Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed responding to inquiries on the government's six-month performance, has identified three deeply ingrained obstacles that continue to prevent the nation from achieving lasting peace.

The Prime Minister characterized these issues as historical and psychological burdens from which the country has "not yet fully freed" itself.

1. The Culture of Force

The Prime Minister pointed to the "long-standing practice of resolving differences solely through force" as a primary driver of unrest. He noted that for generations, political and social grievances have been settled on the battlefield rather than through dialogue, creating a cycle of violence that persists today.

2. A Tradition of Betrayal

Describing an "age-old tradition of betrayal," Abiy warned that internal political infidelities and the shifting of allegiances have historically undermined state-building efforts. This lack of trust among political actors, he suggested, makes it difficult to forge the durable alliances necessary for a stable democracy.

3. Fear of Ethiopian Prosperity

Finally, the Prime Minister highlighted external pressures, citing a "continuous fear" among regional and international enemies that a prosperous Ethiopia would disrupt the status quo. He argued that this anxiety leads to efforts by outside forces to stifle the country’s growth and capitalize on its internal divisions.