Ethiopia

"Let’s stop killing each other”: Ethiopian PM's sends passionate appeal to rebels in troubled Amhara region

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed delivers his address during the inauguration ceremony of the Abay Bridge in Bahir Dar, the Amhara region's capital, on May 12, 2024. (Photo: X/Abiy Ahmed)

By Hanifa Adan | Monday, May 13, 2024

Abiy directly addressed rebel groups engaged in armed confrontations, urging them to reconsider their paths and pursue peaceful resolutions.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called for peace in the troubled Amhara region as he urged rebel groups to cease killings in the first such appeal from the government as he urged for unity for the sake of peace and development.

In an address to attendees, including high-ranking officials of the governing Prosperity Party (PP), Abiy's address took a sombre turn as he directly addressed rebel groups engaged in armed confrontations, urging them to reconsider their paths and pursue peaceful resolutions.

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"When you do that, we will be on your side wholeheartedly and work on peace as well as development," he assured, adding, "Let's stop killing each other. Let's stop the destruction and unnecessary and non-transformative journeys; journeys without a bridge."

He made the call on Sunday while inaugurating the Abay Bridge in Bahir Dar.

Abiy called for their return to their respective regions, urging them to collaborate with local leaders and contribute to peace and development efforts.

He noted that such journeys would not unite Ethiopians, whom he said should commit to peace, stability, and development.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and government officials tour the Abay Bridge in Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara region, during its inauguration on May 12, 2024. (Photo: X/Abiy Ahmed)

"Anyone, either a group or individual who identifies as Amhara, who cares about Amhara, who wants to protect Amhara's interests, and those who say Amhara should benefit as well as those who say they are fighting for Amhara's rights and democracy, can do so under Arega's leadership," the PM stated.

The PM emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation among all individuals and groups identifying with Amhara, and the need for collective efforts in advancing the region's interests.

Abiy further noted the importance of respecting all Ethiopians in the pursuit of national progress, highlighting the crucial need for inclusive development for the benefit of all citizens.

Ethiopians attend the inauguration of the Abay Bridge in Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara region, by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, on May 12, 2024. (Photo: X/Abiy Ahmed)

The militarised conflict in the Amhara region has persisted for a year, resulting in numerous casualties, including high-ranking officials such as Girma Yeshitila, the PP's regional head, who was assassinated on April 27, 2023.

Despite the ongoing hostilities, there have been no discussions regarding a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Via X, Abiy said the Abay Bridge "marks a significant step towards fostering stronger interpersonal connections and boosting trade opportunities."

"Beyond its physical structure, our vision extends to bridges that divide, uniting people from opposing sides for a shared future," he wrote.

"It's about crafting narratives that transcend regional boundaries, uniting us as a cohesive whole. Our mission is to dismantle restrictive mindsets and narratives that serve as barriers, fostering unity and cooperation among all."