Ethiopia’s federal government is facing growing condemnation over its handling of critical national issues, with allegations of oppression, market manipulation, and incompetence casting a shadow over the Prosperity Party’s leadership.
The arrest of journalist Abebe Fikir, who works for The Reporter, has intensified concerns about press freedom and government accountability. Abebe was detained while investigating a story involving Addis Ababa City Administration officials, and the lack of transparency surrounding his arrest has fueled accusations of a broader crackdown on dissent. Critics argue that the government is targeting independent voices to suppress scrutiny and maintain control.
Adding to the controversy is the recent drone strike in Gedeb, East Gojjam, which reportedly killed over 100 people. While the government claims the strike targeted Fano militants, local reports suggest that many of the victims were civilians. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with critics accusing the government of recklessness and a disregard for human life. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has confirmed it is monitoring the situation, but the backlash continues to grow.
The Prosperity Party’s leadership has also come under fire for its handling of the Ethio Telecom share sale. The government sold 10% of the company’s shares, generating 3.2 billion birr and valuing the company at 320 billion birr, or approximately 2.46 billion USD. However, this valuation is significantly higher than a prior estimate by Deloitte, which valued the company at 80 billion birr, or roughly 1.6 billion USD. Critics, including Dessalegn Chanie, have accused the government of inflating the valuation to sell shares at an artificially high price, leaving buyers facing potential losses of up to 35% on their investment. Chanie has condemned the process as market manipulation, exploiting hype and asymmetric information to benefit sellers at the expense of ordinary Ethiopians.
These incidents reflect a broader pattern of governance under the Prosperity Party that has drawn increasing scrutiny. From the suppression of dissent to the mishandling of economic and security issues, the party’s leadership has been characterized by a lack of transparency and accountability. Critics argue that the government’s actions prioritize power consolidation over the well-being of citizens, deepening public discontent and eroding trust in its ability to lead.
As Ethiopia grapples with these challenges, calls for reform are growing louder. The Prosperity Party must address these concerns to restore public trust and chart a path toward stability and progress.
