Horn News Hub | November 13, 2026 | Addis Ababa
Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State President Ashadli Hassan has outlined his personal commitment and contributions to Ethiopia’s reform process, highlighting efforts to restore peace, strengthen stability and transform the region from a conflict-affected area into a centre of development.
Speaking about his experience during the reform process, Ashadli said his belief in the reform agenda had been central to his leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of conviction, perseverance and willingness to make sacrifices in pursuing long-term objectives.
“What people believe in is not limited to religion. If you believe in a goal, you can achieve it,” he said, describing his determination to remain committed to the reform process despite the challenges encountered along the way.
Addressing the conflicts that affected Benishangul-Gumuz, Ashadli said he had approached security challenges with patience and a long-term perspective rather than relying solely on immediate responses to emerging crises. He stressed the importance of understanding the underlying causes of conflicts before pursuing solutions.
He recalled periods of sleepless nights and extensive reflection as he considered ways to address the region’s security challenges. He said his approach involved engaging different stakeholders, maintaining dialogue and mobilizing communities, while allowing sufficient time for efforts aimed at achieving sustainable peace.
His peacebuilding efforts were recognized through a Peace Award Medal presented by the Ethiopian Inter-Religious Council.
Disarmament and the transition towards development
A central element of the regional administration’s peace efforts has been encouraging armed groups to surrender their weapons and return to peaceful civilian life and productive economic activities.
Ashadli emphasized that restoring stability should not be limited to areas that had remained relatively peaceful. Instead, communities in conflict-affected parts of the region should also be included in broader development initiatives.
He pointed to Benishangul-Gumuz’s significant gold and other mineral resources, arguing that sustained peace would enable the region to translate its natural resource potential into economic opportunities, benefiting both the regional population and the wider Ethiopian economy.
The relationship between security and economic development has also been reflected in industrial and infrastructure activities. According to the account, improved security conditions have facilitated the construction of production projects in the Kurmuk area.
The region’s stability was also cited as one of the factors that contributed to the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a major national infrastructure project located in the Benishangul-Gumuz region.
Peace as a foundation for regional transformation
Ashadli’s account highlights the role of political commitment, dialogue and community engagement in addressing regional conflicts and creating conditions for economic development.
However, sustaining these gains will require continued efforts to strengthen institutions, expand economic opportunities and ensure that communities in previously conflict-affected areas benefit from development initiatives.
The region’s mineral resources, agricultural potential and strategic importance to national infrastructure projects provide opportunities for economic transformation. Realizing that potential will depend on maintaining security, strengthening public institutions and ensuring that development is inclusive.
Observers familiar with developments in the region have praised Ashadli’s leadership and commitment to peacebuilding, particularly his efforts to encourage armed groups to return to civilian life and promote a development agenda across the region.
The longer-term test for Benishangul-Gumuz will be whether the security improvements can be sustained and translated into tangible improvements in livelihoods, public services, investment and economic opportunities for its population.
