By Aaron MaashoADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Ethiopia's ruling coalition begins a long-delayed congress on Wednesday that could shape the future of a country undergoing rapid change and help cement the authority of reformist Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. It has not held a congress since 2015 due to the unrest that eventually forced the resignation of Abiy's predecessor early this year. Upon taking office Abiy, a long-time member of the EPRDF who casts himself as a reformer in touch with the people, acknowledged state wrongdoing, particularly by security forces. He has consistently preached a message of forgiveness that he took to neighboring Eritrea, where he forged peace after a nearly two-decade-long military stalemate. Though the approach drew praise inside Ethiopia and abroad, Abiy's rhetoric is beginning to ring hollow in some parts of the country due to the rising violence.

Source: Ethiopian News October 02, 2018 16:18 UTC