Eritrea’s Isaias Afwerki makes surprise visit to Ethiopia
Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki (left) and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed talk during the inauguration of the Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital in Bahir Dar, northern Ethiopia, on November 10, 2018. PHOTO | FILE | AFP
What you need to know:
- Move effectively ends rumours that have been circulating for weeks in Ethiopia and overseas over his health.
- He is said to have disappeared from public view for over two weeks.
Eritrean president Isaias Afwerki on Sunday made an unexpected visit to Ethiopia, ending curiosity and wild speculation over the whereabouts of the reclusive long-time leader.
Upon arrival at Bole International Airport, President Afwerki -- accompanied by Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and Presidential Advisor Yemane Ghebreab -- was received by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
The leaders subsequently discussed bilateral ties and regional concerns of common interest.
Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde hosted a luncheon for the visiting Eritrean leader and his delegation. The event was held at a public park in the capital Addis Ababa.
“It was a renewed pleasure to join our PM Abiy Ahmed Ali in welcoming President Isaias Afwerki who is on a two-day visit to Ethiopia. We hosted him in the stunning park coming up on Entoto Mountain, a truly amazing place to relax and unwind,” said president Zewde in a tweet.
The two leaders also inaugurated an irrigation project located outside the capital in Oromia regional state.
DEATH RUMORS
The Eritrean president’s surprise visit to Ethiopia comes amid wild rumours that have been circulating for weeks in Ethiopia and overseas among diaspora communities regarding the state of his health.
A number of political analysts and exiled Eritrean opposition had speculated on the whereabouts of the leader after he disappeared from public view for over two weeks in the wake of the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Isaias has reportedly returned home from recent medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.
“After the latest bout of intensified rumours, President Isaias may have wanted to make a strong statement that not only was he in good health, but that he still maintains positive relations with Abiy and was still active in regional diplomacy,” William Davison, International Crisis Group (ICG) senior analyst for Ethiopia told the Nation.
At a time when world leaders are choosing to hold meetings virtually, such as via video or telephone, Mr Afwerki's decision to meet PM Abiy in person raised eyebrows.
