Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that mere political competition is insufficient for Ethiopia’s growth, highlighting the necessity of cooperation in the country’s development. The premier engaged in discussions with representatives from various political parties across Ethiopia.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the discussions were part of ongoing reforms in the political landscape. Prime Minister Abiy expressed openness to working collaboratively with political rivals who contribute constructive ideas, stressing that a balanced approach is essential for maintaining Ethiopia’s strength. Drawing from his experience with leaders from opposing parties currently in his cabinet, he shared that while debates and disagreements have occurred, collaboration on macroeconomic policy and governance has been a productive endeavor over the past four years.
The prime minister underscored that collaboration is more effective than conflict or persecution. He reiterated that cooperation is crucial for nation-building, emphasizing that working together is always a preferable option. He noted that his advocacy for cooperation is not merely rhetorical; he actively implements these principles and continues to build upon them where necessary.
Acknowledging Ethiopia’s limitations due to a lack of established democratic practices, Prime Minister Abiy stressed the importance of identifying and addressing existing gaps. He mentioned that over 30 issues raised by political parties at zonal and woreda levels have already been resolved across regions.
To promote political inclusivity, the National Election Board is deploying senior officials to identify and tackle structural challenges at the local level, ensuring accountability and responsiveness within the system. The prime minister concluded by emphasizing that such meetings are not only for discussion but also for gathering input and driving improvements.