President Muhammadu Buhari has called for peace and stability in Ethiopia, despite the country’s numerous challenges.
Buhari made the announcement on Monday during Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s inauguration for a second five-year term, promising that Nigeria would continue to support Ethiopia’s unity and territorial integrity.
“We are well aware of the many challenges facing the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and we encourage all parties to come together in the interest of the unity, progress and well-being of Ethiopia,” Buhari was quoted as saying via a statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina.
“Your Excellency, you, therefore, have a great opportunity to continue to work for the peace and stability of Ethiopia.”
The President told the newly-installed Prime Minister that Nigeria, like many other nations, was waiting on him to unlock Ethiopia’s enormous economic potential by expanding investment opportunities, deepening partnerships, and fostering trust at home and abroad.
He also praised the Ethiopian people’s courage and devotion to democratic norms and principles in the elections that returned the 2019 Nobel Peace Laureate to power.
According to Buhari, the results of the June elections demonstrate the Ethiopian people’s ambition for transformation through a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
Abiy’s election victory, according to the Nigerian leader, “clearly affirmed the Ethiopian people’s confidence in his leadership, courage, and credentials,” as well as his years of contributions to the establishment of Ethiopia’s modern democracy.
The President expressed his hope for further fruitful and robust exchanges between the two countries, while wishing the Prime Minister a prosperous tenure.
The event was attended by the presidents of Uganda, South Sudan, Djibouti, Senegal, Kenya, and Somalia, as well as the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
