AU Commission Chairperson congratulates Abiy Ahmed on re-election

Africa, Politics

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has congratulated Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali on his re-election for another five-year term.

Youssouf described Ethiopia as an important member of the continental family, noting that the country hosts the AU headquarters and serves as the diplomatic capital of Africa.

The AU Commission Chairperson said he looked forward to continued cooperation with Abiy Ahmed and his government in advancing Africa’s integration, peace, security and development agenda.

Advertisement

Abiy’s swearing-in comes amid almost two weeks of internal conflict in Ethiopia, raising concerns over a possible escalation and wider regional instability.

Addressing the situation, the prime minister called for an end to the violence and urged those involved in armed conflict to embrace peace and participate in national reconciliation and nation-building.

“All those people fighting in the bushes: I kindly ask you to choose the path of peace. I ask you to take part in the nation-building, national reconciliation process,” Abiy said.

He also called on opposition groups to pursue their political objectives peacefully and avoid actions that could further destabilise the country.

On national security, Abiy said Ethiopia would strengthen its military capabilities, declaring that the country would seek air superiority in the region and maintain a modern and combat-ready defence force.

The latest fighting reportedly erupted between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and federal forces on September 23, prompting concerns over a possible return to the civil war that ravaged the country between 2020 and 2022.