The Many Faces of Abiy Ahmed

Abiy Ahmed, who rose through the ranks of Ethiopia's Information Network Security Agency (INSA), became a key player in the country's politics, particularly during a time when the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) dominated the government. His involvement with INSA allowed him to engage in palace politics and build connections, including with Prime Minister Meles. Abiy's ambitions were evident as he warned colleagues of his future return to power. In November 2020, a significant turning point occurred when the TPLF launched an operation against the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, igniting a brutal civil war in Tigray. This conflict, which lasted over two years, resulted in a staggering death toll estimated between 350,000 and 600,000 people. The war was marked by deep divisions within Ethiopia, particularly between Abiy's government and the TPLF, which resisted his vision of a more centralized state. The civil war not only devastated the Tigray region but also had far-reaching implications for Ethiopia's political landscape. Abiy's reputation as a Nobel-winning peacemaker was severely tarnished as the conflict escalated, leading to widespread humanitarian crises and international condemnation. Despite his initial image as a reformist leader, the circumstances surrounding the Tigray war revealed a more complex and Machiavellian side to Abiy's leadership. His approach to governance and the use of state power have raised questions about his commitment to democracy and the future of Ethiopia's political stability.