Ethiopia’s National Security Council (NSC) issued a statement Wednesday emphasizing the country’s progress in political, economic, and social reforms, as well as improvements in security despite ongoing regional tensions. The statement also highlighted the government’s successful efforts to thwart external forces attempting to impose their will by force.
Chaired by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the NSC session was attended by key officials, including military leaders, who evaluated both national and global issues affecting Ethiopia’s security and sovereignty. The Council underscored that Ethiopia has not only made strides in domestic reforms but is also becoming an influential voice in international affairs.
The statement pointed to the success of Ethiopia’s economic reforms, which included the privatization of key national assets and the introduction of a market-based currency exchange, despite challenges like the sharp depreciation of the Ethiopian birr. The reforms, although criticized by some as being influenced by the IMF and World Bank, have been pivotal in attracting financial support from international institutions. The NSC reaffirmed that these efforts are vital for the country’s long-term stability and growth.
In terms of security, the Council declared that attempts to impose external influence through violence had been thwarted. It highlighted an improvement in peace across the country, crediting the government’s firm stance on peace and the public’s changing attitude towards war. The statement also mentioned ongoing efforts to address internal conflicts, including those in the Amhara and Oromia regions, where local militias and insurgent groups, such as the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and Fano forces, have been engaged in prolonged fighting with the federal government.
The NSC also issued a stark warning against foreign-backed interference aimed at destabilizing Ethiopia. The statement alleged that some foreign forces, along with domestic collaborators, have been spreading misinformation, inciting public unrest, and obstructing government operations. These entities were accused of engaging in illicit activities such as arms smuggling, human trafficking, and manipulating public opinion through false news. The statement did not specify the identities of these foreign powers, but it pointed to both longstanding and emerging alliances as being responsible for the destabilizing efforts.
In particular, the situation in the Tigray region was mentioned as an area where peace has not fully met public expectations. Although the Pretoria Peace Agreement signed in late 2022 helped to restore basic services and kick-start economic activities, the Council acknowledged that challenges remain in achieving lasting stability. Progress in Tigray has been hampered by the actions of certain elements intent on derailing the peace process, despite the government’s relentless peace-building efforts.
Additionally, the NSC reported that peace enforcement operations in the Amhara and Oromia regions had led to some positive results, including the surrender of armed groups. However, conflicts in these regions are far from resolved, and recent reports have indicated that the Ethiopian Federal Defense Forces may withdraw from Amhara after unsuccessful attempts to disarm the Fano forces. In Oromia, tensions continue as the OLA persists in its opposition to the government, with failed mediation efforts and an increase in violence, including kidnappings and attacks on civilians.
The Ethiopian government also faces a complex political environment, as the country grapples with ethnic divisions and unresolved tensions within its multi-ethnic population. Prime Minister Abiy, who rose to power in 2018 with promises of democratic reforms and national unity, has faced growing criticism from opposition groups who accuse him of pursuing an ethnic-based agenda that prioritizes the Oromo ethnic group. The political fragmentation and violence that followed Abiy’s ascent to power have raised concerns about Ethiopia’s ability to maintain stability, with some experts fearing the potential for broader regional conflict.
The backdrop to these challenges includes Ethiopia’s previous experiences with large-scale violence, including the devastating war in the Tigray region (2020-2022), which resulted in an estimated one million deaths. Despite the Pretoria Agreement in 2022, the country’s political and security situation remains fragile, and the government continues to struggle to balance its reformist ambitions with the deepening ethnic and regional tensions.
The NSC’s statement also emphasized the need for continued vigilance and resilience, calling on both the Ethiopian people and the international community to support efforts towards lasting peace and stability in the region. Ethiopia remains committed to securing its rightful place in international forums and ensuring the prosperity of its people, despite the challenges it faces.
