Statement by Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora on the Award of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed

The award by the Nobel Peace Prize Committee of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize to His Excellency, Dr Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a welcome recognition of the major difference which determined and motivated leadership can bring to our world in times of turbulence and trials. Both in his effort to make the people of Ethiopia to be more at peace with each other and the courageous steps he has led to promote peace with all his country's neighbours, Dr Ahmed has been exemplary in his exercise of leadership for the advancement of the common good and the rekindling of hope that a peaceful world is not beyond our grasp.

From its regional hub for Africa and West Asia in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA)  has been privileged to be part of the ongoing effort led by Dr Ahmed to advance reforms towards democratic governance anchored on the free will of the citizenry.

The award of the 2019 Nobel Prize to the Prime Minister is an emphatic endorsement of the uncommon courage of leadership he has displayed. It is also an invitation to him and to all the friends and partners of Ethiopia to stay the course and walk with the people of Ethiopia in their march to the dawn of a new era of democracy and prosperity. International IDEA pledges its commitment to continue to stand by them knowing that much work still lies ahead.

Dr Kevin Casas-Zamora,
Secretary-General
International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA)