This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
PM Abiy Faces Haunting Past in Ethiopia ¶
July 12, 2020
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's reformist credentials are facing uncertainty as protests erupt in the Oromia region following the murder of popular singer and activist Hachalu Hundesa.
Abiy's office issued a statement pledging to bring the musician's killers to book, but chastised his opponents for 'taking advantage of the incident to sow seeds of discord.'
However, critics say Abiy has failed to address the underlying issues in Ethiopia, including tribal tensions and a despotic culture.
Abiy's push to centralise politics has been resented by ethnic groups who fear losing their political influence and opportunity to shape their future.
Some critics argue that Abiy has missed a golden opportunity to reform Ethiopia's political system, and that his Messiah complex prevents him from taking advice.
Abiy's government has been accused of using emergency laws to clamp down on dissent, and of delaying polls without consulting the opposition.
As the situation in Ethiopia continues to deteriorate, experts warn that the country may slide into chaos if the current situation is not addressed.
