Sep 17th 2020
by ABIY AHMED
Democracy in Africa
Abiy Ahmed on the threats to Ethiopia’s democratic transition
The government must stop violent ethnic and religious demagogues. But only democracy can hold the country together, says the prime minister
This guest commentary is the first in a series on democracy in Africa. Ethiopia committed itself to democratic reforms in 2018. But ethnic and separatist violence, as well as state repression, have resumed. The government postponed this year’s general election, citing covid-19. An unauthorised local election was held in the Tigray region in early September. Read more about Ethiopia’s tense politics here. For other commentaries, visit Economist.com/by-invitation