Nobel Peace Prize 2019: Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed wins for role in ending 20-year war with Eritrea
Two countries restored relations in July 2018 after decades of hostility
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has won the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending the 20-year war between Ethiopia and Eritrea.
Ethiopia and Eritrea, long-time foes who fought a border war from 1998 to 2000, restored relations in July 2018 after two decades of hostility.
The prize, worth nine million Swedish crowns (about £725,000) will be presented in the Norwegian capital of Oslo on 10 December.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee said: “Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has been awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and in particular for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea.”
Prime Minister Abiy's office said Ethiopia is “proud as a nation”, and called on “all Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia to continue standing on the side of peace”.
There is a long history of the Nobel Peace Prize going to people associated with ending conflicts, most recently Colombia’s Juan Manuel Santos who was awarded the prize in 2016 for his efforts to bring his country’s more than 50-year-long civil war to an end.
Sixteen-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was reported to be a favourite for this year’s award after being nominated by three Norwegian MPs.
While German chancellor Angela Merkel and protesters in Hong Kong were also rumoured to have made the shortlist.
At 43, Abiy is Africa’s youngest leader.
He took office in April 2018 after widespread protests pressured the long-time ruling coalition and hurt one of the world’s fastest growing economies.
The prime minister quickly announced dramatic reforms and “Abiymania” began.
In a move that caused surprise, he announced that Ethiopia would accept a peace agreement with Eritrea, ending one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts.
Within weeks, Eritrea’s leader visited Addis Ababa and communications and transport links were restored.
The move saw long-divided families make tearful reunions after 20 years.
Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, congratulated Mr Abi Ahmed on winning the prize, adding: “We have witnessed the dramatic improvement in relations between the two countries during Dr Abiy Ahmed’s government after conflict and tension over the years produced displacement and suffering.
“As the recipient of the Nobel prize, [he] must now make resolving ethnic tensions within Ethiopia a priority and work tirelessly to bring peace to his people.”
Since 1901, 99 Nobel Peace Prizes have been handed out, to individuals and 24 organisations.
Agencies contributed to this report
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments