Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been re-elected as president of Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party (PP), even as the nation faces a confluence of challenges echoing the turbulent 1980s. The congress, which began on Friday in Addis Ababa, saw Abiy Ahmed secure “a significant number of votes,” according to the Office of the Prime Minister.
Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh and PP Vice President Adem Farah were elected as vice presidents. The elected leaders were sworn in during the congress, in line with party procedures.
“Today, we conducted Prosperity Party’s election, embracing technology as part of our national journey toward digital transformation,” Abiy Ahmed posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The trust and responsibility entrusted to me and the deputy presidents through this re-election inspires us to move forward with renewed commitment.”
Abiy Ahmed Re-election Comes as Ethiopia Grapples with Humanitarian and Economic Crises
Abiy Ahmed’s re-election comes as Ethiopia grapples with a complex and evolving crisis. Since he assumed power in 2018, the country has faced a series of challenges, including civil conflicts, widespread violence, drought, and a struggling economy. These issues evoke comparisons to the Derg era (1974-1991), a period marked by civil war, famine, and economic devastation.
Following the two-year conflict with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) which ended in a ceasefire in late 2022, the government is now engaged in fighting with the Fano, an Amhara militia that was previously a government ally. Reports of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and indiscriminate bombings targeting civilians, have emerged. Large swathes of Oromia remain under the control of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA).
The UN estimates that over 20 million people require emergency humanitarian assistance due to widespread violence and drought. The Tigray region faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with reports of starvation deaths emerging from Tigray and neighbouring areas of the Amhara region. Pastoralist communities in the south and southeast are struggling with the effects of a prolonged drought.
Inflation exceeding 30% has severely impacted the population, making basic food items unaffordable for many. The UNDP has reported rising poverty levels, reversing progress made in previous decades. Hundreds of manufacturers have closed in the past two years due to foreign currency shortages and insecurity, contributing to rising unemployment. Missed payments on a US$1 billion Eurobond in December have further exacerbated the economic situation.
During the opening session of the congress, Abiy Ahmed maintained that the PP has delivered on its promises by transforming the nation’s economy and promoting inclusivity. He highlighted the party’s role in political and economic reform and stressed the importance of innovation and engagement to address Ethiopia’s challenges. He also underscored the significance of the party congress in evaluating progress, formulating new strategies, and electing capable leaders.
