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Ethiopia's PM Abiy Calls for New Political Era in Tigray, Resolution to Wolkait Dispute

Feb 03, 2026 170

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called for a fundamental shift in the political status of the Tigray region, urging its people to transition from being a passive "stage"for external political drama to becoming primary actors in their own right. Describing Tigrayans as a peace-loving people who seek to overcome current hardships through hard work and cooperation with fellow Ethiopians, the Prime Minister emphasized that such a transformation requires a new political mindset. He specifically called on regional politicians to move from supporting roles to becoming leading figures in the nation's political landscape.

Addressing the long-standing and sensitive issue of the Wolkayit area, PM Abiy affirmed the federal governments commitment to the right of all residents to live in peace. Despite years of competing claims between the Amhara and Tigray regions, he stated that the government's priority is to ensure no one is displaced under its watch. He further insisted that those previously displaced should return to their homes and be allowed to administer themselves, asserting that the resolution of local disputes must come from the residents themselves rather than external decision-makers.

Looking ahead to the national democratic process, the Prime Minister told Parliament that the government is working intensively to ensure the upcoming election is peaceful, fair, and more inclusive than previous polls. Challenging the public to judge the process by its results, he expressed confidence that the next parliament would be a forum for diverse voices. He concluded by maintaining that the election would be conducted peacefully and would offer tangible benefits to all participating political forces.