ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – The Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, declared the nation will overcome its opponents, describing them as “hair lice” while urging unity and strength in a country that has faced instability challenges recently.
During the 20th Ethiopian Nationalities and People’s Day celebration, Prime Minister Ahmed called for resilience and peace, warning those he accuses of undermining national stability.
He advised citizens to remain vigilant and cautioned against becoming instruments of foreign powers. Although not naming the adversaries, Ethiopia is reportedly in disputes with nations such as Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea regarding strategic national interests.
“When outsiders act with malicious intent to thwart our ambitions, Ethiopians must not become instruments for their goals, as a rope tangled by them neither loosens nor tightens,” he stated.
The Premier encouraged Ethiopians to value national unity over division.
“When we should stand together, let us not allow the desires of outsiders with ill intentions to penetrate our midst, so we are not judged harshly by history,” he remarked as cited by Addis Standard.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of dialogue, hard work, and combating corruption. He advocated for national advancement.
“Let us summon courage and protect our peace. Let us embrace dialogue. Let us apply ourselves diligently in every endeavor we pursue, and let us reject corruption,” Abiy remarked, noting that modernization must advance while preserving sovereignty.
Portraying Ethiopia as “a nation filled with great promise,” he mentioned the country is achieving positive outcomes despite efforts to obstruct its progress.
“While these fortunate beginnings are blessed by our Creator, attempts are constantly made by sinister forces to derail them,” he observed.
Abiy pledged that Ethiopia would endure challenges and advance toward prosperity. Ethiopia is in conflict with Egypt over Nile River waters, while it continues to search maritime access through neighboring countries.
“No obstacle, no provocation, no wicked plot can prevent Ethiopia from achieving prosperity. We will convert every challenge into an opportunity and advance Ethiopia’s prosperity. We will reinforce Ethiopia’s unity. We will eliminate Ethiopia’s adversaries one by one, like bothersome lice,” stated the Prime Minister.
“We will conclude in peace, just as we began in peace. We, descendants of Colonel Bezabih, will not be frightened; we will complete with valor what we started with valor,” he informed the audience.
The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize recipient is accused of destabilizing the Horn of Africa, which he denies. Eritrea and Somalia have accused him repeatedly of employing military force to secure access to the Red Sea for establishing a military base and port.
