UK pledges Support for ongoing archeological research in Harlaa, Dire Dawa

Addis Ababa, February 28, 2024 (FBC) – Ambassador of the United Kingdom (UK) in Ethiopia pledged to provide all the necessary supports for the archeological research being conducted at Harlaa, Dire Dawa in order to make the research effective and help the local communities take use of the region’s tourism resources.

The UK ambassador to Ethiopia, Darren Welch and his team visited various tourism sites in the vicinities of Dire Dawa.

In addition, the team visited a cemetery of British and African soldiers, Harla Community Museum, the seven thousand years old residential areas, ancient cave paintings at Laga Oda Gungufata and other tourist sites in the area.

The team has also paid a visit to a 12th century mosque recently discovered by Professor Timothy, British archeologist and instructor from Exeter University.

The Ambassador expressed his delight on the occasion of his visits and the reception accorded to his team stating that the Harlaa ancient cemetery depicts the livelihood of Muslim communities during the Middle Ages. 

“I am happy with what I have seen here in my first trip to the area and believe that there are more archeological remains to be discovered in this area which needs to be further promoted,” he said.

He added that these wonderful, historic and natural tourist resources should be preserved, pledging UK’s support for the archeological research being conducted at Harlaa in order to make the research effective, help the local communities take use of the region’s tourism resources and contribute to the development of the tourism industry in Ethiopia.

Professor Timothy Ensoll, team leader of the Harlaa archeological discovery and research team briefed the Ambassador and his team on the artifacts which were preserved and exhibited in the museum.

Head of Dire Dawa Administration Culture and Tourism Office, Michael Endale said the visit paid by Ambassador Darren and his team to Dire Dawa will help to promote tourist resources in and around Dire Dawa.

He added, according to ENA, that more tasks will be accomplished focusing on developing and promoting tourism resources in the Dire Dawa area.