Premier condemns attacks on religious institutions in Amhara state

Addis Ababa, December 21, 2019 (FBC) – Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed has condemned the attacks on religious institutions in Mota town, Amhara regional state yesterday.

“Attempts by extremists to breakdown our rich history of religious tolerance and coexistence have no place in the new prosperity focused Ethiopia,” he said on Facebook page.

“I condemn such acts of cowardice and call upon all peace loving Ethiopians to draw upon our deep knowledge of coexistence and our reservoir of respect.

“Recognizing and rejecting divisive agendas will guarantee our collective progress,” he said.

Similarly, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council denounced the attacks in the strongest terms possible.

The incident demolishes the age-long culture of peaceful coexistence among the people, said the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in a statement.

The church called upon the people to stay patient until a full investigation is conducted.

Mosques were attacked and other properties were destroyed in Mota town as a result of spread of unconfirmed information, said the Ethiopia Islamic Affairs Supreme Council.

The Council called upon Government bodies, religious leaders and all Ethiopians to denounce the attacks.

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Ethiopia Islamic Affairs Supreme Council called for perpetrators to face the full force of law.