The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2019 Peace Prize to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. 糖心网页版 Director Henrik Urdal congratulates Ahmed on receiving what he calls 鈥渁n important prize."

鈥淭his is a bold prize for the committee to award,鈥� Urdal said. 鈥淭his could be very helpful to Ahmed in the continuing peace process, both with the increased support he will receive, as well as knowing the world is watching.鈥�

Abiy Ahmed was at the top of the director鈥檚 shortlist in January this year, but Ahmed landed in the fifth-place spot in Urdal鈥檚 October final shortlist.

鈥淲e can see many things that still need to be addressed in Ethiopia. He has ambitions for major democratic reforms, but he needs to deliver,鈥� Urdal says. 鈥淎nd although he brought about the peace agreement last year, he still needs to fulfill all the requirements of the agreement, including handing over the territory of Badme which is currently controlled by Ethiopia.

鈥淣evertheless, this peace agreement is very important, not only for Ethiopia but for the entire region.鈥