Examining Abiy Ahmed’s Rhetoric: Leadership, Accountability, and Ethiopia’s Challenges

The recent interview with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, as reported by Jane Flanagan from The Times, provides an unsettling glimpse into the rhetoric of a leader seemingly detached from the grim realities that define his country. While Abiy’s critique of outdated and paternalistic charity narratives carries some validity, his refusal to acknowledge the systemic failures of leadership—failures that have left Ethiopia mired in starvation, ethnic conflict, and institutional decay—is emblematic of a broader crisis in governance.

The Irony of Pride Amidst Crisis

Abiy Ahmed’s frustration with Ethiopia’s image as a land of famine and despair is understandable. No nation wishes to be eternally tied to a narrative of suffering. Yet, his indignation rings hollow when juxtaposed with the ongoing humanitarian crises under his watch. Ethiopia remains embroiled in internal conflicts, with ethnic divisions deepening and human rights abuses rampant. Millions face starvation, not due to an outdated charity single, but because of poor governance, mismanagement, and persistent violence.

It is paradoxical for Abiy to bemoan “dehumanizing narratives” when his own administration has presided over atrocities during the Tigray conflict, including the weaponization of starvation as a tactic of war. The prime minister’s emphasis on Ethiopia’s “ancient history, culture, diversity, and beauty” cannot obscure the present suffering of its people. Pride in one’s heritage is laudable, but it must be accompanied by accountability for present failures.

Charity Critique: Valid Points, Misplaced Blame

Abiy is correct in criticizing the patronizing undertones of campaigns like Band Aid, which often reduce Africa to a monolithic continent of despair, erasing its complexity and dignity. The original lyrics of Do They Know It’s Christmas? are indeed problematic, perpetuating damaging stereotypes and reinforcing a savior complex in the global north.

However, Abiy’s dismissal of such efforts as irrelevant to modern Ethiopia is disingenuous. Despite his rhetoric about Ethiopia being a “fast-growing economy,” many Ethiopians still rely on international aid for survival. Dismissing charitable initiatives without presenting a sustainable alternative undermines his argument. The critique of Band Aid is an easy target, but it does little to address Ethiopia’s structural challenges or the leadership failures that perpetuate the need for such interventions.

Leadership in Crisis: A Missed Opportunity

Abiy Ahmed had an opportunity to use his platform to engage in an honest conversation about Ethiopia’s challenges and articulate a vision for its recovery. Instead, he chose to deflect blame onto external narratives, sidestepping his own government’s role in perpetuating Ethiopia’s struggles.

His remarks that “famine does not define who we are” might resonate more if his administration had taken decisive action to mitigate famine rather than exacerbating it through conflict. Similarly, his assertion that Ethiopia should be seen as a tourism destination overlooks the fact that instability and violence have made many parts of the country unsafe for both locals and visitors.

The Way Forward: Leadership and Responsibility

Ethiopia’s problems are deeply rooted, but they are not insurmountable. They require leaders who are willing to confront uncomfortable truths and prioritize the well-being of their citizens over their personal or political agendas. Abiy’s Nobel Peace Prize, once a symbol of hope, has been tarnished by a record of broken promises and human rights violations. His interview highlights the gulf between rhetoric and reality—a leader lamenting stereotypes while failing to address the systemic issues that perpetuate them.

To rebuild Ethiopia’s image, Abiy must start by rebuilding trust with its people. This means acknowledging the role of government in the crises afflicting the nation, committing to genuine reforms, and fostering unity in a country fractured along ethnic lines. Ethiopia’s rich history and potential are undeniable, but these must serve as a foundation for action, not a shield for inaction.

True leadership lies not in deflection but in accountability and action

The frustrations expressed by Abiy Ahmed about Ethiopia’s global image are valid but hollow in the absence of meaningful progress. While the paternalism of initiatives like Band Aid deserves scrutiny, the Ethiopian government must take responsibility for its own role in perpetuating cycles of poverty and conflict. Ethiopia’s leaders, past and present, have failed their people, and no amount of rhetoric about ancient glory or external narratives can obscure this reality. True leadership lies not in deflection but in accountability and action—qualities that Ethiopia desperately needs.