Afar region responds to gov’t’s call for united efforts to implement peace agreement

Addis Ababa, November 5, 2022 (FBC) – The Afar region government has stated that it is committed to the implementation of the peace agreement to ensure lasting peace in Ethiopia.

The regional state responds to the Ethiopian government’s call for united efforts to ensure lasting peace with the following statement.

Here is the full text of the Afar National Regional Government’s statement:

The agreement reached in Pretoria, South Africa, honored the common interests of Ethiopians. It satisfied Ethiopians and friends those who have been rooting for peace. More importantly, the agreement mainly focused on maintaining Ethiopia’s lasting peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

For the implementation of this agreement, all Ethiopians will do their part to return our country to peace and work together to rehabilitate the social, psychological and material damage caused during the war.

The two-year war has resulted in loss of life, morale and property.

Since there is nothing more important than peace, we can affirm readiness and contribution for the implementation of the agreement signed so that our country finally leaves the hostilities behind and move forward with stability.

The only option for our country to reach further heights is to move forward together. We will work united as hand and glove to help the parts of our society that have been damaged by the war recover from their injuries and return to their previous social ties.

Though people in conflict areas have been on the receiving end of damages and suffered a lot, the rest of the Ethiopian people were also victims of the war directly or indirectly. Hence, we call on all Ethiopians and all friends of Ethiopia to cooperate in the rehabilitation and rebuilding process, including the institutions that were destroyed in the conflict.

The people of Afar region severely suffered during the war. Yet, even during the course of the conflict, the people of Afar region and government have been doing great work which can strengthen the people-to-people relations; such as coordinating the smooth flow of humanitarian aid to the brotherly people of Tigray region.

The people and government of the Afar region are committed to continue strengthening peace and development cooperation with the neighboring peoples.

All of us should do our part by correcting the economic, diplomatic and other related pressures that were imposed on our country as a result of the conflict.

To maintain the sovereignty of our country and improve its relationship with the rest of the world at a better level, hard work is expected from us.

Finally, we should make an effort to prevent false rumors and hateful speeches by some parties who do not want the peace of our country but hinder the peace process. Therefore, we shall focus on solidarity and giving priority to peace, the statement concludes.