Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has begun a two-day executive committee meeting to address national priorities and internal party issues, Prime Minister and party president Abiy Ahmed announced Friday.
In a brief statement on social media, Abiy said, “As of this afternoon and over the next two days, members of the Prosperity Party Executive Committee will convene for the Party’s ordinary meeting to deliberate on key national priorities and party-centred thematic issues.” However, no specifics were provided regarding the national priorities to be discussed.
The meeting comes at a time of heightened political tension. In recent months, speculation has grown over the possibility of a conflict with Eritrea, amid accusations from Addis Ababa that Eritrea is supporting factions of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) led by Debretsion Gebremichael — allegations both Eritrea and the TPLF leadership have denied.
Since its establishment in 2019, the Prosperity Party initially enjoyed broad popular support but now faces increasing public dissatisfaction and a deepening legitimacy crisis. Critics blame the government for failing to contain widespread security threats, the devastating impact of wars, and the escalating cost-of-living crisis.
Prime Minister Abiy claims the party has registered around 15 million members nationwide despite these challenges. The Prosperity Party continues to promote itself as working “tirelessly” to transform Ethiopia into a “prosperous nation,” often pointing to urban development and infrastructure projects, particularly in the tourism sector.
However, the party’s development efforts — including major urban renewal projects in Addis Ababa and other cities — have also drawn criticism for displacing large numbers of residents. Meanwhile, restoring security and ensuring rule of law remain persistent and daunting challenges for the party’s leadership.
The Prosperity Party’s executive meeting is expected to set the tone for its political strategy moving forward as Ethiopia grapples with internal instability and growing regional tensions.
