Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed, The Good, The Bad and Solution for the Current Problems.

Abiy Ahmed Ali is an Ethiopian politician who has been serving as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia since 2018. He is one of the youngest heads of state in Africa, and his ascent to power marked a significant change in Ethiopian politics. Born on August 15, 1976, in the town of Beshasha, Abiy Ahmed grew up in a family of mixed religious and ethnic background. His father was a Muslim Oromo while his mother was a Christian Amhara. This background has played a significant role in shaping his political outlook and approach to governance, as he has emphasized national unity and reconciliation among Ethiopia's diverse ethnic groups. Abiy Ahmed's political career began in the military, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He later transitioned into politics and served as a member of the House of People's Representatives, Ethiopia's lower house of parliament, representing the Oromia Region.

In 2018, following months of anti-government protests, Abiy Ahmed was appointed as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, succeeding Hailemariam Desalegn. He inherited a country facing multiple challenges, including ethnic tensions, economic stagnation, and a growing demand for political reform.

Since assuming office, Abiy Ahmed has pursued a range of reforms aimed at addressing these challenges. He has taken steps to open up political space, release political prisoners, and remove restrictions on the media. He has also taken steps to address Ethiopia's long-standing border dispute with Eritrea, resulting in the normalization of relations between the two countries and the reopening of the border.

One of Abiy Ahmed's most significant achievements has been his efforts to promote national reconciliation and unity. He has made numerous public speeches emphasizing the need for Ethiopians to come together and work towards a common goal. He has also initiated a process of constitutional reform aimed at addressing longstanding grievances of Ethiopia's diverse ethnic groups.

However, despite these efforts, Abiy Ahmed's tenure as Prime Minister has not been without its challenges. His government has faced criticism for its handling of protests and unrest in some parts of the country, particularly in the Oromia and Amhara regions. The ongoing conflict in the Tigray and other parts of region has also posed a significant challenge to his administration. Despite these challenges, Abiy Ahmed's commitment to reform and reconciliation has earned him widespread praise both domestically and internationally. In 2019, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.

Abiy Ahmed's tenure as Prime Minister of Ethiopia has been marked by a commitment to reform and reconciliation. He has taken significant steps to address the country's numerous challenges, including ethnic tensions, political restrictions, and economic stagnation. While his administration has faced challenges, his leadership has been praised for its commitment to peace, unity, and progress. As he continues to lead Ethiopia, his vision for a united, democratic, and prosperous country remains a beacon of hope for Ethiopians and Africans alike.

My thought, on addressing the current conflict in Ethiopia requires a multifaceted approach that involves negotiation, inclusivity, humanitarian aid, reconciliation, and justice. Yet, it also requires the commitment of all parties involved in the conflict to work towards a peaceful and lasting solution, including identifying the good and the bad of PM Abiy Ahmed.

The Good

One of Abiy Ahmed's most significant achievements has been his commitment to political reforms, including the release of political prisoners and the lifting of restrictions on the media. He has also taken steps to address the long-standing border dispute with Eritrea, resulting in the normalization of relations between the two countries and the reopening of the border.

Abiy Ahmed has been a vocal advocate for national unity and reconciliation, emphasizing the need for Ethiopians to come together and work towards a common goal. He has initiated a process of constitutional reform aimed at addressing the grievances of Ethiopia's diverse ethnic groups and has taken steps to promote economic development and improve the standard of living for all Ethiopians.

In 2019, Abiy Ahmed was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. This recognition was a testament to his leadership and commitment to building a more peaceful and prosperous Ethiopia.

During his tenure, Ethiopia has adeptly maneuvered through many significant global conflicts and internal strife while spearheading the implementation of 20 to 25 pivotal infrastructure and development endeavors. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Abiye, Ethiopian economy has consistently surged, boasting a remarkable GDP growth rate ranging between 6% and 8%, thereby solidifying its position as one of the most rapidly expanding economies on the global stage. His astute leadership amidst both external and internal adversities, coupled with the successful execution of numerous strategic projects, underscores his invaluable contribution to Ethiopia's socioeconomic advancement.

The Bad:

Despite his many achievements, Abiy Ahmed's administration has also faced significant challenges and criticisms. His government has been criticized for its handling of protests and unrest in some parts of the country, particularly in the Oromia and Amhara regions. The ongoing conflict in the Tigray, welega and Amhara region, has also posed a significant challenge to his administration, resulting in significant humanitarian consequences and loss of life. He has also been criticized for his handling of Ethiopia's political opposition, with some accusing him of cracking down on dissenting voices and limiting political freedoms. His government has been accused of engaging in arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as restricting the operations of opposition parties and civil society organizations.

