Abiy Ahmed swerves media at peace prize collection

Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is refusing to speak to the media as he collects his Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo today.
In a move that has been described as “highly problematic” by senior officials of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, the Ethiopian PM has also ruled out taking questions after meeting with the Norwegian prime minister, Erna Solberg, and a traditional annual event with children celebrating peace at the Nobel Peace Center museum.
Abiy criticised over media snub
Abiy Ahmed’s decision to snub the media in Oslo hasn’t gone unnoticed as the PM’s winning of the peace prize comes under increasing scrutiny. Abiy’s press secretary said the PM is finding it difficult to find enough time for the extensive Nobel programme, insisting there are pressing issues in Ethiopia that require his attention.
Despite brokering a peace deal with Eritrea last year, the domestic situation inside Ethiopia is far more volatile as ethnic violence continues to intensify across parts of the country.
For members of the media, Abiy’s prize collection presented an opportunity to question the PM over domestic issues and his validity as a peace prize winner. Conversely, his refusal to participate in press activities has been criticised by many as an attempt to avoid such questions.
Featured image: Kremlin.ru