04/07/2023
Abiy Ahmed: A national Disgrace and an International Embarrassment
Part I
Leaders as a Nation’s Representatives
By Haile Tessema
(This is part I of an instalment covering the embarrassing behavior of Abiy Ahmed)
Abiy Ahmed experienced noticeable snubs from world figures during the recent Paris summit on the financing of climate change, held on June 22 and 23. His performance as a discussant on a panel that included the Head of the World Bank and the US Secretary of the Treasury clearly revealed that he was out of his league. He made outlandish statements. The snubs, his lackluster performance as a panelist, and his outrageous statements have embarrassed Ethiopians. His actions, policies, and behavior, both domestically and globally, don’t inspire pride among Ethiopians. Ethiopians feel ashamed of Abiy Ahmed.
Leaders play a crucial role in representing their country’s aspirations, norms, interests, and images on the global stage. Their actions, behavior, statements, and diplomatic engagements reflect their nation. They personify their country in international affairs. When their behavior fails to confirm with their countries’ ideals, citizens feel frustrated, disappointed, and embarrassed.
Leaders have significant international responsibilities. First, they serve as representatives of their nation’s collective aspirations. Emerging from domestic political processes, leaders embody the values, beliefs, and priorities of the people. Leaders are selected for positions of power based on their alignment with the ideals held by their country’s population. Consequently, they are entrusted with the task of demonstrating these ideals on the global stage.
Second, leaders exemplify the societal norms of their nations. They act as cultural ambassadors, upholding the traditions, customs, and heritage of their country. Whether through ceremonial events, diplomatic interactions, or public engagements, leaders are expected to project an image that is in harmony with their country’s norms.
Third, leaders serve as the voice of their nation on the global stage, advancing national interests. They represent their country’s interests in international forums, negotiations, and engagements. Through their speeches, diplomatic interactions, and active participation in international organizations, leaders promote the interests of their people. They advocate for their country’s priorities, seek collaborations, and contribute to global decision-making processes. In doing so, they exert influence over how their country is perceived in the international community. Citizens expect their leaders to consistently behave in a manner that aligns with this perception while promoting national interests.
Fourth, national leaders project an image of their country to foreigners. They play a pivotal role in shaping how their country is perceived by foreigners. When leaders engage in international diplomacy, participate in global forums, or undertake official visits to other nations, they personify their country to the rest of the world. Foreigners often form opinions about a country based on the actions, statements, and conduct of its leaders. Leaders who project a positive image of their country globally are respected domestically.
We will use these ideas when assessing how Abiy Ahmed’s global behavior has damaged Ethiopia’s international reputation. The behavior of leaders when interacting with world figures is inseparable from the international image they project for their countries. The way a leader performs personally on the global stage directly influences how his country is perceived. A leader’s personal performance is a country’s international reputation.
Inappropriate Behavior of Leaders
When leaders display inappropriate behavior domestically or on the global stage, it not only reflects poorly on their reputation but also negatively affects the perception of the entire nation. With global interconnection, the domestic actions of leaders are scrutinized by the global community. A government’s domestic policies, good or bad, are internationally observed. Globally, a leader’s misconduct, whether it involves misstatements, diplomatic failures, disrespectful behavior, or disregard for international norms, can damage diplomatic relationships, erode trust, and harm the nation’s standing in the global arena. Citizens feel disappointed, humiliated, embarrassed when their leaders fail to uphold the expected standards of conduct on an international level.
The inappropriate behavior of leaders transcends immediate consequences. It carries long-term effects on a nation’s credibility, its capacity to form alliances, and its overall influence in shaping global events. The negative actions of leaders can tarnish the reputation of a country.
Two examples from the United States vividly demonstrate how the behavior of leaders can result in far-reaching, detrimental consequences for a nation. President Bill Clinton’s involvement in an extra-marital relationship with Monica Lewinsky embarrassed Americans and affected the international perceptions of the United States. The revelation of the scandal not only brought personal embarrassment to Clinton but also generated feelings of shame among many Americans.
During his presidency, Donald Trump made several derogatory remarks that embarrassed many Americans. His comments specifically targeting Mexicans, women and various countries in Central America and Africa violated the principles of inclusivity and respect; they also cast a negative light globally on the United States as a nation.
