Opposition Leaders, Scholars Argue PM’s Parliamentary Address Detached From Reality

In his address to Parliament on March 20, 2025, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) provided an overview of Ethiopia’s current situation, covering diplomatic relations, internal conflicts, and economic developments, along with other key issues.

On the diplomatic front, a central theme was Ethiopia’s pursuit of peaceful access to the sea, framed as an “existential” matter achieved through dialogue, while reassuring neighboring nations of non-aggression.

He also highlighted the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) as a symbol of African pride and emphasized its benefits for regional development.

However, recent reports indicate that Ethiopia’s contemporary diplomatic landscape is marked by significant shifts, largely influenced by internal conflicts and regional dynamics.

Experts and political figures also note that the nation’s diplomatic efforts have been strained by internal conflicts, particularly during the Tigray conflict, which led to friction with Western nations. Moreover, they argue that ongoing conflicts in regions like Amhara and Oromia continue to pose challenges to Ethiopia’s international standing.

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Nonetheless, Abiy asserted that Ethiopia has made significant strides in its diplomatic relations with neighboring and regional countries, including Egypt.

The Prime Minister told MPs that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is scheduled for completion over the coming six months, and affirmed the project would not cause harm to any downstream countries.

“‘I have confirmed this to the President of Egypt and to the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, that Ethiopia does not have the intention to harm Egypt,” he said.

Addressing Ethiopia’s interest in securing sea access, he clarified war with neighboring Eritrea was out of the question. However, the PM also asserted that he is unable to tolerate Ethiopia’s landlocked status.

“The international community supports our interest,” he said, “Accessing the Red Sea is a matter of life and death for Ethiopia.”

Conversely, Mulitu Gemechu, Vice Chairman of the Opposition Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) party, descripted the current state of Ethiopia’s diplomatic relations as ‘too complicated.

He argued that the past five or six years have been marked by ‘Ethiopian diplomatic failure’ due to the country entering into numerous disputes with neighboring nations.

“The case of Somalia is clear to everyone,” he told The Reporter. “We pressed the wrong button and were saved by the mediation effort of Türkiye. What’s happening with Eritrea is also something that triggers danger in the region. Therefore, it is difficult for me to say that the country’s diplomatic relations have improved.”

Constantinos Berhutesfa (PhD), a public policy advisor and former AU anti-graft commissioner, argues that Ethiopia has faced significant diplomatic challenges in the past, citing the Security Council’s numerous meetings concerning the country.

However, he also sees room for improvement in diplomacy.

Constantinos acknowledged that Ethiopia’s participation in the new AUSSOM peace keeping mission in Somalia indicates a positive diplomatic shift.

“I don’t think Ethiopia has a diplomatic problem with neighboring countries,” he said. “It needs improvement with the US, UN, and the G20 group, as well as the Ethiopian diaspora living in the US.”

Amidst the multiple internal conflicts, the Prime Minister told MPs that his government’s commitment to sustainable peace was a critical issue by emphasizing the importance of peaceful conflict resolution methods.

Accordingly, Constantinos argued that establishing peace is crucial for improving the country’s international diplomatic standing. He cited the recent travel advisories against Ethiopia as a prime example.

“The international community lists the Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia regions as traveling hazards,” he said, adding that resolving internal conflicts will enhance the country’s image.

Similarly, Mulatu said that the government must intensify efforts to resolve the country’s internal conflicts, asserting that they negatively impact both diplomatic relations and the economy. He added that the current situation has created fear and restricted community movement.

“None of the past six years have passed without conflict in Ethiopia,” he told The Reporter.

However, Abiy countered that conflict is inherent to human existence by stating that “when man was created, conflict emerged as well”.

Abiy emphasized that his government is combating armed groups to achieve lasting peace.

The PM further highlighted his government’s commitment to peace, citing the Pretoria Agreement as an example. He described the agreement as “historic” in its significance to the country.

“The agreement has brought lots of positive things to Ethiopia,” he said. “It stopped the war and silenced the guns in the past two years, as well as allowed the Tigray people to get basic services.”

Economically, the Prime Minister reported significant progress, citing record-high export revenue and reserve levels. He announced a substantial reduction in inflation, attributing it to financial reforms and increased production, and outlined plans for domestic fertilizer production to reduce import dependency.

Abiy stated that Ethiopia has witnessed unprecedented economic development in the last eight months. He highlighted significant growth in the agricultural sector, where he claims production expanded from 17.5 million acres to 20.5 million acres.

“Today, Ethiopia has become one of the largest wheat producers in Africa,” he said, telling MPs the country can produce up to 30 million tons of wheat on 7.7 million acres.

According to Abiy, his administration has also managed to reduce the country’s inflation rate from 29 percent to 15 percent, while forex reserves have improved to levels better than has been seen “for the past 100 years.”

While Mulatu argues that a nation’s economic development is gauged by the improved living standards of its general population, Constantinos notes that a 15 percent inflation rate remains excessively high for Ethiopia.

He warned that this could severely impact the country’s economy if not addressed promptly.

Constantinos attributed the economic challenges to ongoing conflicts, reduced productivity stemming from those conflicts, illegal money laundering, and corruption.