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| Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Prime Minister of Ethiopia |
Tuesday
10th December 2019 will remain as one of the most historic days for
Ethiopians and all peace loving people of the world. The name Ethiopia elevated
across the globe because of its beloved son, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of
Ethiopia. Ethiopia highly and deservedly glorified. A day when Nobel Peace
Prize was awarded to Dr. Abiy Ahmed in Oslo, Norway.
The
presentation speech by Berit Reiss-Andersen, Chair of the Norwegian Nobel
Committee, was so uplifting and extremely moving. In her speech, the chairperson
said, “They say that good news rarely arrives from the Horn of Africa.
Historically, good news did in fact come from Africa. Ethiopia is the
cradle of humankind. The first Homo sapiens emigrated from the territory of
your country. In this sense we are all Ethiopians. Your country has a unique
history also within an African context, since it was never colonialized by any
Western power. It is in part for this very reason that Ethiopia is home to the
African Union.”
This
speech means a lot for many Ethiopians around the world. As we have hailed from
a country that is unique, we are filled with pride. As we always believe Ethiopia
to be the land of origins, hearing the likes of Ms. Reiss-Andersen, the chair
of the most recognised committee globally saying things like ‘We are all
Ethiopians’, lightens up our hearts and souls more. As we come from a country
that defeated colonial aggressors as and when they tried to conquer our
homeland, we feel even more proud and our hearts jump in pride and happiness. As
we come from a country that worked so hard to get the African Union and for the
liberation of African nations, we take deep satisfaction. As we come from a
country where people of all religion co-existed peacefully with respect for one
another and mutual understanding, we are filled with joy, warmth and fulfilment.
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| Sonja Haraldsen, Queen of Norway |
Prime
Minster Abiy on his turn made an impassioned and one of the most remarkable speeches
as he was able to take the whole world on his journey of life all the way from
his place of birth, Beshasha, to a global stage. His powerful speech received frequent
rapturous applause from all present in the magnificent hall and a well-deserved
standing ovation. In his acceptance speech Dr. Abiy emphasised on the need for
working for peace; the importance of peaceful co-existence and respect for one-another.
In his speech, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Prime Minister of
Ethiopia said, “I would like to especially express that we should avoid
the path of extremism and division powered by politics of exclusion. Our accord
hangs in the balance of inclusive politics. The evangelists of hate and
division are wreaking havoc in our society using social media. They are
preaching the gospel of revenge and retribution on the airwaves. Together, we
must neutralize the toxin of hatred by creating a civic culture of
consensus-based democracy, inclusivity, civility, and tolerance based on
Medemer principles.”
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| Harald V, King of Norway |
I
am aware Dr. Abiy and fellow Ethiopians have lots of mountains to climb to democratize
Ethiopia and take it on a long and arduous journey. Yes, we have a lot to work on
to rebuild Ethiopia and make it a prosperous country. But that should not stop
us from rejoicing the good news.
Time
to rejoice, celebrate, organise and flourish together.
