Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has told President Cyril Ramaphosa that the house struggle icon Nelson Mandela used while undergoing military training in Ethiopia should be developed into a heritage site, APA learnt on Monday.
Ahmed, who has since returned home after a two-day official visit, called on Ramaphosa’s government to join forces with his administration in developing the site where Mandela briefly stayed as he underwent military training in 1962.
Mandela entered Ethiopia under the name of David Motsamai in his passport, Ahmed said.
“In his autobiography (“Long Walk to Freedom”), Madiba speaks fondly about Ethiopia as a country that inspired him to continue with the struggle against apartheid,” the Ethiopian leader said.
In addition, Ahmed said Ethiopians continued to be inspired by Mandela’s legacy, especially his thoughts and vision of dedicated service to humanity.
“His immense contribution and exemplary leadership taught us the promotion of the culture of peace, tolerance and inclusiveness and forgiveness. This is a vision close to our hearts. We always remember Madiba for his enduring values of peace and reconciliation,” Ahmed said.
According to the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, “the building in which Mandela was housed while undergoing his military training in Ethiopia was still standing but far from the manner that represents the great history it witnessed.
“Let me seize this opportunity, Comrade President Cyril Ramaphosa, to call upon our two countries’ cooperation into developing this historic place as a heritage site.”
Ramaphosa’s government is yet to respond to the premier’s request, the Presidency said.
NM/jn/APA