Ethiopia, Eritrea deserve commendation for peace moves -Rawlings

The leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea must be commended for the steps they have taken to end decades of hostility and state of war, says former Ghanaian President Jerry John Rawlings.

He says Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed demonstrated rare courage in implementing reforms that have allowed transparency in governance, improved democratic participation by all political parties, and advanced peace in his country and with their neighbours.

According to Rawlings, Abiy Ahmed’s efforts to ease years of unrest within Ethiopia’s Oromo region and his overtures to Ethiopia’s neighbour and brother, Eritrea to espouse love and unity, showed legendary foresight, which is rooted in a vision to see true and sustainable development in their countries.

“This singular act of bravery and leadership, has effectively ended decades of war and animosity between two siblings; Ethiopia and Eritrea. It will bring families together and help heal wounds of war, improve commerce and trade between the two nations.”

Rawlings said opening Embassies between the two nations was unimaginable barely a year ago, yet Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s relentless pursuit of his vision for his country, has made it a reality today, barely four months after taking office. I salute his courage and foresight and I congratulate and commend both leaders for demonstrating to their citizens and the continent that we can and must shape our future.