Abiy Ahmed: A National Disgrace
Abiy Ahmed has caused great embarrassment to Ethiopians through his unacceptable behavior, domestically and internationally. Since taking office as Ethiopia’s Prime Minister in April 2018, Abiy Ahmed has exhibited inappropriate conduct. When a group of soldiers mutinied for higher pay and marched to the palace on October 10, 2018, he invited them to join him in performing push-ups on the palace pavement and had lunch with them at the palace, instead of disciplining them. He exacerbated the situation when defending his actions by saying that he was concerned about Oromo youth perceiving a military takeover of their government and descending upon the city. His defense suggested that his administration was exclusively an Oromo government, neglecting that it also represents the interests of other Ethiopian citizens.
When Simegnew Bekele, the chief engineer of the GERD, was assassinated on July 26, 2018, under suspicious circumstances, Abiy Ahmed refrained from condemning the act or offering condolences to his family. His silence was frustrating, as it was bewildering. Tragically, Simegnew Bekele’s killing marked the beginning of a series of unresolved political assassinations.
During the visit of the crown prince of UAE on June 15, 2018, Abiy Ahmed personally drove him around the city as if he were his personal chauffeur, a role unbefitting his position. For Ethiopians, their prime minister serving as personal chauffeur to an Arab prince was not exactly inspiriting. It was belittling. He frequently utters rude remarks about the country and different groups (Amharas, Gurages, Tigrayans, doctors, economists, professors, and others) that are unbecoming of a country’s leader. These and the other transgressions of Abiy Ahmed have offended, angered, and embarrassed Ethiopians.
Abiy Ahmed’s handling of Ethiopia’s internal conflicts, especially the Tigray war, has sparked international criticism. The conflict has resulted in widespread violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises. The government’s failure to resolve these conflicts has left many Ethiopians feeling enraged by their leader’s inability to achieve peace. Although the Tigray war cannot be solely blamed on him, Abiy Ahmed grossly mishandled the situation. His actions and decisions in addressing the conflict were deeply flawed.
Abiy Ahmed’s governance lacks transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. His administration suppresses dissenting voices, curtails media freedom, imprisons journalists, and its critics. The Amhara community has been subjected to discriminatory policies by his government. These actions undermine Ethiopia’s democratic trajectory. They also embarrass citizens who had hoped for a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable government.
Abiy Ahmed frequently engages in divisive rhetoric, inflammatory remarks, and anti-Ethiopian comments. On March 28, 2023, he told parliament that “If we want to destroy Ethiopia, nobody can stop us”. The statement suggesting the potential destruction of Ethiopia raises legitimate doubts about his mental health. To be sure, we must be cautious about making a definitive judgment about someone’s mental fitness based solely on a single statement, but a statement by a leader of a country suggesting the desire for the destruction of a nation he rules doesn’t enhance confidence in his stability, judgment, and suitability for leadership.
Under Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, the economic challenges facing Ethiopia have worsened significantly. The country is grappling with rising inflation, alarming unemployment rates, a heavy debt burden, and a weakening currency. Clearly, these problems are not unique to Ethiopia, but the inability of its government to institute the appropriate economic policies has worsened them. Regrettably, these economic hardships have inflicted a severe toll on the well-being of many Ethiopians, leaving them seething with anger.
Abiy Ahmed’s leadership has proven grossly inadequate to govern Ethiopia, extending far beyond its failure to address pressing economic problems. The government’s inability to resolve internal conflicts in Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, and Afar has deepened the humanitarian crisis and escalated widespread violence. Lawlessness now pervades the country, with the alarming increase in kidnappings for ransom, a phenomenon unheard of previously. Government-led abductions of critics have become commonplace. The OLA terrorists can strike anywhere, at any time. It is unsafe to travel anywhere in Ethiopia. Western governments are advising their citizens to avoid visiting Ethiopia. Ethiopia appears to be spiraling towards the status of a failed state.
The recent report of government officials stealing food aid intended for starving Ethiopians has sparked widespread anger, disheartenment, and embarrassment among the Ethiopian population. This distressing revelation unveils the government’s clear breach of trust and ethical governance. A government that steals from its needy people is a government that betrays its fundamental duty to serve its citizens. It’s a government that undermines its own legitimacy.
