Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday, April 23, received an international award in recognition of his efforts toward the peaceful settlement of the conflict in the northern part of Ethiopia.
He received the award alongside the former President of Nigeria and the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa Olusegun Obasanjo, and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa.
“The Former President was awarded during a recognition program organised by the Ethiopian Government to take stock of lessons learned from the African Union-led and Ethiopian-owned peace process,” a statement from Uhuru’s office read in part.
In his acceptance speech, Uhuru noted that the peace in Ethiopia was largely due to the commitment of the Ethiopian people.
He further indicated that the peace process that was brokered by AU was a testament that Africa was self-sufficient.
"The commitment shown and the leadership of the African Union has indeed proved that Africa can work out her problems, and what has happened in Ethiopia is a testimony that Africa can work out its problems," Uhuru noted.
His sentiments were echoed by Obasanjo who also recognised the commitment of Ethiopian people to embracing peace.
The two former Heads of State also recognised African Union (AU) President Moussa Faki for his role in the peace negotiations.
They noted that the peace process would not have been possible if he had not formed a panel to oversee the process.
Uhuru was instrumental in bringing together Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) interim President Getachew Reda.
Dialogue between the two leaders saw peace restored in the troubled Tigray Region of Ethiopia.
Uhuru is also leading another panel in brokering peace in the troubled Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
