Since coming to power, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has demonstrated authoritarian tendencies that have led to a significant erosion of democratic principles. His administration has been accused of cracking down on dissent, with numerous reports of journalists, activists, and political opponents being detained or facing repercussions for speaking out. This shift towards authoritarianism is starkly at odds with the initial promise of reform and openness that accompanied his rise, raising concerns about the future of Ethiopia's democratic space.
Abiy's foreign policy has not fared much better, particularly in terms of relations with neighboring countries. Once celebrated for his peace deal with Eritrea, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize, relations have deteriorated, negating much of the goodwill and progress made. The peace with Eritrea now seems more symbolic than substantive, with tensions escalating over border issues and political alignments, leading to a regional destabilization rather than the promised era of peace.
The internal landscape of Ethiopia under Abiy has been marred by massive corruption within government offices. Reports and posts on X have highlighted "industrial-scale" food aid theft among other corrupt practices, suggesting a systemic issue that undermines public trust and diverts resources away from critical needs. This corruption has been coupled with armed conflicts in regions like Amhara and Oromia, where the government's approach has often been criticized as heavy-handed, leading to a drain on national resources through military expenditure, which many argue is a waste of taxpayers' money.
Economically, Ethiopia is facing severe challenges under Abiy's policies. Inflation has skyrocketed, making life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens who are getting poorer by the day. The tax system has been particularly punitive, with small businesses closing down due to overtaxation and what is perceived as an unfair tax regime. Additionally, the government's spending on luxury projects like palaces and corridor developments has been criticized as a misallocation of funds that could have been used for economic development or poverty alleviation. The devaluation of the Birr has further compounded these economic woes, reducing the purchasing power of the Ethiopian populace.
One of the more controversial policies under Abiy's administration has been the ban on fuel cars in cities, intended to push for electric vehicle use. While aimed at environmental sustainability, this policy has been implemented without adequate infrastructure or alternatives, leading to logistical nightmares for businesses and individuals reliant on traditional vehicles. This, combined with the other economic pressures, paints a picture of a nation where policy decisions are not only out of touch with immediate public needs but also contribute to the broader narrative of a country in decline under Abiy Ahmed's leadership.
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