Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the necessity for regional leadership to exert diligent efforts to promote peace and development in the Somali Region.
The Shabelle Resort was officially inaugurated today. In his speech during the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted that the Somali Region was previously known for conflicts and wars, and that leaders came to the area for reconciliation and to spread peace.
He also pointed out that the Somali Region currently enjoys peace, and that many infrastructure projects are underway.
He stated that road construction projects, the development project, the oil refinery project, the vehicle assembly plant, airport expansion, and the Shabelle Resort opened today are all clear evidence of this.
The Prime Minister said that today is a day where we witnessed the legacy of peace in the Somali Region, and he thanked the regional leaders who made this a reality.
The Prime Minister also noted that the peace-loving people of Somali have played a pivotal role in ensuring peace and development in the area.
He said that leaders congratulated him on moving Somali out of the cycle of conflict and war into peace.
He explained that the Shabelle Resort serves as a model to be emulated in developing all regions of Ethiopia.
He thanked the leaders and various parties who contributed to the successful construction of the resort, which is part of the Generation’s Table project.
On another note, he indicated that the developmental city of Jigjiga holds a central position in eastern Ethiopia and the African region.
The Prime Minister also urged Somali leaders to exert more efforts to expand the scope of development in the region.
Shabelle Resort
Shabelle Resort is a modern leisure destination located in the city of Jijiga, in the Somali Region of Ethiopia. While the resort itself is a contemporary development, it is named after the nearby Shebelle River, a historically significant waterway that has supported settlements and trade in the Horn of Africa for centuries. It primarily offers a recreational escape with amenities like swimming pools and gardens, reflecting the area’s growing tourism sector.
Somali Region
The Somali Region, also known as Ogaden, is an eastern administrative region of Ethiopia predominantly inhabited by ethnic Somalis. Historically part of various Somali sultanates, it was incorporated into modern Ethiopia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a contested history that has fueled regional conflicts and a long-standing quest for self-determination. Today, it is a semi-arid region with a distinct cultural identity, where pastoralism is central and traditional Somali clan structures remain influential.
Generation’s Table project
The Generation’s Table project is a community-driven public art and social initiative, often manifested as a long communal table installed in a public space, designed to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together for shared meals and conversation. Its history is rooted in contemporary efforts to combat social isolation and strengthen community bonds, with various cities and organizations creating their own versions since the early 2000s. The project symbolizes inclusivity and dialogue, using the simple act of sharing food as a means to bridge generational and cultural divides.
Jigjiga
Jigjiga is the capital city of the Somali Region in eastern Ethiopia, located near the border with Somalia. Historically, it has been a significant commercial and cultural hub for the Somali people, with its modern foundation often traced to the early 20th century during the expansion of Ethiopian administration. Today, it serves as a key administrative and trading center, reflecting the region’s Somali heritage.
