"Peace" was a key word for the African presidents who spoke at the inauguration celebration for Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

While congratulating Mr Abiy following his election victory, they also spoke about bringing the nation together at the public ceremony in the capital, Addis Ababa.

The civil war in the north of the country, now about to enter its 12th month, has killed thousands and led to a humanitarian crisis.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said that the prime minister had been given a "mandate to bring peace, a mandate to build stability, a mandate to bring all the people of Ethiopia together".

"So for all of us on the continent Ethiopia is our mother. And as we all know if the mother is not at peace, neither that can the family be at peace," he added.

Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh told the crowds in the city's main square that he hoped "to see Ethiopia [at] peace with itself".

On his part, Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari said he was "aware of the many challenges facing" Ethiopia and encouraged "all parties to come together in the interest of the unity, progress, and wellbeing of Ethiopia".

Delivering his address, Mr Abiy, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, said his administration would work towards an "inclusive and participatory" political landscape.