Nobel Peace Prize winner should inspire leaders globally
Published: Sat 12 Oct 2019, 9:26 PM
Last updated: Sat 12 Oct 2019, 11:27 PM
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has won the Noble peace prize for mending ties with Eritrea. The coveted award recognises the prime minister's efforts in bringing peace to his country and resolving the two-decade-old border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea. The conflict was a huge financial drain for both the countries.
Ali's vision has helped Ethiopia and Eritrea achieve historic rapprochement and his leadership has set a wonderful example for others in Africa and beyond to follow. It shows diplomacy and engagement is the best way forward, not confrontation. Abiy Ahmed has also played a significant role in bringing peace to the Horn of African region. He has also won plaudits for brokering a power-sharing deal in Sudan, Somalia and Djibouti, all these nations have had some border disputes. At 43, he is the youngest leader to win this prestigious award. He has also made peace a key agenda of his government. This is a well-deserved honour for an extraordinary leader and statesman, who thought of larger interest for his country and the region as wars and conflicts only bring destruction and misery for both.
- Ramesh G. Jethwani, Bengaluru, India
*Prime Minister of Ethiopia Dr Abiy Ahmed is a worthy winner of the Nobel peace prize this year. His relentless efforts and diplomacy have helped bring peace to the two countries. It has helped stop senseless killing of innocent citizens, and allowed reunions of families that have long been separated because of animosity between the two countries that share cultural bonds. South African leader Nelson Mandela stood for peace, and now it is great to see another African leader inspiring others to do the same. Hope countries are taking note.
-Thouqeer Ahmed, Dubai