The snubs that Abiy Ahmed suffered, the inappropriate remarks he made, his disappointing performance in a panel discussion at the recent Paris summit, along with his unacceptable behavior in Ethiopia, have embarrassed Ethiopians. They eagerly anticipate the day when this embarrassment will finally come to an end.
Abiy Ahmed: A national Disgrace and an International Embarrassment (Part II)
05/07/2023
Abiy Ahmed: A national Disgrace and an International Embarrassment
Part II
The International Pariah
By Haile Tessema
(This is part II of an instalment covering the embarrassing behaviour of Abiy Ahmed)
The Paris Debacle
Abiy Ahmed’s participation in the recent Paris conference, during which he made misleading statements, was rebuffed by the head of the World Bank, and was widely ignored by world leaders, underscores his reputation as bungling pariah.
Abiy Ahmed’s false statement, on a global platform, claiming that the term of appointment for Ajay Banga, the new head of the World Bank, was two years was undeniably embarrassing. The erroneous claim exposes his lack of basic facts. It is a straightforward piece of information that could easily have been confirmed with a simple Google search. The easy accessibility of this information amplifies the embarrassment.
Abiy Ahmed’s false remark also sheds light on his unpreparedness when participating in international fora. In international public appearances, where accurate information is essential, leaders come briefed, prepared, and well-informed, with their claims fact-checked for accuracy. As a leader of a country, he is expected to invest the necessary effort to ensure he is well informed. His error highlights his inability to handle global affairs with the required level of diligence.
Abiy Ahmed’s mistake regarding the term of employment for the head of the World Bank has cast doubt on his comprehension of complex issues. If he doesn’t know a simple fact, people may ask: Does he have the patience or the capacity to comprehend intricate matters such as financing climate change?
Abiy Ahmed was rebuked by Mr. Banga, who corrected him by stating that his term of office at the World Bank is five years. The rebuke by Banga has two purposes. He highlighted Abiy’s ignorance of a basic fact regarding the World Bank as an institution. More importantly, the rebuke implied that Abiy may be unqualified to make policy recommendations to the World Bank.
Abiy Ahmed claimed that his government spends $50 billion on planting trees, a false claim that can be easily verified. His hyperbolic assertion reinforces his untrustworthiness, as no country, regardless of its citizens’ dedication to environmental rehabilitation, would allocate 50% of its GDP to tree planting. This false claim highlights his reputation as a deceitful leader, even unable to craft plausible lies.
In addition, he unabashedly announced to the world that Ethiopia has begun to export wheat, disregarding the dire humanitarian situation where international food aid organisations are tirelessly striving to feed the needy. His government’s decision to export wheat amid a severe shortage of food in Ethiopia indicates a profound lack of empathy for its people. He may have anticipated that his statement would impress the global community, instead it unveiled a leader with little concern for the well-being of its citizens. A leader without sympathy for his people is a leader without respect from his people.
The contrast between Abiy Ahmed and William Ruto, the president of Kenya, was stark, in style and substance. They both participated in a panel discussion of prominent individuals. While Ruto was confident, articulate, and persuasive, Abiy appeared timid, insecure, tongue-tied, and unconvincing. Abiy falsely claimed that Ethiopia spends $50 billion on planting trees; Ruto boldly proposed the establishment of a green bank to assist developing countries in financing their transition to green technology. Abiy came across as a fraudster, Ruto as a thinker.
I am not too naïve not to realise that Ruto is being groomed as the West’s main man in Africa. Ruto has been portrayed as a good leader with good qualities that align with the expectations of the Western world. This portrayal emphasises his strong leadership skills, his ability to communicate effectively, and his strategic thinking. Presenting Ruto in this light positions him to advance the interests of the West in Africa.
Western media and diplomats present Kenya as a shining example of democratic governance in the African continent, despite its many democratic deficits. Ruto, although recently elected, has been associated with this positive portrayal of Kenya. He is presented as a leader who upholds democratic values and principles. Even if we acknowledge the democratic tendencies in Kenya, we need to be aware of the underlying motive behind the media’s promotion of Ruto. Nonetheless, the contrast between Ruto and Abiy Ahmed remains significant.
