Thousands celebrate as Addis Ababa hosts 10km Ethiopia – Eritrea peace race
Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia was flooded by runners over the weekend, as thousands of Ethiopians and Eritreans took part in a 10km reconciliation run in support of the peace deal between both nations.
Last weekend’s peace run through the Ethiopian capital is the major events since the two countries began a fast-paced diplomatic thaw ending two decades of tense relations.
The runners filled Meskel Square in downtown Addis Ababa for the kick-off sporting t-shirts that feature the flags of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Thousands of nationals from both sides cheered as they ran a 10 km race.
“I am very happy, there is nothing more (important) than love, reconciliation and happiness in this world, I am very happy,” Mohammed Ahmed, a participant told reporters.
Almost all participants were branded in an attire that has the widely used photo of Eritrean and Ethiopian painted handshake, which had the inscription “One Love”.
Eritrea, formerly a part of Ethiopia declared its independence in 1993 after three decades of war. The two countries fought a war between 1998 and 2000, which killed some 80,000 people, mainly as a result of a border conflict.
The coming to power in April of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, a 42-year-old reformer, changed the situation. It launched a reconciliation process, which led to a peace agreement in July.
Source: Dailysabah
