By JAN M. OLSEN
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — The director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute has called it “highly problematic” that the 2019 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize won’t attend any event where he could be asked questions publicly.
Olav Njoelstad said organizers “had wished that (Ethiopian Prime Minister) Abiy Ahmed would have agreed to meet the Norwegian and international press.”
Njoelstad told Norwegian broadcaster NRK on Wednesday that most Peace Prize winners have no problem putting aside three or four days to attend traditional Nobel events.
“We have been very clear about this and have clarified that there are several reasons we find this highly problematic,” Njoelstad said. “I think it has to do in part with the challenges he faces at home, and his religious faith and personal humility.”
There was no immediate comment from Abiy’s office.
Skipping the media isn’t unprecedented. U.S. President Barack Obama also declined to speak to reporters when he won the Peace Prize in 2009.
Ethiopia’s prime minister has rarely given interviews since taking office last year. He was awarded the Peace Prize for making peace with neighboring Eritrea after one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts and for introducing sweeping political reforms, but already troubles are growing at home.
Violent unrest, sometimes along ethnic lines, is expected to worsen ahead of Ethiopia’s election in May. Debate has broken out on social media about whether Abiy deserves the award.
When the Peace Prize was announced earlier this year, Nobel chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen said some people may consider it too early to give it to Abiy, but “it is now that Abiy Ahmed’s efforts need recognition and deserve encouragement.”
The prime minister is expected to give his acceptance speech Tuesday at Oslo City Hall before officials, including Norwegian royals, after receiving the 9-million kronor ($945,000) cash award, a gold medal and a diploma.
Abiy also is to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg and open a Nobel Prize exhibition during a private ceremony.
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Cara Anna in Johannesburg contributed to this report.