Moving Beyond Lip Service

The question-and-answer session Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) held this week with lawmaker to deliberate on the performance report of the federal government for the six months of the 2024/25 budget year proved to be yet another opportunity for the premier to extol the “accomplishments” of his administration in the political, economic, social and diplomatic spheres. Given the vast majority of the questions that were put to him were raised by members representing the ruling Prosperity Party, which controls about 95 percent of the seats in Parliament, he dealt with them with relative ease. However, as he is wont to do, he downplayed the harsh opprobrium directed against his administration by an opposition MP, saying the government does not consider itself to be beyond reproach and will address what he said were “valid” criticisms.  Inherited from his predecessors, this approach does not in way help to broadening Ethiopia’s democratic space.

Presently Ethiopia finds at a critical juncture in its long history. Once celebrated as a beacon of African resilience and potential, the nation is now wrestling with a multitude of interconnected crises that threaten its stability, unity, and future prosperity. From armed conflicts to economic instability, food insecurity, and political repression, the challenges facing Ethiopia are profound and multifaceted. Yet, the government’s response has often been characterized by denial, deflection, and empty rhetoric rather than meaningful action. It is time for it to acknowledge these challenges openly and address them with the urgency and sincerity they demand.

The most pressing issue is the ongoing conflict and instability that has plagued the country since the ascension to power of Prime Minister Abiy in April 2018. Chief among them was the two-year civil war in the Tigray region. While the Pretoria Agreement of November 2022 brought about a fragile ceasefire to the region, violence has flared elsewhere, particularly in the Amhara and Oromia regions, where deadly insurgencies are still raging. Predictably civilians have borne the brunt of these conflicts, with reports of mass killings, displacement, and human rights abuses perpetrated by all sides. Yet, the government has consistently downplayed the severity of these crises, often blaming external forces or framing the violence as isolated incidents rather than systemic failures.

This pattern of denial is not limited to the security sector. Despite the premier’s assertion that Ethiopia’s economy is in good health, it is actually in dire straits, with inflation soaring and unemployment rising. The country’s debt burden is unsustainable, and the government’s huge spending to finance war efforts has further strained public finances. Small businesses are struggling to survive, and millions of Ethiopians are facing food insecurity due to recurring drought, conflict, and economic instability. In spite of these alarming trends, the government has been slow to implement meaningful reforms or seek inclusive solutions. Instead, it has often resorted to superficial measures and grandiose promises that fail to address the root causes of the crisis.

Another critical issue is the erosion of political freedoms and the shrinking space for dissent. The modicum of progress witnessed during the early years of Prime Minister Abiy’s rule in terms of introducing democratic reforms has stalled. The government has increasingly turned to authoritarian tactics to silence opposition, leading to arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and restrictions on freedoms of expression, assembly, and the press, among others. This repression has undermined the legitimacy of the government and fueled resentment among marginalized communities.

The government has occasionally acknowledged some of these challenges. Prime Minister Abiy has spoken about the need for peace and reconciliation. However, these statements have rarely been followed by concrete actions. For instance, the national dialogue underway, which was intended to address the country’s deep-seated divisions, has been criticized for lacking inclusivity and transparency. Similarly, efforts to reform the security sector and address human rights abuses have been half-hearted and inconsistent. What Ethiopia needs now is not more lip service but genuine leadership and action. The government must begin by acknowledging the full extent of the challenges facing the country, rather than minimizing or denying them. This requires a willingness to listen to diverse voices, including those of opposition groups, civil society, and aggrieved communities. It also demands a commitment to transparency and accountability, both in addressing past wrongs and in implementing future reforms.

Concrete steps must be taken to end the cycle of violence and instability. This includes undertaking genuinely inclusive peace talks, addressing the root causes of conflict, and holding perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable. Economic reforms must be implemented to stabilize the economy, create jobs, and alleviate poverty. Political freedoms must be restored, and the space for dissent must be expanded. Above all, the government must prioritize the well-being of its citizens over political expediency.

Ethiopia’s challenges are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. With genuine leadership, a commitment to dialogue, and a focus on the common good, the country can overcome its crises and build a more peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive future. The time for lip service is over. The Ethiopian government must rise to the occasion and act decisively to address the multitude of challenges facing the nation. The future of Ethiopia depends on it.