AU issues calls for peace, stability in Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 22 — The African Union Commission Chairperson
Moussa Faki Mahamat on Wednesday called for all Ethiopian stakeholders to
refrain from acts that undermine peace and stability.

Ethiopia imposed martial law on Friday for six months following a crippling
strike last week in Ethiopia’s central Oromia regional state and increasing
reports of ethnic clashes across the country. “I stress the need for all
concerned stakeholders to display a spirit of responsibility and refrain
from any acts likely to undermine peace and stability,” said the statement
from Mahamat. “The Chairperson is confident in the ability of the
Ethiopian authorities and people to overcome the challenges at hand and to
consolidate the remarkable progress made in the socio-economic development
of the country,” it further said. Mahamat also said the AU welcomes steps
taken by Ethiopian authorities in January to widen the political and
democratic space. “The stability of Ethiopia is crucial for the well-being
of its people, the region and Africa as a whole,” said the statement.

Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous nation, is home to the AU
headquarters and is an influential member state in the 55-nation member
continental body. Ethiopia has been facing incessant protests since 2016,
especially in three most populous regional states Oromia, Amhara and
Southern due to alleged political and economic marginalization.The unrest
that has led to the deaths of hundreds has been dubbed by analysts as the
gravest challenge the ruling coalition Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary
Democratic Front faced in 25 years. – XINHUA