Dr. Dessalegn Chanie, a senior figure within the National Amhara Movement Party (ABN), has delivered a scathing critique of the party’s leadership and its failure to uphold its mission of advocating for the Amhara people. His statement paints a picture of a party that has lost its way, plagued by systemic issues, leadership shortcomings, and external pressures.
Dr. Chanie begins by highlighting the party’s failure to comply with the Ethiopian Election, Political Parties Registration and Electoral Ethics Proclamation No. 1162/2011. Despite the legal requirement to hold a general assembly every three years, ABN has not convened an approved assembly for over five years. This lapse has left the party in a precarious legal position, effectively forcing its dissolution in practice, even if not officially. He points out that the Election Board has not taken formal action to dissolve the party, but its inability to meet the requirements set forth in the proclamation has rendered it defunct in all but name.
The leadership’s inability to fulfill the requirements for legal registration under the new proclamation is another major point of contention. Dr. Chanie notes that the party failed to submit the necessary 10,000 member signatures, an amended political party program, and other required documents. This failure, he argues, reflects a lack of institutional capacity, attention to detail, and commitment to the party’s foundational principles. He accuses the leadership of neglecting their responsibilities and allowing the party to drift into irrelevance.
Dr. Chanie does not shy away from criticizing the party’s internal dynamics. He accuses the leadership of prioritizing personal gains over the collective welfare of the Amhara people, describing the party as a “useless organization for the power and benefits of a few leaders.” He also questions the legitimacy of recent party assemblies, noting that they were not approved by the Election Board and were attended by individuals who may not even be party members. The photos from these assemblies, he says, show new faces who are unknown and unrepresented in the party’s structures, further undermining their credibility.
Furthermore, Dr. Chanie critiques the leadership for being overly “media-trained”—adept at presenting a polished image to the public but lacking the substance and resolve needed to address the urgent violations of Amhara rights. This media-savvy approach, he suggests, has done little to advance the party’s mission and has instead contributed to its disconnection from the realities faced by the Amhara people. He argues that the leadership’s focus on maintaining appearances has come at the expense of meaningful action and advocacy.
Dr. Chanie’s frustration is palpable as he reflects on the sacrifices made by party members and supporters. He acknowledges the bitter reality that the party, which once held promise, has lost its political currency due to leadership mistakes. Yet, his statement is not without hope. He envisions a future where a vibrant organization can rise to genuinely fight for the Amhara people’s interests. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing, advocacy, and diplomacy, and calls for a renewed commitment to these principles.
In addition to his critique of the party’s internal failures, Dr. Chanie has emerged as one of the few voices willing to openly challenge Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration. His willingness to speak out against the Prime Minister and advocate for the rights of the Amhara people has earned him significant public backing. Many supporters view him as a leader who is unafraid to confront the systemic injustices faced by the Amhara community and who possesses the vision and determination needed to steer the party in the right direction.
Dr. Chanie’s critique serves as a wake-up call for the National Amhara Movement Party and its leadership. It underscores the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and a recommitment to the party’s founding mission. His stand is a testament to his dedication to the Amhara people and his belief in the power of collective action to bring about meaningful change. As the party grapples with its identity and future, Dr. Chanie’s leadership and public support position him as a potential figurehead capable of revitalizing the organization and restoring its credibility.
