Uhuru Receives Award During Visit To Ethiopia

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, was on Sunday, April 23 recognized and awarded alongside other stakeholders for his contribution to the peaceful settlement of the conflict in the northern part of Ethiopia.

The Former President was awarded during a recognition program organized by the Ethiopian government to take stock of lessons learned from the African Union-led and Ethiopian-owned peace process.

Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the African Union (AU) High Representative for the Horn of Africa, and Phumzile, Mlambo- Ngcuka the former deputy president of the Republic of South Africa, were also awarded in the event themed "Enough with war lets sustain peace." 

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta receives award during a recognition program organized by the Ethiopian government on April 23, 2023. /FACEBOOK.4THPRESIDENTKE

In his remarks at the event, held at Friendship Square Addis Ababa, Kenyatta commended the people of Ethiopia for their commitment to finding lasting peace in the Northern region, saying the found peace is a testimony that the African continent can resolve her problems.

"The commitment shown and the leadership of the African Union has indeed proved that Africa can work out her problems, and what has happened in Ethiopia is a testimony that Africa can work out its problems," he said. 

He further said Ethiopia is the heart of Africa and is a country of great potential that has shown the world how different nationalities and communities can live peacefully under one flag.  

On his part, Nigeria's former President Obasanjo commended the people of Ethiopia and all parties that played a role in finding lasting peace in the country's Northern Region. 

He particularly thanked the African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki for entrusting the High-Level panel with the sensitive task and the appointed panel for their commitment to the process. 

Obasanjo further urged the people of Ethiopia to continue honouring the peace agreement saying he has great hope for unity, peace, security, and stability. 

Other leaders recognized and awarded in the ceremony that began by observing a minute of silence for the people who lost their lives during the war included the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor, among other dignitaries.

The joint African Union Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mission (AU-MVCM) team was also among those rewarded during the event. 

The conflict in Northern Ethiopia found a peaceful resolution through the Peace agreement signed on November 2, 2022, in Pretoria, South Africa, where the Ethiopian government and the regional forces from Tigray agreed to cease hostilities, a surprise diplomatic breakthrough after nearly two years of war.

The Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) interim President Getachew Reda also graced the occasion alongside other government and Tigray officials.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta speaks after receiving award during a recognition program organized by the Ethiopian government on April 23, 2023. /FACEBOOK.4THPRESIDENTKE