Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed yesterday responded to the multi-ethnic disputes on the ownership of Addis Ababa, saying that “Addis Ababa belongs to all of us.”
“As to the people who are engaged in the debate, who does Addis Ababa rightly belong to, we should try to examine their respective claims in light of the context and perspectives. What do they mean when they say this? “Abiy demanded on Thursday when he held his second press conference with local media outlets since taking office. “When I say Addis Ababa belongs to me implying that you don’t have a share in it, I have erred. If I’m making the claim in the way that would give the impression that you don’t belong there, this is wrong. Addis Ababa belongs to all of us.”
When the federal arrangement was initially instituted, there was an interest to make Addis Ababa part of Oromia but was later dropped, the Prime Minister said. “Since it was surrounded by the region, the constitution stipulate special rights of Oromia over the capital,” he added.
Abiy also
“Our primary concern should be how we should improve the living condition of its people, some of whom are still living in abject poverty, using kerosene lamp for light.”
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