Abiy Ahmed’s Humiliation: The International Snubs
Regrettably, yet predictably, Abiy Ahmed endured palpable snubs at the recent summit in Paris from the President of South Africa, the Chairman of the African Union Commission, and the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), all in one day! These snubs indicate the substantial decline in global respect for Abiy Ahmed and diminished international reputation for Ethiopia. It was disheartening to witness him wandering aimlessly in the reception hall, desperately seeking someone to engage in conversation with. He resembled an unwanted individual at a high school party, shunned by everyone but longing for anyone willing to engage in a chat. It was a sad spectacle. This experience may have momentarily bruised his ego but has permanently shattered the pride that Ethiopians once held in him.
A snub involves actively disregarding, rejecting, or slighting someone in a disrespectful or disdainful manner. Abiy Ahmed experienced several humiliating snubs at the Paris summit in the reception hall. When Abiy extended his hand to shake hands with Kristalina Georgieva, the head of the IMF, she ignored him. He then attempted to engage in conversation with Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, but received no interest. Finally, in desperation, he turned to Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, who also took a pass. This series of events was truly embarrassing for Abiy.
Studies indicate that the purpose behind snubbing varies, but in the case of Abiy Ahmed, the following reasons are pertinent. Snubbing by world leaders can be perceived as a retaliatory measure to sanction Abiy Ahmed’s previous bad behaviour. It is a public punishment of past behaviour. Like children receiving spanking because of their unacceptable behavior, he was snubbed by world leaders to make him feel accountable for his past wrongdoings.
Snubbing functions as a psychological form of punishment. By intentionally ignoring Abiy Ahmed, the world leaders sent a clear message that Abiy Ahmed is considered unworthy of their respect. The snubbing was intended to create feelings of isolation, shame, or embarrassment in Abiy Ahmed. Snubbing served as a medium through which this message was communicated to Ethiopians, other world leaders, and the global public.
Snubbing can be used to impart a lesson to others. Observing the consequences faced by the snubbed individual, Abiy Ahmed, may deter others from engaging in similar wrongdoings. Witnessing the potential impact of the snub on their reputation, other leaders may think twice before engaging in actions that may result in similar social repercussions.
Snubbing generates public humiliation by intentionally subjecting the person, Abiy Ahmed, to embarrassment. As was seen in the video, the humiliation took place through overt actions, such as excluding Abiy Ahmed from conversations, employing subtle dismissive body language, or outright refusal to acknowledge his presence. The objective was to publicly demean Abiy Ahmed and diminish his international standing in the eyes of other world leaders, Ethiopians, and the global public. And it succeeded.
Snubbing can stem from a fear of association with Abiy Ahmed who is internationally stigmatized, a pariah. Other leaders may distance themselves from Abiy Ahmed to protect their own reputation. Snubbing serves to safeguard one’s global standing and avoid being associated with someone perceived as undesirable, Abiy Ahmed.
Abiy Ahmed’s past behaviour has prompted his snubbing on the global stage. His consistent dishonesty towards his counterparts worldwide and heads of international institutions are the underlying causes of his humiliation. Whether in diplomatic negotiations or international forums, he fabricates information, he deceives those he interacts with. This pattern of deception has resulted in many global actors refusing to cooperate with him.
He makes promises, but rarely fulfils them. He presents himself as someone who will take decisive action on his commitments, yet time and time again, he fails to follow through. The global community, like his fellow Ethiopians, has grown weary of his empty rhetoric and broken promises.
He frequently announces impressive policy initiatives but rarely follows through; he occasionally implementing them partially. He presents ambitious vanity projects to the public, but they have little impact on the country’s pressing economic problems. When he requests loans for infrastructure development, lending institutions worry that the funds might be diverted to one of his vanity projects, such as his $1 billion palace. The global community, unlike Ethiopians, does not overlook his failure to deliver on promises. As a result, the country has received fewer loans and grants than it deserves.
