Ethiopia declares violence against civilians criminal
The Government of Ethiopia has declared violence against civilians a criminal act regardless of political justification. The Office of the Prime Minister disclosed this in a statement by the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Nigeria, Mr Legesse Haile, in Abuja. Haile said the policy statement was issued to address issues surrounding the national election, development progress, […]
The Government of Ethiopia has declared violence against civilians a criminal act regardless of political justification.
The Office of the Prime Minister disclosed this in a statement by the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Nigeria, Mr Legesse Haile, in Abuja.
Haile said the policy statement was issued to address issues surrounding the national election, development progress, and security challenges.
The envoy said that political grievances should be tackled through constitutional and democratic processes, stressing that extremism had no place in Ethiopia.
According to him, more than 54 million Ethiopians registered to vote, with more than 50,188 of 52,000 polling stations opened on time and 10,438 candidates from 42 political parties contesting seats.
He noted that assessments by the African Union, IGAD, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, and domestic observers supported the credibility of the electoral process.
“The Office of the Prime Minister rejects claims that the election outcome was predetermined,” Haile stated.
On the economy, he said growth was pegged at 9.2 per cent in 2024/25 and projected at 10.2 per cent in 2025/2026.
According to him, exports are projected to reach 20 billion dollars with inflation declining toward single-digit levels.
He listed major projects to include the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Bishoftu International Airport, Gode Urea Fertiliser Plant, Aysha II Wind Power Plant, and Assela Wind Farm.
Haile expressed condolences to families affected by recent attacks in Arsi Zone, saying security operations had brought the situation under control and operations against those responsible were continuing. (NAN)