Abiy Ahmed (PhD), chairman of the Oromo Democratic Party (ODP) and chairman of the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) attending the concluding ceremony of the 10th general assembly of the Somali Democratic Party (SDP) on Wednesday, has urged the Somali politicians to push their political activity further and play their role in the national politics at the center.
Abiy expressed his hope that the SDP will play an important role in the struggle in and realization of the creating of a unified EPRDF and stated that, “when we say a unified party, it does not aim at constricting language, culture and identity. It rather aims at creating a developed and democratic Ethiopia, together.”
Additionally, Abiy recognized the role and contribution of Somalis in Ethiopia and stated that the Somalis were not only suffering with other Ethiopians but they also scarified their lives to protect the sovereignty of the country.
Abiy also assured the attendants of the general assembly of the party that the federal government is determined to extend all the necessary supports in the realization of peace and security, development and building of democratic system in the region.
In related news, the 10th general assembly of the party, which was conducted in the capital of the regional state, Jigjiga, from Monday, April 1, to Wednesday, April 3, 2019, has passed different decisions including the changing of the name of the party from Ethiopian Somali People’s Democratic Party (ESPDP) to Somali Democratic Party (SDP), the changing of the emblem of the party and the opening up of its door to all Ethiopian citizens to join the party.
Apart from these, the general assembly also elected a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the party and the Executive Committee members of the party. In this regard, Ahmed Shide and Mustefa Omer were elected chairperson and deputy chairperson of the party, respectively.
Subsequently, Ahmed Shide, Mustefa Omer, Adem Farah, Mohmmed Shale, Abdurahman Ahmed, Abdi Adil, MobasherDibad, AbdurahimEte, and Mohamed Fatah were elected as members of the executive committee of the party.
“The new leadership and the residents of the region should work hand in hand to enlarge irrigation schemes, reduce the rate of unemployment, fight against illegal trade and contraband, and political sabotage,” Abiyunderscored.
