BY BETELHEM BEDLU
Leaders of different brotherly African countries, high level government officials, religious leaders and elders, invited guests and many others took part at the ceremony of the formation of the new government where a large number of crowds dressed in cultural clothes at the historical event.
“Throughout an extraordinary path of growth and development that served the entire continent, Ethiopia has gone through many defining moments and has always come out stronger; it has believed the dogmas of those who condemned them here to win, and always remained united in the face of a struggle today more than ever before.” This is a quote taken from Ismael Umar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti, while delivering his congratulatory message at the inaugural ceremony of the formation of new government that was held last Monday at Meskel Square.
According to him, with a proud history dating back to the Abyssinian empires, Ethiopia has taken the lead on many African, pan-African issues whether as the first African country member of the league of the nations in the late 1920s or as the birth place of the organization of African unity now known as the African union.
Expressing his hope that Ethiopia will make peace with itself, the president wished that the people of Ethiopia would reconcile to build on the achievements of yesterday to reach an even higher ground.
He also reiterated that his country remain certain that Ethiopia is bigger and stronger than what ails itself by saying “Ethiopia always gets back stronger despite everything and we are counting on her to do, Ethiopia will emerge victorious and will be reconciled with herself and with all her children”.
Appreciating Ethiopia`s political transformation and the formation of new government, Nigeria President, Muhammad Buhari, on his part said, Ethiopia`s commitment towards building democracy is witnessed through its 6th general election where free, and fair elections were observed.
Delivering his goodwill to all Ethiopians, he noted that “We all are together for progress and unity of Ethiopia. Prime Minister Dr. Abiy should work for peace and stability of the country. Nigeria will continue supporting the unity and territorial integrity of Ethiopia.”
At the event, President of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, has also expressed his gratitude for Ethiopia`s political transformation. Congratulating Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed and the people of Ethiopia, the president has appreciated Ethiopians commitment towards building democratization.
Wishing the Primer a great success, the president emphasized that the current challenges in the world including coronavirus and terrorism require wisdom. The hope of leaders to achieve success needs skill. In this regard, Africa has such wise leaders that could take the continent into a better future. He also said the six general elections have shown Ethiopian’s confidence in Prime minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed.
The President also remarked on the event that Ethiopia and Somalia have enjoyed historical bilateral relations and strong bonds of friendship built on mutual respect, people to people relations and increased interdependence.
Thus, he added that Somalia will bolster cooperation in trade and anti terrorism, to create a prosperous horn Africa. And his government will work with Ethiopia and other nations in the region.
In his congratulation message, President of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, said, Ethiopia`s role in South Sudan cases is vital. According to him, peaceful negotiation among nations is the best way to avoid conflict.
He noted that, if it was not because of Ethiopia, South Sudan`s existence would be in question. “Ethiopia has given us support when we demanded support, so, wherever you want to go, we will go with you”, remarked the President.
Addressing his benevolence speech, Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, took the opportunity to congratulate Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, for his election as Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and has expressed unreserved support of his country to Ethiopia.
“Kenya stands to work with our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia to build a great region of prosperity and peace. So my brother, we assure you about our support. I remind you today the people of Ethiopia have given you a mandate, a mandate to lead, a mandate to bring peace, a mandate to build stability, a mandate to bring the people of Ethiopia together.”
Appreciating Ethiopia`s role in anti-colonial struggles the president said, “Ethiopia is the mother of African independence. The African people are to determine their own destiny. So for all of us on the continent, Ethiopia is our mother. As we all know if the mother is not in peace, neither family can be at peace. My brother you have a big job in front of you and I am determined today to assure you, to assure the people of Ethiopia of our solidarity and our commitment to see a peaceful and stable, prosperous Africa.”
The hard won democratic election that has proven Ethiopians full commitment towards a peaceful, stable and democratic nation coupled with the solidarity of brotherly African countries would enable Ethiopia to climb higher than its current challenges.
The Ethiopian Herald October 9/2021
