The House of People’s Representatives (HPR) conducted its 4th Regular Session of the 6th year and 3rd tenure on Tuesday in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed provided explanations in response to queries put to him by Member of the Parliaments (MPs) with regard to the current national issues of the country.
On the session, the House is expected approved a motion in support of the 2016 Ethiopian fiscal year government’s plan which President Sahle-Work Zewde presented on 9 October 2023 while opening the 6th year and 3rd tenure of the joint session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) and House of Federation (HoF).
Ensuring sustainable peace and the efforts being undertaken by the government to restore peace in restive areas were among the questions that were raised by the MPs to the Prime Minister.
Responding to the questions Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that the government remains committed to solve any grievances and disagreements in a peaceful manner; through dialogues. Conducting concrete dialogue is the primary option to bring sustainable peace and security in the country, the Prime Minister underscored.
As to him, quality and productive ideas should be promoted. And ideas must be supported by hard work and persistence to ensure development, peace and good governance in an inclusive manner.
“Ethiopia has experienced conflicts and wars for many years. What we need the most is peace. So, we have to give dialogue a chance,” the Premier stressed.
The concept of nationalism in the Ethiopian constitution is not against multi nationalism, the Prime Minister said, stressing the need to harmonize differences to promote inclusive democracy, development and good governance.
He called on opposition groups to seek peaceful solutions rather than armed struggles, affirming that the government is always open for dialogue to solve ongoing problems through peaceful mechanisms.
Members of contending political parties are currently serving as cabinet members participating in major policy related discussions and decisions, the Prime Minister said, pledging commitment to promote the inclusive approach to the future.
Regarding the recently declared State of Emergency, the Prime Minister said that the State of Emergency was declared to enforce rule of law; and the decree aimed at restoring law and order. In consequence, it has enabled the federal government to bring relative peace in the Amhara State and prevented the regional government from a breakdown. However, Premier Abiy underscored that further work and discussion is needed to bring about lasting peace.
The general public demands that poverty be eradicated and democracy flourished in the country, the Prime Minister said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to a prosperous nation.
Accordingly, the Prime Minister called on all stakeholders to support the National Dialogue Commission in its endeavors to bring lasting peace, national consensus and reconciliation in Ethiopia.
Asserting the need to seize the opportunity presented by the National Dialogue Commission, PM Abiy Ahmed said, “The opportunity that the National Dialogue provides us is immense and we must not miss this opportunity.”
Regarding the disputed lands between Amhara and Tigray states, the Premier reminded that the government believes in following the referendum decision to resolve the issues, but if there is a better solution that can bring lasting peace from the regional states themselves, the government is ready to entertain it.
According to him, the government prioritizes solutions that bring lasting peace and the solidarity of the peoples of the two states and the country at large.
The Prime Minister said, “Our solution is only ours to implement, our door is open to those who bring a solution for sustainable peace and people’s solidarity. Our desire is to see lasting peace between the two states. The people of the two states’ demands are not different from this,” he said.
Regarding the role of the media, the Premier underscored that the media has the power to cultivate the positive and the negative aspects as well, depending on audience savvy. According to him, the media practice in Ethiopia is only at the beginning stages and requires care.
Moreover, the premier urged Ethiopians to embrace peace, harmony and forgiveness calling this a key to realize a prosperous Ethiopia.
According to him, the Prosperity Party is working hard to build an inclusive democracy taking into the diverse identities of nations and nationalities of the country, the Prime Minister pledging to realize a prosperous country where every citizen lives with equality and freedom.
“My advice to our brothers who are carrying guns in different places is, please let us not undermine peace. Let us protect peace because that is what we want,” he emphasized.
The ruling party is clear that it is important to collaboratively demolish the wall that separates us and build the bridge for the present and next generation. The Premier reaffirmed that there is nothing that can hinder the government to discuss with political parties and resolve differences through peaceful dialogue. Stating that the Prosperity Party (PP) values love, forgiveness, togetherness, and prosperity, he called on all to take peace seriously. Refraining from engaging in any conflict is essential as it prevents human suffering, death, destruction, and leads to prosperity, he said.
As to the Premier, peace can be achieved through peaceful dialogue and not through violence and armaments. And any demands should be addressed through a peaceful manner as forceful options are futile. In the current situation in Ethiopia, it is never possible to overthrow the government with a clash. Therefore, instead of weapons, we should give priority to discussing with a pen and idea. There is no purpose or gain that we can achieve by killing. What is best for Ethiopia is to build a prosperous country through dialogue.
Abiy said calling armed groups to refrain from destructive acts and come to peaceful dialogue.
In sum, the Premier urges the general public to be active participants for peace and dialogue rather than pushing the hand outstretched to peace. In doing so, everyone should be responsible to cultivate peace and contribute their own part to the efforts of developing a peaceful and prosperous country.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2023
