations to Dr. Abiy Ahmed on his re-election as Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, according to information obtained from MoFA.
In his message, Pre. Isaias underlined: “Eritrea and Ethiopia have gone a long way in past three years to turn chapter of confrontation and hostility and lay groundwork for robust peace and friendship between the two sisterly countries, with its positive implications to wider HoA region”
Pre. Isaias further stated: “ I trust and am hopeful that the trajectory the two countries have embarked on will be further enhanced and consolidated in the period ahead in spite of efforts by negative external forces of regression that seem bent on turning back the clock of history”
The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari said, “I strongly believe that the outcome of the elections held in June is a reflection of the desire of the Ethiopian people for transformation through a free, fair and credible electoral process.”
“We are well aware of the many challenges facing the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and we encourage all parties to come together in the interest of the unity, progress and wellbeing of Ethiopia.
“Your Excellency, you, therefore, have a great opportunity to continue to work for the peace and stability of Ethiopia.
In a speech that highlighted Ethiopia’s position on African unity, President of the Republic of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh said, “With a proud history dating back to the Abyssinian empires Ethiopia has taken the lead on many pan African issues as the first African country member of the league of the Nations in late 1920 or as the birth place of the organization of African Unity, now known as the African Union.
As we all know throughout this long and glorious history, Ethiopia has gone through many defining moment and has always come out stronger. “We have fought long and hard for all our achievements and nowhere is that statement more true than in Ethiopia where for centuries a myriad of culture coexisted and built this great nation.”
Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya said, “I stand here to offer you our support as you continue with your endeavors to rebuild Ethiopia. Kenya stands ready to work shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia to build a great region of prosperity and peace, Uhuru told Abiy in front of cheering crowd.
“I remind you today that the people of Ethiopia have given you a mandate to lead, a mandate to bring peace, a mandate to build stability, a mandate to bring all the people of Ethiopia together,”
Ethiopia is the mother of African independence. As Ethiopia is the only uncolonizsed nation. So for all of us on the continent, Ethiopia is our mother. And as we all know, if the mother is not at peace, neither can the family be at peace.
“So my brother, you have a big job in front of you and mine today is to assure you and the people of Ethiopia of our solidarity in that journey and our eagerness and commitment to see a peaceful and stable Ethiopia, and ultimately a peaceful, stable and prosperous Africa.”
Giving a brief explanation about ethiopia’s years of support to South Sudanese people, South Sudan Salvakir thanked Ethiopia for their support to South Sudanese indolence since the time of Emperor Hailesilassie. He also expressed his readiness to work with the newly elected government as he called on Ethiopians to ensure stability and security. South Sudan would not be where it is now, if it was not for Ethiopia. “We want Ethiopia to be peaceful, which is our mother. Ethiopia is our great mother.
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD OCTOBER 6/2021
