How Ethiopia PM 'stole the show' at Sudan transition event

Sudan’s post Omar Al-Bashir transition is taking shape months after the former leader was ousted by the military following a popular uprising that started in December 2018.

The Sunday August 18 signing of a transition deal between the military junta and leaders of the protest movement, the Forces for Freedom and Change, FFC, marked the highlight so far of events.

A number of African leaders were in the capital Khartoum for the formal signing of the agreement. They were largely from countries in the region except for Eritrea’s conspicuous absence.

Leaders present included:

• Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya
• Salva Kiir of South Sudan
• Faustin Archange Touadera of Central African Republic
• Idris Deby Itno of Chad
• The Egyptian Prime Minister was present
• Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s presence clearly stood out as his name was always greeted with cheers by people in the hall. He delivered a statement at the event urging Sudanese people to guard their peace.

In his remarks following the signing of the Sudan agreement, PM Abiy Ahmed called upon the people of Sudan to be the custodians of peace and the guardians of dignity as they work toward building a democracy.#PMOEthiopia pic.twitter.com/opnG9R9R6Z

— Office of the Prime Minister – Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) August 17, 2019

Clips on social media showed the introduction of visiting leaders go by almost unnoticed till Abiy’s name was mentioned then the hall erupted into claps and cheers.

Same as when he was introduced and invited to deliver his address. Also on social media, Sudanese have been posting messages of gratitude for the role Abiy played.

I felt a bit bad for President of #Chad Idris Deby, President of #SouthSudan Salva Kiir & President of #Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta. When their names announced, the room was quite & nonchalant. When PMEthiopia Abiy Ahmed was called out the entire room erupted with applause #Ethiopia pic.twitter.com/w66qLj0J0V

— Naty Berhane Yifru (Natberh) August 17, 2019

‘A prophet has no honor in his own country’ #Ethiopia #Sudan pic.twitter.com/dQA5h7Dl8j

— dawit m beshah (@dawitmekonnen6) August 17, 2019

The only one we trust
The only one we feel safe with
The only one that serves our interests sincerely
Aabi Ahmed ❤#Ethiopia❤#توقيع_الاتفاق_السوداني pic.twitter.com/cJ3WDrpp2h

— eltayeb banani??◀▶?? (@eltayebbanani) August 17, 2019

Great love “Ethiopia“❤
17 ,August #توقيع_الاتفاق_السوداني pic.twitter.com/ZsD1Zbg0Ic

— àbdó (@abdo_izaldeen) August 17, 2019

No words to describe the LOVE we have to you and your nation

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Long live Sudan
Long live Ethiopia

?????

God bless MAMA AFRICA#مدنييييااااااااااااوووووو#توقيع_الاتفاق_السوداني pic.twitter.com/xFaYrPNBhf

— Zoro???? (@A7mdKing) August 17, 2019

A superb diplomatic show off by Ethiopia in the Sudan peace process. pic.twitter.com/10XyTu96Ix

— Elias Meseret Taye (@EliasMeseret) August 17, 2019

He was also a signatory to the ceremony along with other witnesses. Abiy over the last few months played a crucial mediation role in the crisis. Visiting Khartoum to meet with the two sides and deploying an envoy, Ambassador Mahmoud Dirir, to represent him in the mediation process.

Abiy also received at his office in Addis Ababa, junta leaders who made the trip to discuss issues back home. Ethiopia and the African Union, AU; have been lauded for their efforts in a successful transition deal in Sudan.

The AU, after what experts described as missteps and failure to act, expelled Sudan from the body pending return to civilian rule. Its envoy, however, worked with the parties along with Abiy’s rep in sealing the current deal.

A new Prime Minister has been named in the person of a former United Nations economist, Abdalla Hamdock. Reports indicate that the opposition alliance will also nominate Mohamed Alhafiz Mahmoud as public prosecutor and Abdelqadir Mohamed Ahmed as head of the judiciary.

Completing the Sudan visit, PM Abiy returned to Ethiopia with over 100 female victims of trafficking that have been in Sudan enroute to other countries. Among those that returned with PM Abiy also include individuals released from imprisonment for various offenses. #PMOEthiopia pic.twitter.com/NXqY6VTQxj

— Office of the Prime Minister – Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) August 17, 2019