March 28 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, highlighted on Tuesday the progress towards “a lasting peace” in the framework of the application of the agreement with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Tigray (TPLF), while opening the door to contacts with groups such as the rebel Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).
“Peace implies that everyone takes the lead in efforts towards peace,” he said in an appearance before Parliament, before emphasizing that the Government is working to strengthen democracy in the country, according to the chain of Ethiopian TV Fana.
“We have to think about sustaining these efforts, even with their shortcomings, since an alternative path is not useful for the Ethiopians,” argued Abiy, who reiterated that “although peace is relative, there are many initiatives underway to achieve lasting peace.”
In this sense, he has stressed that Addis Ababa is open to a “peaceful solution” to the conflict with the OLA, although he has stressed that “the security sector is on guard to ensure that no more blood is spilled while the path is followed of the dialogue”.
Abiy also said that “much remains to be done to achieve complete peace” and explained that “peace does not come immediately after the end of the war.” “Peace is like war. It requires courage,” she stressed.
On the other hand, he has responded to a question about the possibility of him presenting his resignation, which he has described as “very good”, as reported by the newspaper ‘Addis Standard’. “I can’t be the only one who is the source and responsible for all the problems. I think it would be good if we took responsibility together,” she concluded.
Ethiopia and the TPLF are embarking on a peace process following the cessation of hostilities agreement signed in November in the South African capital, Pretoria. Likewise, the Oromian authorities have asked the OLA for a “reconciliation” process, although there is no official process underway.
The OLA, which split from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) after the 2018 peace agreement and is an ally of the TPLF in the war in Tigray, has claimed responsibility for several attacks –especially in Oromia– in recent months. . The OLF fought for decades for the secession of the Oromia region, but in 2018 it announced that it was giving up the armed struggle, accepting the prime minister’s offer of amnesty.
