March 8, 2026
The methods employed by the current administration in maintaining peace order has become increasingly nonexistent and alarming. On the contrary, the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, for the last eight years, has been the perpetrator of violence and killings of its own people. There is a political reality in Ethiopia raising questions about constitutional adherence and democratic transitions.
In today’s Ethiopia, evidence suggests an extensive erosion of institutional autonomy, with the executive branch under absolute dictatorial rule of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, exerting absolute control over critical state apparatuses. This includes, but is not limited to, the legislative body, the military, security establishments, the judiciary system, financial institutions, foreign policy, and regional administrative structures. Such centralization of absolute power under one individual undermines the fundamental principles of checks and balances and democratic governance, effectively nullifying the independent functions essential for a healthy state.
Hundreds of thousands of civilians are confronted with credible accounts of suffering, many suffering violent killings, severe injuries, displacement and destruction of their homes and properties.
As a consequence of the ongoing civil war many soldiers have suffered limb amputations, blindness, and various physical disabilities. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers injured in battle are being deliberately hidden from public view. This practice, reportedly justified by concerns over national image, constitutes a grave humanitarian crisis and a profound violation of human dignity, effectively warehousing victims of conflict in undisclosed locations, beyond the reach of humanitarian aid or public scrutiny.
This worsening civil war, systematic suppression of peaceful dissent, coupled with the horrific treatment of war-affected citizens, paints a stark picture of a nation in peril. Urgent international scrutiny and action are imperative to address these escalating human rights concerns and to prevent further suffering.
Abiy Ahmed’s Rhetoric is Widely Seen Intensifying Historical Divisions and Inter Ethnic Violence
The escalating humanitarian and security crises observed in various regions, particularly the tragic killings of innocent Amhara civilians unfolding in Arusi and Wollaga regions of Oromo, demand an urgent attention and deep reflection. Many observers attribute these grave developments, directly or indirectly, to the Prime Minister’s public pronouncements and directives.
Reports indicate that, during the past and recent Prime Minister’s visits to Wollega, he issued statements that have been interpreted by many as fueling historical grievances heightening communal tensions. Specifically, narratives highlighting past alleged ethnic subjugation and the need for self-defense against perceived aggressors from other regions have been widely cited. Such rhetoric, regardless of intent, carries the profound risk of exacerbating divisions inciting conflict among diverse communities.
Reliance on Loyalist, Mostly Forcefully Recruited Oromo Young Soldiers
The ongoing military operations conducted by the current administration against its own people, across various regions of Ethiopia, are encountering profound difficulties. Reports indicate that these campaigns, rather than achieving their stated objectives or decisive victories, are frequently culminating in strategic defeat, withdrawals or, in certain instances, switching sides and outright surrenders.
A prevailing analysis suggests that these consistent setbacks are largely attributable to a discernible erosion of trust and unity among the diverse ethnic components within the armed forces. This internal fragmentation in the military is believed to be significantly undermining the operational capacity and effectiveness of the military.
Specifically, this perceived lack of cohesion has reportedly resulted in a detrimental impact on the morale and commitment of combatants, especially alleged to those drawn from the Amhara and other non-Oromo ethnic groups. This lack of interest in the war appears to be imitating from their observations of brutal killings of innocent people, resulting in soldiers’ morals waning under challenging circumstances.
Presently, top military leadership is predominantly composed of individuals from the Oromo ethnic group. Contrary to this fact, a key hypothesis is being explored where a fighting force predominantly composed of Oromo individuals could potentially foster enhanced internal solidarity, leading to a more consistent and successful military outcome. This perspective is currently being evaluated for potential strategic implementations.
Alleged consequences of such policies include the forced recruitment of young individuals from mostly Oromo communities into armed forces. Such plans are deeply disturbing, consequently attributing condemnation of the crime against the Oromo communities, and also placing an unbearable burden of fighting on Oromo society, particularly on Oromo mothers who witness their children forcefully recruited into the military. It is imperative that the sanctity of life and the protection of the youth is not paramount in all governmental actions.
Conclusion
Abiy Ahmed is implementing a conspiracy of divide and rule, where the government is causing divisions and brutal violence. To disarm this evil plan, it is essential to cultivate a genuinely inclusive dialogue and foster collaborative solutions. A path forward demands the collective wisdom and concerted efforts of all Ethiopians—from every background and region—to establish true justice, ensure accountability, and build a peaceful, equitable, and prosperous future for the nation.
Presently various regional and political stakeholders, notably from the Amhara, Oromo, Tigray etc. communities appear to be engaged in encouraging distinct convergent efforts concerning national governance. While a formal, unified opposition front of different armed opposition groups has not materialized yet, observers note a strategic alignment in their independent campaigns and struggles against the prevailing dictatorial authority. This discernible pattern of parallel action suggested a growing unformalized collaboration.
Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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