Addis Ababa, 21 February 2018 - The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, is closely following the situation in Ethiopia. He recalls, in this respect, that Ethiopia is not only home to the African Union Headquarters, but also an important member of the Union. As such, Ethiopia plays a key role in promoting regional peace and security, as well as in the pursuit of the continental agenda.

The Chairperson is confident in the ability of the Ethiopian authorities and people to overcome the challenges at hand and to consolidate the remarkable progress made in the socio-economic development of the country. Last month, he welcomed the steps taken by the Ethiopian authorities to widen the political and democratic space. He is encouraged by the Government’s willingness to persevere on this path. He stresses the need for all concerned stakeholders to display a spirit of responsibility and refrain from any acts likely to undermine peace and stability. These are precious public goods without which neither prosperity nor democracy is conceivable.

The Chairperson stresses that the African Union is, as always, at the disposal of its Member States to assist them, whenever necessary and in the manner deemed to be the most appropriate, to address the challenges that necessarily arise in any endeavour to deepen democracy and advance development.

The Chairperson looks forward to the strengthening of the steps taken to respond to the concerns expressed by segments of the population in a spirit of dialogue, mutual tolerance and commitment to Ethiopia's best interests that transcend all political and other differences. The stability of Ethiopia is crucial for the well-being of its people, the region and Africa as a whole.