Aviad Tal is a freelance artist and photographer based in Haifa, Israel who has worked in amazing countries in West Africa and Southern Africa—but it was Ethiopia that grabbed his attention. “I immediately felt a strong connection to the…
Veteran diplomat said to have criticized Abiy Ahmed’s release of armed opponents TPLF seen as split on approach of new Prime Minister after its leadership changes UN representative also recalled with 5 months left of Ethiopia’s Security Council term The…
Ethnic-based political party systems tend to be unstable and violent Ethiopian ethnic consciousness is strong and elites operate in groups Way forward is for ethnic parties to team up in integrated alliances Although rarely mentioned in constitutions, there is no…
In 2016, Yakob Yatane joined a committee seeking autonomy for his Konso people. When the community split over tactics amid government repression, he was captured by hardliner protesters before soldiers rescued him. Months later, Yakob was among hundreds charged with…
Activists welcome historic visit but demand changes to one-party system President Isaias has used conflict with Ethiopia to justify authoritarianism Unclear what normalisation with Ethiopia means for Eritrean citizens’ rights Eritrea’s long-time President Isaias Afewerki is visiting Ethiopia, a country…
High growth has been driven by increasing government spending Low tax-take and stodgy t-bill market meant borrowing to plug deficit Market reforms and fiscal framework needed to improve management Ethiopia’s economic growth of the past decade has mainly been driven…
Successful democratic change requires scrutiny of reforming authorities. Not shaming those who dare to air critical views about the powers that be. A few weeks ago, while discussing my impressions of Dr. Abiy and his premiership, a friend took offense…
For decades, the relationship between Ethiopians in the U.S. and the government back home has been characterised by mutual antagonism. But Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit this month is eagerly anticipated by a community energized by his leadership. By Arefaynie…
(Editors’ note: This article is published as a response to Alemayehu Weldemariam’s Ethiopia Observer commentary headlined Ethiopia’s Charismatic Leader: Riding the Wave of Populism or Reforming Ethnic Federalism? The original version of this response was published on the author’s Facebook…
Reforming Government pursing privatizations and trade liberalization Ethiopia lacks institutional capacity to manage overlapping commitments Weak financial and manufacturing industries may suffer from competition If you follow international trade, you may be feeling both excited and anxious. Excited because Africa…