He effortlessly tailors his narratives to suit different individuals, groups, governments, or international institutions, customizing his storytelling to align with the preferences of his audience. He presents one version of events to the Chinese and contradicts it for the Americans. He gladly participates in China’s Belt and Road Initiative but complains about China’s presence in Africa to the Americans. He adeptly tells different stories to Ethiopians and foreigners on the same issue. He tells the Amharas that he loves them but complains to the Americans that the Amharas are the obstacle to peace with the TPLF. He narrates one story for one ethnic group and the opposite for another. He tells the Amharas that Wolkait and Tsegede belong to them, but then promises the TPLF that western Tigray will be returned to its rule. The man struggles to maintain consistent narratives.
Abiy Ahmed’s lack of sincerity has cost him international respect. Given his track record of being unable to provide truthful information, it is understandable that some world leaders may be unwilling to engage with him. Recognising his duplicitous behaviour, some have decided to snub him and refrain from having meaningful interactions with him. It is disheartening for Ethiopians to witness that their prime minister is perceived as an international pariah on the world stage.
This is part III, the last instalment covering the embarrassing behaviour of Abiy Ahmed – Haile Tessema
08/07/2023
Abiy Ahmed: A national Disgrace and an International Embarrassment
Part III
Abiy Ahmed’s Mendacity on the International Stage
By Haile Tessema
(This is part III, the last instalment covering the embarrassing behaviour of Abiy Ahmed)
Abiy Ahmed has been treated as an international pariah due to his frequent lies, deceptive behaviour, and bombastic statements. Here are some instances of Abiy Ahmed’s public mendacity on the international stage. On June 10, 2018 Abiy Ahmed “swore by Allah” (Wallahi) to President El Sisi of Egypt that his government would not full up the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) without signing an agreement with Egypt, but two year later he started filling up the dam in July 2020 without any agreement with Egypt.
Swearing in a public setting is juvenile. Children swear; adults agree. Making a commitment that he had no intention of fulfilling was fundamentally wrong, particularly when such a commitment was made in public to a of state. Moreover, invoking a higher power when swearing intensified the gravity of the breach. There was no need for him to swear; instead, he could have simply said, “we will reach a mutually beneficial agreement” or use a diplomatic courtesy. The issue is not safeguarding Ethiopia’s national interests; it is honouring one’s word. By all means, he should protect Ethiopia’s national interests, but without lies.
He has consistently deceived the UN and Western governments by repeatedly lying about the presence of Eritrean troops. On December 9, 2020, he assured Antonio Guterres that there were no Eritrean troops in Ethiopia, but in March 2021, he acknowledged the presence of Eritrean troops in Tigray. Subsequently, he promised the world that Eritrean troops would soon withdraw from Ethiopia, but Eritrean troops are still in disputed territories. Once again, the issue at hand is not about the Ethiopian government’s sovereign right to invite Eritrean troops; the crux of the matter lies in his dishonesty.
Other than the withdrawal of Eritrean troops, Abiy Ahmed made other commitments to the Biden administration concerning the conflict in Tigray and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) but has failed to fulfill most of it. He promised Blinken that those responsible for war crimes will be held accountable. He promised that he would restore Wolkait, Tsegede, and Raya to TPLF governance; he would release all TPLF prisoners; he would reinstate TPLF’s assets, among the other commitments he made to the Biden administration. He has not delivered on his promises. The US has no confidence in Abiy Ahmed. It has reset its alliance with Kenya.
Once again, the issue lies not in whether the US should dictate policies to the Ethiopian government—it should not—but rather in Abiy Ahmed’s acceptance of these demands, only to later renege on them. Furthermore, he consistently makes contradictory statements concerning the Biden administration. While assuring the Ethiopian public that Ethiopian sovereignty is not for sale, he consistently pleads with the US for additional funds and support in return for advancing US interests in Ethiopia and the region. His equivocation, duplicity, and erratic diplomacy have had negative consequences for Ethiopia’s diplomatic relations, foreign investments, and global public perception.
Abiy Ahmed has frequently attempted to placate the World Bank and the IMF by feigning his wholesome acceptance of their structural adjustment programme, packaged as Ethiopia’s homegrown policies. On June 5, 2018, he announced that his government would privatize Ethiopian Airlines (EAL), the largest and most profitable airline in Africa, but on October 10, 2020, the Minister of Finance declared the privatization plan has been postponed indefinitely.
