Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed
Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed

Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed wins Nobel Peace Prize

The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

He was awarded the prize for his efforts to "achieve peace and international cooperation".

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Ethiopia reached a peace deal with Eritrea last year, ending a 20-year military stalemate following their 1998-2000 border war.

He was named as the winner of the 100th Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo.

The prize, worth nine million Swedish crowns (about £730,000; $900,000), will be awarded in Oslo in December.

A total of 301 candidates had been nominated for the prestigious award, including 223 individuals and 78 organisations.

There had been great speculation over who would win the prize. Under the Nobel Foundation's rules, nomination shortlists are not allowed to be published for 50 years.

Who is Abiy Ahmed?

Since he became prime minister in April 2018, he has introduced massive liberalising reforms to Ethiopia, which used to be a tightly controlled country.

He has freed thousands of opposition activists from jail and allowed exiled dissidents to return home.

Most importantly, he has reached a peace deal with his neighbour Eritrea, ending the two-decade long conflict.

However, his reforms have also lifted the lid on Ethiopia's ethnic tensions and the resulting violence has forced some 2.5 million people from their homes.

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