By Muluken Tekleyohanes | Ambassador Media
In a sobering address to the House of Peoples’ Representatives, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed issued a dire warning about the risk of renewed war in Tigray — urging embassies, scholars, investors, and religious leaders to act “immediately” to prevent conflict. Yet the Prime Minister’s remarks, especially his critique of international indifference, have drawn sharp criticism from observers who say he is deflecting blame and undermining multilateral diplomacy.
“The world does not care,” Abiy said, referencing the international community’s response to regional crises like Sudan. “It has neither ears nor time.”
A Pattern of Deflecting Responsibility
Abiy’s comments, aimed implicitly at institutions like the United Nations and Western governments, reflect a growing trend in his administration: blaming international actors for Ethiopia’s internal failures. While it’s true the world is facing multiple crises, Abiy’s suggestion that global institutions are turning a blind eye to Tigray rings hollow — especially given his own government’s repeated obstruction of humanitarian access, restriction of journalists, and rejection of independent UN investigations into war crimes during the last Tigray conflict.
Diplomatic insiders argue that Ethiopia’s strained relationship with the UN is a result of its own actions, not international neglect. The government has routinely dismissed or undermined UN reports, blocked UN officials from operating freely in conflict zones, and expelled humanitarian staff at the height of the war — all while calling on the very same international community for support when the situation spirals.
“If the world had time, it would have listened to Sudan,” Abiy said, seemingly drawing parallels between international silence on Sudan’s suffering and Ethiopia’s current plight — yet failing to acknowledge how his own administration has mirrored the very same behavior: sidelining peace processes, ignoring domestic outcry, and cracking down on dissent.
Undermining International Institutions
Rather than work constructively with the United Nations and other multilateral platforms, the Abiy administration has increasingly leaned on nationalist rhetoric and sovereignty arguments to block scrutiny. After the UN Human Rights Council called for accountability over atrocities in Tigray, the government not only rejected the findings but went so far as to dissolve Ethiopia’s cooperation with the international commission.
This pattern undermines the very multilateralism that Abiy now claims to seek in the name of peace. If the Ethiopian government expects global actors to act in good faith, it must lead by example — with transparency, cooperation, and accountability.
Both Federal Government and TPLF Bear Responsibility
While the Prime Minister decries war and calls for external intervention, his government’s failure to genuinely engage Tigrayan civil society, open political channels, and reform the federal system has deepened the crisis. Meanwhile, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) remains defiant, holding onto its militarized posture and refusing to embrace a clear, democratic path forward.
Both sides have contributed to the erosion of public trust and the suffering of millions — and both continue to treat international partners as pawns rather than partners in peace.
Time for Real Diplomacy — Not Rhetoric
Abiy Ahmed’s warning may reflect legitimate concern, but it comes tainted by a history of broken promises and deflection. The international community should indeed take Ethiopia seriously — but not on the basis of alarmist speeches. Ethiopia must re-engage with the UN and other global institutions not as adversaries, but as allies in peacebuilding.
Until then, calls for help will fall on ears that have heard it all before — and seen too little change.
