In a sharp rebuke of Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party, a coalition of six prominent opposition groups has issued a lengthy and scathing critique, accusing the administration of steering the country toward economic collapse, political authoritarianism, and social unrest. The coalition, which includes the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP), Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), Medrek, Oromo Federalist Congress (OFCO), Unity Ethiopia, and Wolayta National Movement, demanded immediate reforms to halt what they described as a rapidly deteriorating situation.
Political Exclusion and One-Party Dominance
The opposition coalition accused the Prosperity Party of perpetuating political oppression and consolidating power through exclusionary practices. According to their statement, opposition parties have been systematically denied their constitutional rights to participate meaningfully in Ethiopia’s political system.
“Our politics has continued to strengthen the usual oppression and exclusion, the dominance and supremacy of one party,” the statement said. “Opposition parties have been silenced and marginalized, unable to serve their purpose as the voice of the people.”
The coalition also condemned what it described as a systematic erosion of democratic institutions, arguing that the Prosperity Party has manipulated political platforms to serve its interests while suppressing dissent.
War Economy and Mismanagement of Resources
The coalition criticized the government’s fiscal policies, accusing it of prioritizing conflict over development. They claimed a significant portion of Ethiopia’s national budget is being diverted to fund wars and security operations, leaving critical development projects sidelined.
“Our economy has devolved into a war economy, where resources that could have been allocated to infrastructure and development are instead funneled into conflicts that only deepen the country’s woes,” they said.
The coalition added that this mismanagement has driven up living costs, pushing millions into poverty and forcing many to migrate under perilous conditions.
Social Turmoil and Displacement
The opposition also highlighted the social fallout of the government’s policies, pointing to widespread unemployment, displacement, and a breakdown of essential social services. They described Ethiopia’s social fabric as being in a state of flux, with workers, educators, and health professionals increasingly voicing discontent.
“The cries of workers, educators, and healthcare providers are reaching critical levels,” the coalition said, adding that dissatisfaction is widespread across various sectors of society.
One particularly controversial initiative, the “Corder Development” project in Addis Ababa, drew sharp criticism from the coalition. They alleged that the project, which has led to the demolition of homes and businesses, has displaced countless residents, plunging them into economic despair.
Erosion of Justice and Human Rights
The opposition accused the Prosperity Party of undermining Ethiopia’s justice system, turning it into a tool for maintaining its grip on power. They dismissed the government’s transitional justice efforts as superficial and ineffective, calling instead for an independent and credible justice system.
“The current transitional justice mechanisms are no different from previous commissions, whose results were manipulated and dismissed,” the coalition said.
They also alleged that human rights defenders and democratic advocates are being intimidated rather than supported, further shrinking Ethiopia’s political space.
A Call for National Dialogue and Reconciliation
The coalition emphasized the need for a credible, inclusive national dialogue to address Ethiopia’s deepening crises. They urged the Prosperity Party to halt its reliance on war and propaganda and instead create a political platform that includes all stakeholders.
“The ongoing and widespread war must be stopped immediately,” they said. “The government must abandon its authoritarian tendencies and work toward a comprehensive, participatory national consensus that can pave the way for reconciliation and stability.”
The coalition also called for an independent transitional justice process to ensure accountability and restore trust in Ethiopia’s governance structures.
Dire Consequences of Inaction
The opposition warned that the Prosperity Party’s current trajectory severely threatens Ethiopia’s future.
“A government that uses war as a means of governance is a threat to peace and development,” the coalition declared.
They concluded their statement with an urgent appeal for action, calling on the government to stop all armed conflicts, address the root causes of Ethiopia’s crises, and ensure the protection of citizens’ rights.
The statement underscores the growing tensions in Ethiopia’s political landscape, as the ruling Prosperity Party faces mounting criticism from both domestic and international observers.
