Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has stated that East Hararghe is home to untouched natural and historical resources that require extensive professional study.

The Prime Minister explained that natural and historical assets, including caves that have remained undisturbed for thousands of years in the East Hararghe Zone, must be subjected to wide-ranging research by experts. 

During his visit to the zone, he toured several caves and natural attractions dating back millennia. In one cave, measuring approximately 500 meters in depth and 30 meters in length, he noted the presence of various mineral mixtures resembling white marble, limestone, and granite.

"How these places were formed and what role humans played requires extensive study based on professional expertise, knowledge, and clear data," the Prime Minister urged. He pointed out that the East Hararghe area is rich in wild horses, elephants, and hot springs, as well as valuable minerals like marble and granite. He further explained that if infrastructure is fulfilled, the region—including the Somali and Harari regions—possesses immense potential that could be converted into significant development and wealth.

In a related address during his visit to the historic Nasiol Cave in Melka Belo Woreda, Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the inseparable link between the Harari Region, the East Hararghe Zone, and the Somali Region. He noted that the human power and natural resources of these areas should remain integrated, adding that by developing tourism and development assets such as the Shebelle hot springs, it is possible to economically link Jijiga, Harar, and East Hararghe.

Pointing out that Ethiopia still possesses many untouched and unknown resources, Dr. Abiy stated that the country's development strategies should not rely on foreign information. He emphasized that Ethiopia must instead design development policies based on its own data and resources. The Prime Minister stressed that "Data Sovereignty" is crucial to showing the true image of the country.

"A policy that a country works on based on its own sovereign data is authentic; it shows the country's true face and shape. However, policies we work on based on information obtained from others do not represent our objective reality and cannot bring about complete change," PM Abiy explained.