#Ethiopia #Afar Sultan #Ahmed Alimirah #Afar #Peace Talks

Sultan of Afar Calls for Urgent Peace

The Sultan of Afar, Ahmed Alimirah, has made a powerful statement advocating for peace amid the ongoing turmoil in the Afar region of Ethiopia. In a poignant declaration titled "This is Not Our War," the Sultan emphasizes the dire humanitarian crisis faced by the Afar people, one of Ethiopia's most marginalized ethnic groups. Facing violence that they did not initiate, the community bears the heavy cost as homes are abandoned, livestock are lost, and lives are cut short.

As fighting escalates, the Afar population struggles with displacement, limited access to emergency aid, and disrupted communication channels. Last year, a tragic incident involved the loss of eleven Afars from Siyaru, a remote village near the Ethiopia-Djibouti border, due to a Djiboutian drone strike reportedly targeting suspected terrorists. Investigations revealed that the strike hit civilian territory, with many innocent lives, including women and children, affected within a community already grappling for survival. Ahmed Alimirah has been notably vocal in condemning such actions, standing firm for the rights of his community.

The Sultan underscores the strategic significance of Afar, as the region is located on a crucial transport corridor linking Addis Ababa to Djibouti, facilitating over 95% of Ethiopia's trade. Unfortunately, this importance has turned the area into a battleground. The Sultanate is seeking dialogue with the United Nations and the African Union to initiate discussions aimed at diffusing the conflict.

Alimirah's statement reflects a historic truth: the Afars have consistently defended their homeland and contributed to Ethiopia's integrity long before contemporary governments and armed factions emerged. "This war must be resolved through dialogue," he insists, echoing the sentiments for an immediate de-escalation and a revival of peace talks. The community calls for genuine discussions rooted in mutual respect for Ethiopia's sovereignty.

In the face of such adversity, the Sultan appeals to both local communities and the international community to support the UN and African Union's calls for peace and to prioritize dialogue over conflict. He articulates the urgent need to shift towards a peaceful resolution, ensuring that the legacy of future generations is not marked by the scars of war but by the triumph of dialogue and understanding.

For further insights, read the full statement titled "This is Not Our War". Additional information on the humanitarian crisis in Afar can be obtained through media inquiries.