This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
Published on July 2, 2019, the events unfolding in Ethiopia are a stark reminder of the dangers of ethnic nationalism, a phenomenon that has been plaguing the continent for far too long.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, a reformist leader who has been working tirelessly to bring about change in Ethiopia, is facing a significant challenge as ethnic tensions rise in the country. The recent attempted coup in the Amhara region, which resulted in the death of the army chief of staff, Gen. Seare Mekomen, is a stark reminder of the fragility of the situation.
According to reports, almost 2.5 million people have been displaced due to ethnic violence, a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of ethnic nationalism. The Tigray people have dominated the government for years, and Ahmed's efforts to bring in reformists in the military, intelligence services, and regional governments have been met with resistance.
Kenya, in particular, should take note of the events unfolding in Ethiopia. Our country's politics have been marred by ethnic tensions, with regions and tribes vying for power. The disputed 2017 presidential poll highlighted the tribal imbalance in our ruling set-up, and the 'Handshake' between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga is a step in the right direction towards addressing this perennial problem.
As the African Union and Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, as well as the international community, grapple with the crisis in Sudan, it is essential that they also address the crisis in Ethiopia. The situation in Sudan, where peaceful demonstrations have turned violent, is a stark reminder of the dangers of ethnic nationalism and the need for urgent action.
