Abiy Ahmed: "Shield of Peace" or the Primary Architect of Instability in the Horn of Africa?
[Hawassa — Serwe Times] Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, speaking at the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the Ethiopian Special Forces in Hawassa, claimed that Ethiopia has built a "special force" to ensure peace across Africa and combat terrorism "from the tip of Somalia to the tip of Massawa." However, observers note that these rhetorical claims of peace are diametrically opposed to the bloody realities on the ground.
1. Abiy Ahmed: An Architect of Destruction Stained in Blood
While Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attempts to project himself as a peacemaker and a guardian of regional security, his tenure has been stained in blood.
* A Legacy of Bloodshed: It is estimated that over 1.5 million people perished during the brutal war in Tigray triggered by political disputes. This massacre stands as one of the darkest chapters in the region's history.
* A Threat Greater than ISIS: While he claims to "fight terrorism," the systematic human rights violations and massacres perpetrated by his administration have posed a far greater threat to the Ethiopian people and the Horn of Africa than extremist groups like ISIS.
2. Violating Sovereignty and the "Gamble of War"
The Abiy Ahmed administration is notorious for violating the sovereignty of neighboring nations and interfering in their internal affairs.
* Somalia and Eritrea: The illegal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Somaliland constitutes a direct violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. Furthermore, under the pretext of securing the region "from Somalia to Massawa," he is engaging in a dangerous "gamble of war" aimed at seizing Eritrean ports and violating its territorial integrity.
* A Tool for Foreign Interests: In the ongoing civil war in Sudan, Abiy Ahmed’s government has acted as a proxy for external actors like the UAE, performing irresponsible actions that further fuel the conflict and destabilize the region.
3. Divisive Rhetoric and the Narrative of Hate
Abiy Ahmed speaks the language of "peace" on the international stage, but domestically, he ignites a politics of hate and division.
* Incitement of Conflict: Recently, in the Oromo region just 30km from the capital, he delivered a speech in the Oromo language calling for mobilization by stating, "They are coming for you with knives and machetes." This rhetoric frames the Amhara, Tigrayan, Afar, and Somali peoples as enemies, pushing the Oromo people toward a catastrophic civil war.
* Organized Crimes: The atrocities committed in Tigray and those currently unfolding in the Amhara region are not random acts of violence but are systematic, organized crimes against humanity carried out by the "Prosperity" government.
4. Lack of Competence and Diplomatic Emptiness
Abiy Ahmed’s diplomatic conduct lacks the maturity and competence expected of a head of state. His tendency to bypass protocol by physically clutching other leaders and engaging in unnecessary provocations reveals a deep political vacuum. His leadership is defined by falsehoods, deception, and a reliance on fabricated narratives to mislead the international community.
Conclusion
The international community must realize that Abiy Ahmed, the man claiming to bring "peace," is the primary source of instability in the Horn of Africa. There is no greater threat to peace and humanity in this region today than his leadership. The "special force" he speaks of is not built for peace, but as a tool to intimidate neighboring countries and cling to power.
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