Ethiopia’s future is being carved out on vanity projects—those that showcase glittering developments in Addis Ababa while the rest of the nation falls deeper into poverty and despair. At the heart of these grand plans is Abiy Ahmed, who, under the guise of modernization, spends billions on drones, parks, and digital Ethiopia initiatives. These flashy, high-tech endeavors, however, mask the harsh realities faced by Ethiopians on the ground. While Tigray is gripped by famine, Abiy Ahmed’s government is busy pushing its empty narrative of progress, drowning out the cries of its people.
At the core of Abiy Ahmed's agenda are his "vanity projects" that distract from the very real struggles of the Ethiopian population. From lavish parks to unnecessary drone acquisitions, Abiy has poured enormous amounts of money into projects that do little to address the economic crises or humanitarian disasters facing the people. The government’s focus on digital Ethiopia, with promises of innovation and prosperity through technology, seems disconnected from the millions of Ethiopians who still lack access to basic services like clean water, healthcare, and employment opportunities. These projects, while creating a shiny facade, highlight a government that prioritizes image over the needs of its citizens.
Meanwhile, the Ethiopian population is being crushed under the weight of heavy taxation, rising inflation, and a lack of job opportunities. Small businesses are suffocated by unpredictable and often unjust taxes, while the economy remains stagnant, offering few prospects for the youth. The promise of jobs and economic stability, which was supposed to accompany the reforms of Abiy’s government, has not materialized. Instead, Ethiopians find themselves stuck in a cycle of poverty, while the regime continues to push forward with projects that do little to improve their lives. The wealth gap has only widened, with the rich getting richer, and the poor sinking deeper into hardship.
The government's response to the suffering of its people is nothing short of dismissive. Abiy’s rhetoric often focuses on the future of the country, painting a picture of a prosperous, modern Ethiopia, while ignoring the very real suffering happening right now. In the meantime, Tigray, which has been ravaged by years of conflict, is now facing an acute famine that is being largely ignored by the state. Thousands of people in the region are starving, and yet the government’s response has been largely absent. Aid is insufficient, and the famine continues unabated, while Abiy’s government continues to push forward with projects that serve only to enhance its own power and prestige.
One of the most painful aspects of this crisis is the disconnect between the government's actions and the reality faced by the people. Social media in Ethiopia is flooded with images of Addis Ababa's street lights, parks, and the supposed progress of the nation. These images, while polished and impressive, are a stark contrast to the famine and death that are unfolding in Tigray and other regions. The people of Ethiopia are being fed a narrative of prosperity that simply doesn’t match the reality on the ground. Tigray is not the only region suffering—entire communities across the country are trapped in poverty, with little hope for improvement.
This is not a new story for Ethiopia. The country has a long history of famine, which has often been compounded by political neglect and international indifference. The infamous “We Are the World” song from the 1980s, which raised millions for Ethiopia’s famine victims, was a moment of global recognition for the suffering of the Ethiopian people. Yet, here we are again in 2026, witnessing the same tragedy unfold. The word "famine" continues to be part of Ethiopia’s narrative, even though the government has made promises of change and progress. The cycle of suffering continues, with misplaced priorities, a government that doesn’t seem to work for its people, and international silence.
The government of Abiy Ahmed, while outwardly claiming to be reforming Ethiopia, is in fact consolidating authoritarian power, cracking down on dissent, and leaving the people to suffer. Abiy's regime has become more focused on its own survival and propaganda than on the well-being of the Ethiopian people. Instead of empowering the public and fostering a democratic society, he has used his position to secure control, crush opposition, and silence any form of criticism. This authoritarian approach is not just a political issue—it is a humanitarian disaster.
And where is the West in all of this? The international community, which has historically been quick to intervene in Ethiopia’s crises, remains largely silent on the current situation. Despite the famine, the lack of human rights, and the ongoing oppression, there is no significant push for accountability. Instead, international aid continues to trickle in, often too late and too little to address the scale of the crisis. The West’s indifference has allowed Ethiopia’s rulers to act with impunity, continuing to prioritize military might and propaganda while their people starve.
Ethiopia’s suffering is a tragedy that should have ended long ago. The country is rich in culture, history, and resources, yet its people continue to pay the price for political mismanagement, corruption, and misplaced priorities. While Abiy Ahmed builds drones and parks, the people of Ethiopia—especially those in Tigray—continue to pay the ultimate price. This is a failure of leadership, and it is a shame that Ethiopia still has to deal with these issues in 2026. The world must not look away. It is time to recognize the truth of Ethiopia’s suffering and demand real change.
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