Forgiveness, dialogue imperative to maintain peace: PM Abiy
Addis Ababa, July 6, 2023 (FBC) – Addressing the 28th regular session of the House of Peoples Representatives, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) called on Ethiopians to embrace forgiveness and cultivate culture of dialogue to ensure lasting peace in the country.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to thoroughly assess the damage the conflict in the northern part of the country caused so as to effectively implement the reconstruction and restoration program in war affected areas.
Following the peace agreement, the government has prioritized restoration of basic social services including the telecommunication, electricity, banking, health and education institutions in Tigray region.
More than 1,000 km of telecommunication line damaged by the conflict has been repaired in the Amhara, Afar and Tigray regions, he explained.
The government has undertaken a wide range of activities over the past six months in wake of Pretoria Peace Agreement to maintain peace and ensure well-being of citizens.
Regarding the disarmament, the demobilization and reintegration process, the Prime Minister stressed the need to expand job opportunities for disarmed combatants to sustain peace.
Concerning the rehabilitation efforts, the Premier said that over 3.5 internally displaced people have been reinstated to their homes, calling for concerted efforts to rehabilitate the remaining 1 million people who fled their homes due conflicts in several parts of the country.
While explaining about the ongoing humanitarian activities, the Premier pointed out that from October to the end of June alone, 370, 000 ton of food aid has been delivered to people in need in Afar, Amhara and Tigray regions.
Concerning boundary dispute between Amhara and Tigray regions, the Premier called on the peoples of the two regions to resolve their issues through peaceful dialogue, adding that “other options are not good”.
The restructuring of the regional Special Forces will continue to cement national unity and ensure peace and security.
The National Dialoged has become fully operational, he said, calling all Ethiopians to contribute their share for the success of the platform.