Addis Ababa, May 21, 2018 (FBC) –Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed earlier today addressed residents of the city of Gambella and its environs gathered at the Gambella Stadium.

Speaking to the crowds, he said the rest of Ethiopians always remember the sacrifice paid by residents of the regional state for the sovereignty of the country.
After praising the residents for guarding boarder areas, the Premier pledged to provide the necessary support for their efforts.
He further called on the residents to maintain their commitment for the unity and sovereignty of the country.
Peace should prevail first in order to carry out development activities and expand investment in the region, he said, adding the federal government, in partnership with the regional state, will do to this end.
PM Dr Abiy further said the federal government will provide support for the protection of the UNESCO-registered forest protected areas of the regional state.
The Premier arrived in Gambella yesterday and held discussions with representatives of the residents.
In the discussion, the Premier said his government would do more to alleviate problems of good governance, infrastructure and unemployment in the regional state.
He also called on natives of the regional state to come to their country of origin from abroad and contribute their share for the development of the region.
The Premier has returned to Addis Ababa after concluding his stay in the regional state.