Mogadishu (UM) – President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo was among the first leaders to congratulate Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed when it was announced that he won the Nobel Peace Prize for mainly his efforts in making peace with Eritrea. This ended the over 20 years of hostility between the two countries and also triggered a regional effort to cooperate and coordinate peace and economic activities.
The Nobel Prize was awarded to Prime Minister Abiy for more than just Eritrea because he has embarked on historic political, economic and social reforms at home. Yet, UM feels it wise for Prime Minister Abiy to share the Nobel Prize with President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and President Esaias Afwerki who are his partners in the agenda to improve stability, connectivity and economic cooperation in the Horn of Africa region. It is true and on record that President Farmajo was key in initiating the Horn of Africa Initiative and without President Afwerki’s cooperation and good will the Nobel Prize would not have come easily to Prime Minister Abiy who is facing huge challenges at home.
Prime Minister Abiy and Ethiopia should be proud of the Nobel Peace Prize award but it is a test of character to understand those people, situations and actions which made such a prestigious prize possible.
Prime Minister Abiy has to know and show that regional cooperation for peace and economic development is not a one man show like the Nobel Prize assumes but a team effort across many neighbourly borders. If he can do this by requesting to share the prize with Presidents Farmajo and Afwerki, he will be an even better leader in the eyes of the World. Even if the Nobel Committee refuse his request, he will be remembered for trying.