His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali: The Peacemaker Politician of Ethiopia, Part 2 of 2

In July 2018, His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President, His Excellency Isaias Afwerki, also a Shining World Leadership Award for Peace Laureate, re-established peaceful relations that ended two decades of unstable relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea. In the following months, Ethiopia withdrew its troops from the Ethiopian-Eritrean borders and diplomatic relations were restored. Air and telecommunication services were reestablished and joint infrastructure and development projects developed. Families separated for two long decades were also joyously reunited. Dr. Abiy Ahmed believes that harmony restores faith in humanity and renews hope and confidence for the future. This historic rapprochement has certainly yielded abundant rewards. Additionally, His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed and his government have contributed to other efforts for peace and reconciliation in East and Northeast Africa. In September 2018, His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Eritrea’s President, His Excellency Isaias Afwerki, and Somalia’s President, His Excellency Mohamed Abdullahi “Farmajo,” also a Shining World Leadership Award for Peace Laureate, signed the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Cooperation. Soon after, Ethiopian Airlines resumed flights to Somalia after a 41-year halt of air travel between the two neighboring countries. His Excellency Dr. Abiy Ahmed also played an important role in welcoming a new dawn of peace in South Sudan. In October 2018, His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, South Sudan’s President, and the opposition leader, former vice president, His Excellency Dr. Riek Machar, both Shining World Leadership Award for Peace Laureates, met in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa. There, they signed a final and comprehensive peace agreement that formally ended a five-year conflict. Upon hearing of this wonderful peace news, “With all best auspicious wishes in God’s Grace,” Supreme Master Ching Hai joyously presented the Shining World Leadership Award for Peace to Their Excellencies Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Salva Kiir Mayardit, and Dr. Riek Machar, “with high salute and gratitude for making peace and saving lives.”