Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed today declared that the historic Fasil Ghebbi (Fasil Castle) has achieved a "new rebirth," having been beautifully restored and adorned. The Prime Minister, accompanied by First Lady Zinash Tayachew and senior government officials, officially inaugurated the renovated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Addressing the significance of the monument, the prime minister described Fasil Castle as a "precious treasure that we cannot find anywhere else." He lamented the nation's failure to utilize its vast historical assets, stating, "Because it is in our hands, we have not given it the value it deserves."
Dr. Abiy expressed regret over the missed opportunities: "If we had developed our country using this golden treasure that our forefathers handed down to us, Ethiopia would not be a recipient of aid and a beggar today."
The prime minister identified a key national challenge as the tendency to diminish great leaders and achievements. "Our main problem is that we diminish ourselves and seek to drag the great ones down to our level," he stated, attributing past national setbacks to the prevalence of those who "pull the great down to belittle them."
He stressed that true progress comes from "admiring and respecting the great" and building upon their legacy. He said that by studying the work of past leaders and adding "a brick upon their work," the country can achieve cumulative growth. Conversely, he warned that "belittling the great and undermining their work is diminishing."
He emphasized the importance of historical memory: "Our past is our identity and our memorial, so we must not forget our past." He added that remembering the past is a fundamental part of human nature, which provides the strength needed to move forward. He concluded his historical remarks by urging the youth to prepare for their future, which he said lies within the history and renewed beauty of Gondar.
During the inauguration, the prime minister delivered a strong appeal for peace, noting that security is vital for development. He argued that it should be "the local people and owners themselves," not strangers, who move freely to witness and support their country's progress.
Challenging the current security situation, he questioned, "How can development be carried out if the people of Gondar have to be protected by soldiers just to travel from Gondar to Gorgora?"
He called on those who have resorted to armed struggle to abandon conflict, urging them not to "waste time." He insisted, "What is needed is for them to return and work in unity and cooperation to develop the country."
Reaffirming the federal government's respect for regional autonomy, Dr. Abiy asserted, "Today, no one rules over Gondar, Bahir Dar, or the Amhara region except the people of Amhara descent." He clarified that the federal government's role is limited to supporting regional development and not interfering in day-to-day affairs.
Concluding his message with a powerful call to action, the prime minister urged all to seize this opportunity for national renewal. "If we work in a spirit of cooperation instead of spoiling this opportunity, our future and the future of our children will be beautiful," he stated, and made a final plea:
"I want to appeal to you to stand together in a spirit of cooperation for the rebirth of Gondar, Bahir Dar, Amhara, and Ethiopia."
