Buhari calls for peace in Ethiopia as Abiy Ahmed is sworn in for second term

President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria will continue to support the unity of Ethiopia.

According to a statement issued by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, Buhari spoke on Monday in Addis Ababa at the inauguration of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for a second term in office.

The president called on Ethiopians to put personal interests aside and work towards lasting peace in the country.

”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 wellbeing of Ethiopia,” Buhari said.

”Your excellency, you, therefore, have a great opportunity to continue to work for the peace and stability of Ethiopia.”

Buhari said Nigeria and many other countries are counting on Ahmed’s leadership to unlock the “great economic potentials of Ethiopia by expanding investment opportunities, deepening relations and building trust at home and abroad”.

”I commend the courage and commitment of the people of Ethiopia to the values and principles of democracy,” Buhari said.

”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.”

Buhari said Nigeria and Ethiopia will continue to collaborate for a beneficial relationship.

Ahmed secured another five-year term in office after the governing Prosperity Party won the most parliamentary seats in the country.

The East African country is embroiled in an ethnic conflict in the northern region of Tigray, in which thousands have been killed and 1.7 million displaced, according to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).