Abiy said it's important that the region does not become a "battleground" as more Western powers expand their military operations and terrorist groups seek to establish their foothold in the region."We do not want the Horn to be a battleground for superpowers nor a hideout for the merchants of terror and brokers of despair and misery," Abiy said in his Nobel lecture in the Norwegian capital on Tuesday.Abiy was awarded the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize in October for his role in ending the 20-year war between Ethiopia and Eritrea.He is also being recognized for brokering peace in ongoing disputes in some other East African countries, Berit Reiss-Andersen, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said in her speech before presenting Abiy with the medal on Tuesday."You have demonstrated an understanding that peace among neighbors is essential in a troubled region. You have made common cause with all the stakeholders from Eritrea, Djibouti, Sudan, South Sudan, and Kenya who have participated in promoting mediation and peaceful resolution," she said.Abiy has garnered praise for implementing radical political reforms since he took office last year, including freeing thousands of political prisoners and appointing women to almost half of the top posts in his cabinet.
However, not everyone is happy about his role in ending the two-decade dispute with Eritrea. His critics say the deal has not translated to peace for Eritreans and that Abiy's support of Eritrean President Isaias AfRead More – Source
