The 2019 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed for, among other achievements, helping his country end the 20-year war with neighbours, Eritrea.

Announcing the prize in Oslo on Thursday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said Abiy’s efforts towards achieving peace and international cooperation deserved recognition and encouragement.

Particularly, the Committee commended Abiy for his decisive initiative to resolve the conflict with Eritrea over disputed border territory which came at a huge financial and humanitarian cost for both countries.

The 43-year-old Abiy recently won plaudits for his role in helping to broker a power-sharing deal in neighboring Sudan after a political crisis which led to the ouster and arrest of Omar al-Bashir who had  ruled the country for almost thirty years.

Head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Berit Reiss-Andersen said Abiy who has received both praise and criticism for his reforms in Ethiopia has not been recognized too soon as progress still needs to be made in the country.

“As Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed has sought to promote reconciliation, solidarity and social justice. However, many challenges remain unresolved. Some people will think this year’s prize is being awarded too early,” Reiss-Andersen said in a press conference in Oslo. 

Reacting to the development, the United Nations General Secretary, Antonio Guterres said Abiy’s leadership qualities have set a wonderful example for the international community to emulate. 

Former Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga described the prize as an honour to the African continent which he said has long been held back by wars.

Amnesty International was however less restrained in his praise for Abiy, saying that the award should motivate him to tackle the outstanding human rights challenges in Ethiopia.

The Prime Minister’s Office has also tweeted , expressing joy that Abiy has made peace, forgiveness and reconciliation key policy components of his administration.