Abiy Ahmed

“It takes a few to make war, but it takes a village and a nation to build peace.”

“War is the epitome of hell for all involved. I know because I have been there and back.”

“Working hard on peace process is a very good thing for yourself, for your region, for your country.”

“I don't have any clue about the criteria, how the Nobel committee selects an individual for the prize.”

“If you give me $100bn now, I can't use it. There is not only money, there is talent and experience. That's why we need the private sector.”

“Many Ethiopians see yesterday. I see tomorrow.”

“Negative peace is possible as long as you have a strong army.”

“I believed peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea was within reach.”

“Our lifestyle is deeply communal, with extended families traditionally sharing the burdens and bounties of life together, eating meals from the same plate.”

“Well, peace is a very expensive commodity in my country, as well as in my region.”

“Health is a worldwide public good. It requires global action guided by a sense of global solidarity.”

“Well the message I have for everyone working on peace, is that bringing results on peace can be easily entrained passively.”

“I was a young soldier when war broke out between Ethiopia and Eritrea.”

“Covid-19 teaches us that we are all global citizens connected by a single virus that recognises none of our natural or man-made diversity: not the colour of our skin, nor our passports, or the gods we worship.”

“I have done so many great things compared to many leaders. But I didn't do 1 per cent of what I am dreaming.”

“And if you can change Addis, definitely you can change Ethiopia.”

“Ethiopia has made steady progress in the provision of health services over the past two decades. But nothing has prepared us for threats posed by Covid-19.”