President Muhammadu Buhari has canvassed for unity of purpose among Ethiopians as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed begins a second five-year term in office, amid the ongoing war in the country.

The Nigerian President, called for peace and stability amid the many challenges facing the East African country. President Buhari, in a statement released by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, on October 5, 2021, pledged Nigeria’s continued support for the unity and territorial integrity of Ethiopia.

“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 unity, progress and wellbeing of Ethiopia. Your Excellency, Abiy Ahmed, you therefore, have a great opportunity to continue to work for the peace and stability of Ethiopia.”
Muhammadu Buhari

President Buhari indicated his preparedness to support the Ethiopian Prime Minister. He noted that, Nigeria, like many other countries, is counting on Abiy’s leadership to unleash the great economic potentials of Ethiopia by expanding investment opportunities, deepening relations and building trust at home and abroad.

Speaking on the elections that brought the 2019 Nobel Peace Laureate back to power, President Buhari said, “I commend the courage and commitment of the people of Ethiopia to the values and principles of democracy.

“I strongly believe that the outcome of the elections held in June is a reflection of the desire of the Ethiopian people for transformation through a free, fair and credible electoral process.”
Muhammadu Buhari

The President further noted that Abiy’s victory at the polls clearly affirmed the confidence of the Ethiopian people in his leadership, courage and credentials. He added, the victory also underscores the years of his contributions to the development of Ethiopia’s modern democracy.

While wishing the Prime Minister a successful tenure in office, President Buhari averred, he is looking forward to more fruitful and robust engagements between the two countries.

Abiy Sworn In as Ethiopian Prime Minister

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, was sworn in for a new five-year term on October 4, 2021 amid the ongoing war in the country. African heads of state from Senegal, Uganda and neighbouring Somalia, Djibouti, Kenya and South Sudan attended the ceremony in Addis Ababa. However, Sudan was not in attendance, as there have been escalations in border tensions.

The last years of Abiy’s first administration were overshadowed by the ongoing war in the northern Tigray region of the country, where tens of thousands of people were killed. The war began last year, November 2020, when Abiy accused the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) rebel group of attacking federal army camps.

The UN has repeatedly said that the Tigray region is entering famine phase as the government continues to block humanitarian aid into the area. Amidst heavy criticism from the United States, Europe and other governments, the Ethiopian foreign ministry kicked out seven senior UN officials.

However, in his inauguration speech, Prime Minister Abiy, said that the government planned to hold an inclusive national consultative forum with a view to narrowing political differences and avoiding internal strife. He also promised to address the issue of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), saying it would play a crucial role in strengthening regional integration.