PM Abiy Ahmed urges elites of Tigray region to foster unity and resolve differences through dialogue

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2025 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has called for elites of the Tigray to address their differences with understanding and dialogue in a way that fosters unity among the people of the region.

In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister reflected on the current state of the Tigray region, offering insights and guidance to regional elites and the people in the region at large. He expressed that the people of Tigray possess a deep love for their country, along with a commitment to peace and hard work.

The Premier acknowledged the longstanding history of the people in Tigray regon, who have cooperated with other ethnic groups to build a nation, often paying a heavy price to protect territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation during trying times. He cited examples of collective sacrifice for the country’s sovereignty while highlighting the remarkable achievements of the people in Tigray in areas like trade, agriculture, architecture, art, and technology, particularly in times of peace.

However, he observed that the region has often been marred by conflict, especially over the past century, leading to Tigray becoming a war zone and its people suffering as victims of violence. He posed critical questions regarding the social, political, economic, and security consequences of these wars, inviting reflection on whether the people of Tigray have gained or lost more through these conflicts.

The Prime Minister urged elites in the region to consider alternatives to conflict, reflecting on whether other solutions could have been pursued. He noted that fear and anxiety continue to affect the population, hindering their prospects for peace and development due to the lingering scars of past conflicts.

He encouraged dialogue among Tigray’s elites across various sectors, such as politics, business, security, academia, and media, to peacefully resolve their differences and work towards the collective welfare of the people in the region. Stressing that the sacrifices endured are sufficient, he called for a readiness to engage in similar dialogue with the federal government, advocating for peaceful resolutions in accordance with the Ethiopian constitution.

The Prime Minister further urged leaders to actively work towards alleviating the fears of the people in the region, helping mothers overcome sleepless nights, and enabling youth to find stability, all while striving to restore Tigray to a path of development and progress.