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Unraveling Political Fiction: Abiy Ahmed's Post-Truth AuthoritarianismThe rise and rule of Abiy Ahmed in Ethiopia offer ...
11/24/2025

Unraveling Political Fiction: Abiy Ahmed's Post-Truth Authoritarianism

The rise and rule of Abiy Ahmed in Ethiopia offer a compelling case study of how "political fictions" are constructed and deconstructed in contemporary world. His transformation from a celebrated reformer to a central figure in a devastating civil conflict highlights the influence of narratives of transformation in establishing power, only to be challenged by entrenched political realities.

Examining this evolution through the lens of political storytelling reveals the complex interplay between populist legitimacy, national identity, and the gradual slide into authoritarianism driven by narrative manipulation.

Crafting Reformist Narrative

In 2018, Abiy Ahmed gained international attention as a symbol of Ethiopia's desire for change. He was seen as a progressive leader who focused on democratization and revitalizing the nation. Through symbolic gestures, he emphasized his commitment to breaking away from Ethiopia's authoritarian past.

His rhetoric highlighted the importance of concepts like "medemer" (synergy), the release of political prisoners, promoting media freedom, and inviting exiled opposition groups to return. These actions portrayed a vision of a transparent, inclusive, and democratic Ethiopia.

Abiy sought to unite a divided nation by promoting pan-Ethiopian nationalism with slogans like "Making Ethiopia Great Again." His goal was to overcome ethnic differences and build a common national identity based on progress and stability.

The successful Eritrean peace agreement earned him the Nobel Peace Prize and global acclaim, solidifying his reputation as a peacemaker and regional stabilizer.

Through his humble demeanor and messianic speeches, he portrayed himself as a leader with a mission to guide Ethiopia towards a better tomorrow.
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11/19/2025

The Gambella Times---Your times news publisher

11/04/2025

In Kenya and Ethiopia, China is using debt distress as a strategic opening to expand the RMB’s international use.

Egypt 🇪🇬 Blames Ethiopia’s New Dam for Nile Flooding 🇪🇹Tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia have flared again after Cairo...
10/05/2025

Egypt 🇪🇬 Blames Ethiopia’s New Dam for Nile Flooding 🇪🇹

Tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia have flared again after Cairo accused Addis Ababa of causing unusually high Nile River levels and flooding across parts of northern Egypt.

According to Egyptian officials, Ethiopia’s management of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) ,recently inaugurated as Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam has led to sudden water releases that triggered flooding in the Nile Delta.

Homes and farmlands in provinces like Beheira and Menoufia have reportedly been submerged.

Egypt says the releases were made without coordination and violated international norms, calling it a “man-made flood.” The government was even forced to release extra water from the Aswan High Dam to manage the surging flow.

Ethiopia, however, rejects the accusations, insisting that the GERD actually helps reduce flood risks and stabilize the flow of the Nile.

Addis Ababa maintains that the dam is meant to generate clean power, not harm downstream countries.

The dispute adds new strain to the long-running Nile water tensions between both nations, with experts warning that cooperation is the only way to prevent future crises.

Uninvited military forces, mercenaries draw condemnation from african union  : Peace and Security Council urges deployme...
10/05/2025

Uninvited military forces, mercenaries draw condemnation from african union

: Peace and Security Council urges deployment of African Standby Force
The African Union has expressed serious concern about the growing presence of foreign military forces, including mercenaries and irregular private security outfits, on the African continent.
A communique issued by the AU Peace and Security Council last week following a meeting between heads of state and government in New York conveys alarm over the proliferation of foreign forces on African soil.
“The Council strongly condemns the presence of uninvited foreign military for...

Read More: https://www.thereporterethiopia.com/47277/

Historic Day for Ethiopia 🇪🇹 PM Abiy Ahmed and billionaire Aliko Dangote have laid the foundation for the Dangote Urea F...
10/03/2025

Historic Day for Ethiopia 🇪🇹

PM Abiy Ahmed and billionaire Aliko Dangote have laid the foundation for the Dangote Urea Fertilizer Plant in Gode, Somali Region.

With a capacity of 3 million tons a year, this will be Africa’s largest fertilizer plant.

Worth $3B, the project will save Ethiopia billions in imports, boost crop yields, empower farmers & strengthen food security.

