Ethiopian PM receives Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo amid ethnic violence at home

OSLO, Norway - At 43, Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopian PM on Tuesday walked to the podium in Oslo as the youngest African leader to ever receive Nobel Peace Prize, one of the greatest achievements for mankind.

Just under 18 months since he took over, the Ethiopian Prime Minister has been hailed for engineering radical positive reforms in a country that fought against the autocratic system for decades.

But despite embracing the freedom of press, political liberalism among others, Abiy was awarded ostensibly for striking a peace deal with neighboring Eritrea.

While receiving the award, Abiy said: "Today, Ethiopia is highly regarded for press freedom. It is no more oppression against journalists."

Noting tremendous political freedom, Abiy added: "We are creating an Ethiopia that is 2nd to none in its guarantee of freedoms of expression."

At home, Ethiopia is witnessing worst ethnic violence, which has already led to massive deaths and destruction of properties.

In October, at least 78 people were killed at his Oromiya region following clashes with the police.

The angry youths were responding to claims that activist Jawar Mohammed had been stripped off guards.

Several states have been calling for autonomy, a move which is closely linked to political freedoms encouraged by Ahmed.

However, Mr Ahmed on Tuesday emphasized his commitment towards the promotion of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa nation.

"I am committed to toil for peace every single day and in all seasons. I am my brother’s keeper. I am my sister’s keeper too. I have promises to keep before I sleep. I have miles to go on the road of peace."

Nobel Peace Prize committee had expressed disappointment following Abiy's decision to snub media in Oslo, a divergence from an established tradition.

The head of the Nobel Institute, Olav Njolstad, called the decision "highly problematic".

"It's linked to the situation in his country and his personality: he's religious (Pentecostal) and does not want to put himself in the spotlight," Njolstad told AFP.

Abiy's entourage said it was "quite challenging" for a sitting leader to spend several days at such an event, especially when "domestic issues are pressing and warrant attention".

Even as he reinvents a quick solution towards ethnic violence, Abiy is also facing pressure from neighboring Somalia over alleged incursion in some states.

Last month, Ahmed was also able to strike a deal with Sudan and Egypt following a crisis over Nile waters in which Ethiopia is building a multimillion dam.

GAROWE ONLINE