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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”.
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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
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