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(By Dan A)

By Dan A

Ethiopia finds itself at a pivotal juncture once more, grappling with profound challenges despite the government’s assertions of progress towards peaceful resolutions, disarmament, justice, and prosperity. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asserts that the nation is on a trajectory of economic revival, yet the stark reality contrasts sharply with these claims. The Ethiopian economy is floundering, with rampant inflation, pervasive corruption, and ethnic tensions reaching unprecedented levels. Security is virtually non-existent outside of the capital, while millions have been displaced and famine has claimed thousands of lives in regions like Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia. Additionally, the government is actively pursuing demographic changes in Addis Ababa and other resource-rich regions, exacerbating the crisis.

The state of emergency in the Amhara region has been extended in response to the escalating Amhara Fano revolution, and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) is seemingly on the brink of reigniting civil conflict despite a previously touted agreement. Internationally, the crisis in Ethiopia is overshadowed by global events such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the US election cycle, leaving Ethiopia’s plight largely ignored. The US Embassy and the African Union (AU), while close to the conflict, have largely remained silent, issuing only tepid statements of concern. This has led to a pervasive sentiment among Ethiopians that they are on their own in confronting the looming threat of collapse, lawlessness, and famine.

The current climate of ethnic animosity is fueled in large part by the government itself, with its agenda of ethnic cleansing and expansionism. This has all but extinguished any hope for a peaceful resolution or national dialogue. The Amhara Fano movement has emerged as a formidable force against the government, insisting on Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s resignation as the only acceptable outcome. The Oromo Prosperity Party’s controversial declarations of Oromo dominance for the next 300 years have further inflamed tensions, leading to fears among the Amhara of being relegated to second-class citizens and sparking calls for the regime’s removal as a prerequisite for peace and democracy in Ethiopia.

Solidarity among various ethnic groups is growing, with movements in Afar, Sidama, Gurage, and even some Tigrayan factions showing support for the Amhara cause. This burgeoning alliance underscores a collective determination to end the government’s tyranny. The Fano movement, in particular, has demonstrated remarkable discipline and strategic acumen, gaining significant ground against government forces. Their approach, characterized by guerrilla tactics and a focus on justice and accountability, has won them broad support not only in the Amhara region but across Ethiopia.

Yet, the potential for further conflict looms, with the government’s efforts to stoke divisions and its aggressive demographic policies in Addis Ababa threatening to deepen the crisis. The international community’s silence and indirect support of the regime only complicate the situation. As Ethiopia

stands on the brink, the resolve and unity of its people appear to be the nation’s best hope for navigating the challenges ahead and forging a path toward a more inclusive and democratic future. The coming months will be critical in determining whether Ethiopia can overcome its divisions and rebuild, or if it will succumb to the forces of disintegration and conflict.

Editor’s note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of Ethiopian Tribune