PM Abiy Calls for Peace in Irreecha Message Amid Regional Diplomatic Crisis

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has issued a call for peace to those 'standing against their country' during his message for the Irreecha festival. This marks his first peace call since the resurgence of fighting in northern Ethiopia and the formation of a coalition by seven armed groups, including the OLA, TPLF, and Amhara Fano, aiming to topple the government. Abiy emphasized that Oromo questions cannot be answered through violence and highlighted efforts made to address cultural and identity rights. The peace call comes as Ethiopia faces severe diplomatic and security tensions, having recently closed its embassy in Asmara and expelled ten Eritrean diplomats. In response, Eritrea completely cut diplomatic ties with Ethiopia, while Egypt took similar reciprocal diplomatic steps. The African Union has expressed deep concern over the escalating situation and urged all three nations to exercise restraint.