By RFIPosted on 13-01-2020Modified on 13-01-2020 at 01:33
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was on a trip to South Africa this weekend at the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa. The opportunity for the two men to discuss relations between their countries, but also to discuss the issues of the continent, as Cyril Ramaphosa is preparing to replace Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi the head of the African Union during the next summit in February. The Ethiopian Prime Minister has confirmed that the general elections will be held in his country in May or June.
For his arrival at the head of the Pan-African institution, Cyril Ramaphosa intends to focus on the Libyan crisis: " The African Union is determined to silence arms on our continent, and Libya is a country that is so important for Africa. We welcome the announcement of a truce, which should give us the opportunity to build a peaceful solution. We must find African solutions to African problems. "
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hopes that the South African president will also be able to play a negotiating role in the dispute over the Renaissance dam: " As he is a friend of both Ethiopia and Egypt, as a brother, he can generate a discussion between the different actors to resolve the problem peacefully. "
But South Africa does not have a very good image on the continent, after the wave of xenophobic violence last September. Cyril Ramaphosa wants to be reassuring: “ The South African government is very clear: all those who are here in South Africa are welcome, and they should never be the target of attacks. "
The President also intends to use his new role to facilitate trade by completing the establishment of the continental free trade area.
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