Muluken Tekleyohanes for Ambassador Media
Under the leadership of Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia is increasingly drifting away from democratic governance toward a system defined by centralization of power, personal ambition, and unchecked decision-making.
What we are witnessing is not simply poor prioritization—it is a pattern of leadership that reflects authoritarian tendencies. Major national decisions are being shaped not through transparent institutions or inclusive dialogue, but through the preferences of one individual and a narrow circle of power. This undermines accountability and erodes public trust.
Projects that should be evaluated based on national interest—such as critical infrastructure like railways—are sidelined, while initiatives that appear to serve personal image-building or legacy ambitions are pushed aggressively. Riverside developments, luxury projects, and highly publicized beautification campaigns raise serious questions: are these decisions driven by economic necessity, or by personal vision detached from the realities of ordinary citizens?
A functioning democracy depends on institutions, checks and balances, and open debate. When leadership becomes overly personalized, dissent is dismissed, and criticism is framed as opposition rather than contribution. This creates an environment where policy is no longer guided by evidence or public need, but by the priorities of those in power.
The danger of such governance is clear: national resources risk being diverted toward projects that do not deliver meaningful economic returns, while essential sectors—transport, industry, and regional connectivity—are neglected. Over time, this weakens the country’s foundation and deepens inequality.
Ethiopia’s future cannot be built on centralized control and personal ambition. It requires leadership that respects institutions, values accountability, and prioritizes the collective good over individual legacy.
The Ethiopian people deserve a government that listens, that shares power, and that invests in real development—not one that governs through image, control, and personal interest.
An Urgent Call for International Intervention in Ethiopia