Urge Irish government to be voice of peace and to help to put an end to the suffering of the people in the Horn of Africa
War drum, hate speech and the politics of demonizing nation’s states can only exasperate the humanitarian crisis and destabilize the already fragile situation of the Horn of Africa. Internationalising party line of a losing political group can only add fuel to cycle of violence in the horn of Africa and therefore urge you not to take sides in these conflict and support regional and local initiatives to bring peace and reconciliation among the people of the horn
The Honourable Simon Coveney, TD
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
Iveagh House,
80 St Stephen’s Green,
Dublin 2, D02 VY53
Dear Minister Simon Coveney,
I am writing to you on behalf of British Eritrean Communities and Organisations Network to express our extreme concern to the people in the Horn of Africa in general and Eritrean people in particular and to urge you to be voice of peace and to help to put an end to the suffering of the people in the Horn of Africa
The Horn of Africa has been the hotspot of inter-state wars, intercommunal conflicts and politically motivated violence that devastated millions of families and lives. The increasing polarization led to the deadly violence and war in Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan. The politics of hatred has also breaded the inter-state war between Eritrea and Ethiopia. On top of these manmade disasters, there are also natural disasters that completely change the fabric of the communities in these region.
Amid the gloom realties, there are also tangible initiatives and resolves for peace and cooperation and urge you to support the peace endeavour, regional stability and economic cooperation that is led by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner and Eritrean President Issais Afwerki.
On July 9, 2018 the governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea have signed a historic agreement that ended three decade long animosity that caused untold misery, destruction and lost opportunities to both countries. The joint agreement which reflects the desires and aspirations of their people paved a strong foundation and roadmap for peace, development and cooperation that extends beyond the two countries.
War drum, hate speech and the politics of demonizing nation’s states can only exasperate the humanitarian crisis and destabilize the already fragile situation of the Horn of Africa. Internationalising party line of a losing political group can only add fuel to cycle of violence in the horn of Africa and therefore urge you not to take sides in these conflict and support regional and local initiatives to bring peace and reconciliation among the people of the horn
Ahmed Mahmoud
Chairman of British Eritrean Communities and Organisations Network (BECON)