All, that being said, current civil war in Ethiopia is a complex and multifaceted conflict that cannot be solved through a single solution. The conflict involves various ethnic and political groups with deep-rooted grievances and a history of tensions. However, there are several steps that could be taken to address the conflict and move towards a lasting solution:

Negotiations: All parties involved in the conflict should be willing to engage in negotiations to find a peaceful solution. This requires a commitment to dialogue and compromise to address the underlying causes of the conflict.

Humanitarian aid: The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian consequences, including displacement, food insecurity, and loss of life. The provision of humanitarian aid is essential to address the immediate needs of affected populations.

Ceasefire: A ceasefire is necessary to halt the ongoing violence and create a conducive environment for negotiations. All parties involved in the conflict should be willing to agree to a ceasefire to enable dialogue and negotiations.

Inclusivity: Any solution to the conflict should be inclusive and address the concerns of all parties involved. This requires a commitment to addressing the underlying grievances of different ethnic and political groups.

Reconciliation and justice: Reconciliation and justice are essential components of a lasting solution to the conflict. Efforts should be made to address past injustices and promote reconciliation to prevent the recurrence of similar conflicts in the future.

International support: The international community has a role to play in supporting efforts to address the conflict. This includes providing diplomatic support, humanitarian aid, and assistance in facilitating negotiations.

Moreover, Ethiopia should be cautious and deliberate when making significant changes, taking the time to carefully consider every decision. Its leaders must work together to unite party elites and motivate them to effectively implement government policies.

a) Ethiopia should maintain connections with the East and continue collaborating with the US and Europe on counterterrorism, development, and trade, striking a balance between the East and West while being enemies to no one. However, the US and EU may pressure Ethiopia to improve its human rights record, and if they offer strong collaboration and funding, Ethiopia should sustain it.

b) Ethiopia should also advocate for pan-African interests and promote them diligently. In diplomacy, aim to forge and maintain good relationships with all nations that want peace and development, recognizing that no nation is its enemy.

c) To avoid triable political affiliations, the Ethiopian government should appoint people to government positions who have no such affiliations. It should also consider abolishing tribal zone territories, as the Ethiopian constitution ensures equality in all matters mentioned.

d) The Ethiopian parliament should debate a constitutional amendment to remove Article 39 and the ethnic base "kelele or Zone" and create five regions with their own state capital cities: North, Central, East, West, and South. Each region would have several sub-regions and capital cities/towns, each with "woreda" and "kebeles," promoting unity and avoiding ethnic division.

g) Regarding Egypt, if they desire peace and do not interfere with the construction of the dam and internal affairs, Ethiopia should maintain peaceful relations. Otherwise, Ethiopia must deal with them appropriately to prevent interference in its affairs.

h) Ethiopia should continue its sustainable defense action with the Eritrean government to resolve the Tigray and Amhara problems permanently. It should also maintain peaceful cooperation with Somalia and Sudan, including-engaging in tacit negotiations to peacefully dismantle Al-Shabaab and other terrorist group.

I) Regarding religion, Ethiopia should adhere to the secularism principle as written in the constitution.

j) In dealing with opposition parties, Ethiopia should peacefully cooperate with those who respect the constitution and peace, but firmly oppose criminal opposition groups that work with external and internal enemies against Ethiopia.

k) Ethiopia must be prepared to defend itself against existing and potential internal and external enemies, while regions must respect the rules in the constitution regarding the handling of citizens of the states living in their territory. Defense, security, and the construction of the dam, along with power generation, industrial zones, and education, should be Ethiopia's top priorities.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Abiy Ahmed's tenure as Prime Minister of Ethiopia has been marked by both achievements and challenges. He has pursued significant political and economic reforms, promoted national unity and reconciliation, and received international recognition for his efforts to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. However, his administration has also faced significant criticisms and challenges, particularly in its handling of protests, political opposition, and the ongoing conflict in several regions. As Ethiopia continues to face significant challenges and work towards building a more democratic, peaceful, and prosperous society, it is essential for Abiy Ahmed's government to address the underlying grievances of different ethnic and political groups and promote inclusivity and reconciliation. Only by working together and addressing the root causes of conflict can Ethiopia move towards a brighter and more stable future.

Paul Delkaso.

The views expressed in this Article do not reflect the opinion of tritente Global energy group LLC.