One of the biggest names, if not THE biggest name in the Ethiopian political landscape, Jawar has emerged as a vocal supporter of the ongoing health workers’ movement demanding fair compensation. In a recent interview with political analyst Moges Zewdu, he addressed his strong backing of the movement and the intention behind it, elevating its significance and turning it into a powerful political force.
Jawar acknowledged that while the grievances of health professionals had been present since the final days of the EPRDF, the movement has evolved into a full-fledged demand under the Prosperity Party’s rule over the past seven years.
Reflecting on his past stance, he admitted to previously dismissing the movement as “unripe.” However, he now recognizes its growing strength and legitimacy.
“They say extremists are using it for political gain—and cry after we score when they’re fumbling? Look at this, how dumb they are. What does that even mean?” said the former leading organizer of the Oromo protests between 2014 and 2016, a movement that played a crucial role in the downfall of EPRDF rule.
As always, Jawar did not hold back in his criticism of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration, accusing it of ignorance and arrogance—two traits he believes lead to the downfall of governments.
“I’ve been saying it for a long time, what causes the downfall of governments is a combination of two things: ignorance and arrogance. And that’s what power brings,” he remarked, taking aim at the government’s failure to recognize that doubling health workers’ compensation would account for just over one percent of the country’s annual budget.
Instead, he lambasted the administration’s “reckless spending” on “lavish” projects, including palaces, parks, and large-scale tourism initiatives. The government’s ambitious plan to boost Ethiopia’s tourism revenue to $5 billion annually by 2030—a projected 38% growth—has been positioned as a cornerstone of economic diversification. If successful, it could elevate Abiy Ahmed’s standing through foreign investment, high-end tourism, and a shift away from heavy agricultural dependency.
The politician expressed a deep sense of pride in the movement, emphasizing its multiethnic unity as a defining strength. He noted that the strike had transcended regional and ethnic divisions, gaining momentum across all four corners of Ethiopia. “probably for a the first time in a very long time we are witnessing a truly, national, unified movement for rights” he remarked, highlighting how health workers from diverse backgrounds had come together under a shared demand for justice. For him, the movement’s widespread support was a testament to the growing political awareness and collective power of the people.
Jawar’s remarks have sparked outrage, within critics that accused him of politicizing a legitimate labor movement or some even denouncing the movement to not natural. Supporters, however, argue that his involvement has given the strike the momentum it needs to force real change.
As the health workers’ movement continues to gain traction, the question remains: Is this a necessary political strategy, or does it risk overshadowing the core demands of Ethiopia’s medical professionals?
