August 8, 2025
The Prosperity Party, Ethiopia’s ruling political organization, has once again raised alarms about alleged “historical enemies” and “internal gangs” plotting to destabilize the country — without making clear who exactly these enemies are. The vague accusations risk fueling public tension and could be laying the groundwork for a new round of conflict.
In a statement issued after a regular party meeting held from July 30 to August 2, 2017 E.C., the ruling party claimed that “coordinated forces” were making a “final attempt” to derail Ethiopia’s journey toward peace and prosperity. The Prosperity Party linked these threats to discontent over the Pretoria Peace Agreement, which ended the war in northern Ethiopia.
“We have emerged victorious from the war we faced in the northern part of our country a few years ago,” the statement declared. “However, our enemies, frustrated by the peace agreement and the prolonged war they wanted, have started trying other strategies…inciting chaos and weakening the government.”
According to the party, these alleged groups are employing six different strategies in a last-ditch bid to destabilize Ethiopia. Yet no specifics were given about who these actors are, how they are organized, or where they operate — leaving the public in the dark about the nature of the threat.
The lack of transparency raises pressing questions. Who are these “historical enemies”? Are they foreign governments, armed movements, political opponents, or civil society critics? And if the government has concrete intelligence, why isn’t it sharing evidence with the people?
The language used in the statement bears similarity to rhetoric that preceded previous conflicts. If there truly is a threat, the public deserves clarity. If not, such warnings risk escalating internal crackdowns or paving the way for renewed fighting.
As Ethiopia faces economic challenges, ethnic tensions, and humanitarian crises, calls are growing for the government to be transparent and engage in genuine dialogue rather than escalating suspicion. Without clear answers, the question remains: Is Ethiopia’s leadership defending the nation — or preparing the public for war?