Five years since the privatisation announcement, the airline remains under government ownership. Considering that EAL is the most reliable source of foreign exchange earnings for the cash-strapped Ethiopian government, it’s most unlikely that the government will privatize EAL. The announcement appears to be a scheme aimed at securing loans and grants from the World Bank and the IMF. Once again, EAL shouldn’t be privatized; the problem is his deceit.
Some African leaders have openly expressed their disgust with Abiy Ahmed’s dishonesty. Two years ago, during a meeting of East African leaders in Djibouti, Uhuru Kenyatta snubbed Abiy Ahmed, when he ignored Abiy’s extended hand for a handshake. In 2022, the leader of South Sudan openly called him a liar. Recently, when countries in the Horn of Africa attempted to intervene in the Sudan civil war, initially they excluded Ethiopia, but Abiy eventually managed to join them. Recently, when the South African government formed a committee of six African countries to mediate between Ukraine and Russia, it excluded Ethiopia because of Abiy’s international bad reputation. According to recent news reports, even his once ally, Isaias Afwerki, no longer responds to his phone calls. When a leader is publicly snubbed, labelled dishonest, and his calls are unanswered by fellow African leaders, it underscores the gravity of Abiy Ahmed mendacity.
Accusation of Plagiarism and Self-reporting as a US Spy
Abiy Ahmed’s dishonesty extends beyond politics; he has been accused of plagiarising a substantial proportion of his PhD thesis. A group that has thoroughly examined his dissertation concludes, “There is now sufficient evidence to demand Addis Ababa University to re-examine Abiy’s thesis; it is adequate to suspend or revoke a doctorate.” To be sure, the group that investigated his dissertation consists of TPLF supporters with a political motivation. Nonetheless, they have presented compelling evidence to support their claims, which can be independently verified using plagiarism detection software like Turnitin. The allegations raise concerns about Abiy Ahmed’s academic credentials and cast a shadow over the reputation of Addis Ababa University. His cheating reveals a shady character. Once a thief, always a thief.
Even more disturbing for Ethiopians is that Abiy Ahmed claims to have worked for the NSA. In an interview with the New Yorker Magazine in September 2022, he boldly asserted his involvement with the US spy agency. He proclaimed: “I was the one who would send intelligence from this part of the world to the N.S.A., on Sudan, Yemen and Somalia. The N.S.A. knows me. I would fight and die for America.” The revelation that he spied on neighbouring countries has angered, dismayed, and demoralised Ethiopians.
It is not the first time that Abiy has admitted being a spy. In the summer of 2018, he confessed to spying for the OLF while working for the Ethiopian intelligence agency. Such acts of espionage constitute grave offenses, punishable by long-term imprisonment or even capital punishment.
His admission of espionage for a superpower raises disturbing questions about the integrity of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS). Is the NISS truly independent of the CIA? To what extent does the CIA exert control over the NISS? Will he use the resources of the Ethiopian government to enforce US policy in Ethiopia and the rest of the Horn of Africa? These and other questions weigh heavily on the minds of Ethiopians and African leaders, particularly those from neighbouring countries. It is understandable that African leaders regard him with suspicion. It is also clear why Isaias Afwerki may have legitimate concerns about a potential regime change in Eritrea orchestrated by the US, effected by Abiy Ahmed.
Abiy Ahmed’s statement that “I would fight and die for America” implies that his allegiance to the US is high. This statement signifies his unwavering loyalty to the US, but his allegiance to a foreign country angers Ethiopians and irks Africans.
It is possible that he may have fabricated his involvement with the NSA, yet the NSA has issued no denial about his working for it. The NSA’s silence lends credence to the possibility that he might have indeed worked there. If he had no affiliation with the NSA and spread such a major falsehood, it further reinforces his reputation as a deceitful individual.
We have explored several reasons for why Abiy Ahmed has been ostracised on the international stage. The accusation of plagiarism further casts doubts on his character. His claim of working for the NSA adds justification for why world leaders, particularly African counterparts, distance themselves from him. Ethiopians have experienced a dual sense of shame: their prime minister being rejected by world leaders because of his dishonesty and his admission of engaging in espionage for a foreign government.