BREAKING 🚨: Gambella Security Alert : Over the past few months, our intelligence team has uncovered the emergence of an ...
09/23/2025

BREAKING 🚨: Gambella Security Alert

: Over the past few months, our intelligence team has uncovered the emergence of an alleged Anyuak militia group operating on the outskirts of Itang Woreda in Gambella. The group is reported to have established a training camp in the surrounding area, Pinno, and Maker, and has been conducting various phases of military training for over four months.

Our investigation has uncovered indications of logistics and supply channels from certain regional politicians who are supporting the group. We have identified suspected facilitators of this plot. One individual identified is Mr. , the former Deputy Head of the Gambella Regional State Peace and Security Bureau, along with other active political actors who are reportedly complicit.

Furthermore, this group is allegedly known and indirectly funded by elements within the heart of the regional government. Mrs. Alemitu Omot, the president of gambella regional state and other high-ranking security officials are reportedly aware of this clandestine group, and they're naĂŻve to take a decisive measure to dissolve that group.

Based on the gathered information, the trainees are close to completing their program and may soon be deployed to their target areas. This could potentially include locations within Gambella city itself and other Itang surrounding, if necessary.

We urge the relevant authorities—including the Gambella Peace and Security Bureau, Ato Mahber Khor, and other stakeholders—to take immediate precautionary measures as soon as possible.

Please share this information as much as you can.

A growing number of experts, including those commissioned by a U.N. body, have said Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip...
09/23/2025

A growing number of experts, including those commissioned by a U.N. body, have said Israel’s offensive in the Gaza Strip amounts to genocide, deepening Israel’s isolation and risking untold damage to the country’s standing even among allies.

09/23/2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have issued a warning that Ethiopia’s debt levels are becoming unsustainable, highlighting declining foreign exchange reserves and underwhelming export performance.

Gambella Regional State Gov't graduated new trained special force yesterday.
09/13/2025

Gambella Regional State Gov't graduated new trained special force yesterday.

30 billion plan vs 6 billion for GERD-scale power?Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced a nuclear plan. Here’s why I don’t...
09/11/2025

30 billion plan vs 6 billion for GERD-scale power?

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced a nuclear plan. Here’s why I don’t think it’s Ethiopia’s best option right now.

First, the market reality. At East Africa prices around 6-7 cents per kWh, a first nuclear plant would not recover its costs without heavy subsidies or premium buyers. That makes nuclear a poor fit for Ethiopia’s tariff reality

Compared to hydropower.
Bridge so no one is confused: I see nuclear as a future hedge if strict conditions are met, but not a good near-term choice for Ethiopia. Water first, atoms later. Ethiopia needs food first through irrigation.

What is really on the table?
A first nuclear build in the multi-GW range, discussed inside a package of projects of about USD 30 billion. GERD delivered GERD-scale power for about USD 5-6 billion. That gap is the first red flag.

Does the price fit Ethiopia’s tariffs?
New nuclear often lands around 141-220 USD per MWh. Ethiopia sells power to neighbors near 65 USD per MWh. That spread means subsidies or premium buyers. Hydro fits today’s prices. Nuclear does not.

How do real builds compare?

Some says the ~$30b figure is the whole package, not a nuclear line item. I get that. I’m using $30b only as a cost yardstick. Egypt’s El Dabaa is 4.8 GW and priced in the high 20s billions on an 85 percent vendor loan. If I scale that to a GERD-size plant around 5.15 GW, the nuclear-only bill lands about $29-32b.

How long would it take?
For newcomers, first power arrives about 10-15 years after a real go decision. Ethiopia needs food, jobs, and reliable power now. Irrigation, substations, and lines deliver in 2-6 year phases.

What would it crowd out?
Capital and attention. A reactor means 30 years of focus on vendor loans, guarantees, and tariffs. That pushes aside irrigation storage, canals, command areas, and the 230-400-500 kV backbone that turns megawatts into livelihoods.

Why do some countries still choose nuclear?
Because they lack Ethiopia’s wate

  has launched  's largest hydroelectric  . The $5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam ( ) on the Blue Nile is set t...
09/10/2025

has launched 's largest hydroelectric . The $5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam ( ) on the Blue Nile is set to revolutionize the nation's supply. The project, however, has deepened a longstanding dispute with downstream Egypt over water rights.

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