April 9, 2025
Unspecified enemies of Ethiopia highlighted in the statement from National Security Council
Borkena
Toronto – In a statement released on Wednesday, Ethiopia’s National Security Council assessed national, regional, and global current affairs during its meeting.
The Council asserted that Ethiopia’s reform measures are succeeding, its initiatives are bearing fruit, and its influence in international forums is growing. “The success of its efforts in advancing national interests is a testament to that,” it said. Discussions with international monetary institutions and partners, along with financial support, have significantly contributed to the success of “political, economic, and social reforms.”
Abiy Ahmed’s administration introduced neoliberal economic reforms years ago, including the privatization of key national assets. In July of last year, it implemented a market-based currency exchange, resulting in what economists call a “free fall” depreciation of the Ethiopian birr. Within six months, the currency lost over 100% of its value against major currencies like the U.S. dollar. Some reforms were introduced under the guise of a “homegrown macroeconomic report,” with critics suggesting the IMF and World Bank dictated these measures. The government has also announced plans to open the banking sector to foreign investors.
Regarding the country’s security situation, the Council stated that attempts “to impose will by force have been foiled.” It added that peace has been “improving from time to time,” attributing this to a public “attitudinal change” toward the impacts of war and a decision “not to stand with conflict manufacturers.” The government’s “strong stand on peace” and related efforts were also cited as contributing factors.
The Council analyzed Ethiopia’s security within the broader Horn of Africa context, noting issues requiring attention amid global economic and political trends and “the prosperity level we want our country to attain.”
It identified forces seeking to impose their will through violence: “They view their areas as more disadvantaged, refuse dialogue, and engage in conspiracy, looting, plundering, ruthlessness, illicit trade, and forceful imposition.” The statement did not name specific groups.
The Council also accused unnamed foreign-based forces of collaborating with Ethiopia’s internal and external enemies, obstructing government operations, inciting catalyzing public discontent, and spreading false news. These entities allegedly operate in government offices, businesses, places of worship, and social spaces, creating supply shortages, limiting foreign currency, and engaging in illicit trade, human trafficking, and arms smuggling.
Another group labeled as “false propaganda leaders” was accused of disturbing peace through mainstream and social media. Described as “losers on the battlefield,” they allegedly fabricate violence-related news after failing to topple the government through protests. The Council claimed coordinated efforts between political, security structures, and the public have thwarted their plans.
In Tigray, the Council acknowledged that peace has not met public expectations “due to the evil intentions of some elements,” crediting progress to the government’s “relentless efforts.” The Pretoria Peace Agreement enabled the resumption of basic services, economic activities, and infrastructure maintenance.
The Council reported “several results” from government law enforcement operations in Amhara and Oromia, claiming some armed groups chose a “peaceful path” and surrendered. It noted improved local peacekeeping efforts and enhanced commodity mobility. However, as previously reported by Borkena, the Federal Defense Force has threatened to withdraw from Amhara after failed attempts to end military operations by eliminating Fano forces. Recent reports indicate militia and anti-riot police are increasingly engaged in clashes with Fano forces.
The Amhara conflict began in August 2023 when the federal government declared a state of emergency to disarm Fano within weeks. Despite government claims of restored security, Fano retains control over many areas.
In Oromia, the Oromo Liberation Army has fought Abiy Ahmed’s government for over six years. Two mediation attempts in Tanzania failed, with rebels blaming the government. Tens of thousands of civilians, mostly ethnic Amhara, have been killed, and ransom kidnappings—including recent bus hijackings—have spiraled unchecked. Neither the federal nor Oromia regional government has addressed these attacks, and no perpetrators have been detained or investigated.
Background: Ethiopia’s Escalating Crises and Political Fractures
When Abiy Ahmed assumed power in 2018 through an internal transition within the now-defunct EPRDF coalition, he initially garnered widespread popularity, promising national unity, security, and democratic reforms. However, his administration soon faced a legitimacy crisis as these pledges went unfulfilled. Critics now accuse him of pursuing radical ethnic Oromo nationalism, alleging his reforms aim to “Oromize” the state while eroding Ethiopia’s multi-ethnic character—a charge he denies.
Abiy positions himself as a modernizer, claiming over 15 million members in his Prosperity Party. Yet, a 2024 report by Reuters exposed the party’s coordinated “media army” tasked with manipulating online narratives, further polarizing public discourse.
The political turmoil escalated into violence:
2019–2020: Large-scale attacks in Oromia and Benishangul Gumuz killed tens of thousands, predominantly Amhara civilians (Some of which is documented by Human rights organizations ).
2020–2022: the war in North Ethiopian with the TPLF left an estimated 1 million dead (AU mediation estimates), devastating Tigray, Amhara, and Afar.
2023–Present: Amhara rebels (Fano) and Oromia’s OLA continue fighting, while experts like Tsadkan Gebretenae warn Tigray’s fragile peace could collapse, risking regional war.
Despite the Pretoria Agreement (2022), Ethiopia’s stability remains precarious, with Abiy’s government struggling to reconcile its reformist rhetoric with worsening security and ethnic tensions.
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