On March 25, 2023, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Welkite city in the Gurage region, but his reception was far from enthusiastic. The Gurage people, who have been demanding the establishment of a Gurage National Regional State and an end to the killing and detention of their people, were notably absent from the welcoming crowd. Unlike in 2010, when thousands welcomed, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, only ruling party cadres showed up to greet the Prime Minister this time around. This lack of public support is a clear indication of the unity of the Gurage people and their determination to have their demands met.

The lack of public support for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during his visit to Welkite city, Gurage, highlights the urgent need for the government to take concrete steps to address the demands of the Gurage people. One of the major demands of the Gurage people is the establishment of a Gurage National Regional State, which would recognize their unique identity and provide them with greater autonomy. However, this is not the only demand of the Gurage people.

Recent events, such as the killing of more than 11 people in Welkite during a peaceful demonstration for access to water, have intensified the Gurage people’s calls for justice and protection of their rights. The government must hold those responsible for this violence accountable and ensure that such incidents do not occur again.

Furthermore, the government must withdraw the command post from Gurage region and release all innocent prisoners, including civil rights activists, journalists, party leaders, and young residents of Welkite. The detention of these individuals is a violation of their rights and has only fueled tensions in the region.

Taking these steps would enable the government to create a safe and inclusive environment for all in the Gurage region. It would also demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing the demands of the Gurage people and bringing peace to the region.

The lack of public support for the Prime Minister during his visit to Gurage highlights the pressing need for the government to address the many issues faced by the Gurage people. The government must take concrete actions towards establishing a Gurage National Regional State, protecting the rights of the Gurage people, and creating a safe and inclusive environment for all. Only then can peace and stability be restored to the region.