By Staff Reporter
October 19, 2020 (Ezega.com) -- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed full confidence over the ability of the Ethiopian security forces to defend the territorial integrity, protect the nation from insurgency and foil terrorist attacks.
The premier speech followed series comments mostly from the opposition forces that the nation is nearing disintegration due to unfolding religious and ethnic based attacks which the government failed to stop.
“The premier’s speech was so maddening” a member of ethnic Amharas whose relatives were killed by recent attacks in Metekel Zone of Benishangul-Gumuz region of western Ethiopia told Ezega.com on condition of anonymity. At least 150 ethnic Amhara, Agew and Shinasha people have been killed since last September by the ethnic crisis in the zone.
The government has begun arming some members of those ethnic groups since last Friday after government security forces failed to defend the civilians from looming attacks in which members of the regional officials were allegedly involved.
“The government has created a strong security force that can defend the nation from any possible attacks after it conducted rigorous security reform during the past two years,” Abiy told the MPs.
He said the security forces have managed to foil planned attacks against religious and traditional celebrations conducted in Addis Ababa last September.
“We made the reform to deter vulnerability to external attacks. Accordingly, there is nothing that threatens the sovereignty of the country considering the ability of the country’s security forces.” Abiy said
Asked about security challenges recurring in Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, the premier said that the attacks were complicated and orchestrated by foreign and domestic anti-peace elements.
Asked about the ongoing sour relationship between the federal government and Tigray Regional State, Abiy said the problem will be resolved legally and in accordance with a decision passed by the House of Federation on the basis of the constitution and other related laws.
Speaking about economic issues, Abiy said Ethiopia has reported 6.1 percent economic growth during its last fiscal year which ended on July 8, 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic.
He said agriculture, industry, and service sectors are amongst the better-growing sectors registering 4.3, 9, and 5.3 percent growth respectively.
According to the prime minister, the country’s per capita income has reached $1000 while its GDP has hit $107.4 billion.
Abiy further said following the change birr notes, the number of citizens with saving accounts has increased from 37.8 million to 50.7 million which will have a positive impact in boosting the capacity of financial institutions to provide loans to investments.
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