AFRICA/ETHIOPIA - The National Director of the PMS: prayer, the only weapon in the dramatic situation in the Horn of Africa

Tuesday, 9 November 2021 wars civil war prayer

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Hosanna (Agenzia Fides) - "We have followed Pope Francis' appeal on the conflict situation in the Horn of Africa in general and the Ethiopian people in particular with attentiveness. This appeal to prayer is the only possible solution and the only way forward: we hope that the Pope's appeal to join in prayer will be heard and above all the warning to fraternal harmony and dialogue will be respected", says to Fides the Apostolic Vicar of Hosanna, Mgr. Seyoum Fransua, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Ethiopia.
The Bishop adds: "It is necessary that dialogue between the parties prevail, which I still do not see being sought by all sides. It is urgent to respect the Pope's call for prayer and reconciliation; in this critical moment his paternal closeness is a strong call for everyone to resolve this dramatic conflict, which is claiming so many victims, through the path of peace". The situation in Ethiopia has now reached a critical point. The anti-government rebel front is widening and aiming for final conflict thanks to a new alliance signed in the United States by nine groups opposing Prime Minister Abiy. On November 5th, the Prime Minister called on the people of Addis Ababa to arm themselves and to be ready to fight for their country against the "treacherous enemies". Meanwhile, various armed opposition groups continue to approach the capital. After the Oromo Liberation Army (Ola) announced last week that it could take Addis Ababa "within months, if not weeks", the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) fighters are stationed about 400 km from Ethiopia's capital. "The myth that the people of Addis are violently hostile to us", said Getachew Reda, spokesman for the front, "is completely exaggerated. Addis is the capital of Ethiopia, a true melting pot. The rumor that the city will sink into a bloodbath if we enter is ridiculous". In view of this dramatic situation, observers fear a general civil war that would result in further victims and refugees. (EG-LA) (Agenzia Fides, 9/11/2021)