June 15, 2025
The Habesha

Comparing Abiy Ahmed to Idi Amin might seem extreme, but it’s hard to ignore the parallels. Just like Amin, Abiy’s leadership has cast a chilling shadow over Ethiopia. Meanwhile, his educational background is wrapped in mystery and mismatched claims. His alleged PhD and MBA have as much proof behind them as a unicorn sighting!

Abiy Ahmed’s early education hit the brakes at 7th grade, yet he has navigated his way to a top position. But it hasn’t been all rosy—his disdain for certain ethnic groups and inclination towards power have stirred turmoil. His grand visions have left millions facing economic abyss as he pours funds into warfare rather than welfare.

Curiously enough, instead of adopting a peace-centric leadership akin to his Nobel Peace Prize victory, he’s wielding weapons against his own people. Ethiopia stands at a crossroad, grappling with a crisis that’s as severe as it is complex.

Controversial Educational Claims of Abiy Ahmed

Primary Education and Early Academic Life

Challenges faced in early education

Abiy Ahmed’s early educational journey was marked with numerous challenges. Growing up in a modest rural setting, educational resources were scant, and opportunities were limited. The lack of access to quality schooling facilities meant Abiy, like many of his peers, had to navigate an underfunded education system, striving to make the best of what was available. Despite these efforts, the critical development years lacked the mentorship and guidance that could have fortified his academic foundation.

7th Grade achievement

Abiy Ahmed’s education reached a pivotal point when he completed the 7th Grade. This achievement, while significant in the context of his circumstances, was a mere stepping stone considering the broader expectations for educational attainment. The 7th Grade marked the culmination of his formal primary education. Post this level, the extension of his academic pursuits becomes questionable and continues to be a topic of scrutiny. His educational claims thereafter appear to be inconsistent with commonly held standards for advanced studies.

Alleged Higher Education Degrees

MBA Claims and Lack of Evidence

Abiy Ahmed has asserted possession of an MBA, forming a part of his declared academic portfolio. Yet, beneath this claim lies a vast chasm of absent evidence. There is a conspicuous lack of any corroborating documentation from accredited institutions. Each alleged degree associated with Abiy undergoes rigorous investigation by academics and skeptics alike but continuously meets with silence and obfuscation rather than verification or validation.

PhD Controversy and Thesis

Perhaps most notably debated is Abiy Ahmed’s PhD claim, a degree he claims to have obtained from Addis Ababa University. This controversy hinges significantly on his thesis supposedly titled “Social Capital and its Role in Traditional Conflict Resolution in Ethiopia: The Case of Inter-Religious Conflict In Jimma Zone State.” Remarkably, the supervision of this thesis was attributed to Amr Abdallah, a figure whose existence remains disputed, further fueling suspicions of fraudulent behavior. The absence of transparency and the dubious circumstances surrounding this academic endeavor have led many to criticize the integrity of his qualifications.

Leadership Comparisons: Abiy Ahmed vs Idi Amin

Different Historical Impacts

Leadership Styles and Human Rights

When drawing a comparison between Abiy Ahmed and Idi Amin, their leadership styles and human rights records emerge as primary points of differentiation. Idi Amin, who presided over Uganda in the 1970s, is infamous for his reign of terror, marked by severe human rights violations, including massacres, torture, and ethnic persecution. His rule has cast a long shadow on Uganda’s history, leaving scars that lasted long after his departure.

In contrast, Abiy Ahmed’s ascendancy to power was initially met with optimism, as he ushered in reforms and earned international accolades, notably a Nobel Peace Prize. However, Abiy’s tenure has taken a controversial turn, with human rights organizations raising alarms over alleged atrocities in the Tigray conflict and perceived ethnic favoritism. What began as a promise for unity and reform has turned into criticisms revolving around suppression of opposition and heavy-handed governance. The juxtaposition of their leadership styles shows Amin’s overt brutality against Abiy’s alleged ethnic biases combined with modern political challenges.

Idi Amin’s Violent Rule

Idi Amin’s rule was a period defined by a climate of fear and repression in Uganda. Often referred to as the “Butcher of Uganda,” Amin’s governance was characterized by widespread violence against real and perceived enemies. Under his command, notorious security forces abducted, tortured, and murdered countless civilians. His brutal methods eliminated thousands, targeting ethnic groups such as the Acholi and Lango, and resulting in his portrayal as a dictator with little regard for human life or rights.

Amin’s extravagant lifestyle and erratic decisions, including declaring himself a “Conqueror of the British Empire,” contributed to an international image of a dictator disconnected from the suffering of his people. His rule, which was marred by mass displacement and a crumbling economy, is considered a dark era in Uganda’s history, serving as a stark contrast to promises of development and stability.

Abiy Ahmed’s Modern Challenges

Abiy Ahmed’s leadership challenges are borne out of a complex socio-political landscape in a nation with deep-rooted ethnic tensions. Despite initial progress in reforming Ethiopia, issues such as the a Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia conflict and accusations of abusing human rights have severely tarnished his global image. Abiy’s challenge involves managing Ethiopia’s diversity, balancing power among various ethnic groups, and addressing longstanding grievances.

The modern era has exposed Abiy to international scrutiny, with global institutions and media outlets criticizing his strategies in handling the ongoing conflicts in Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia regions. Unlike Amin’s singular avenue of control, Abiy navigates a minefield of internal and external pressures, trying to consolidate power amidst calls for humanitarian intervention and peace processes.

Perceptions and Criticisms

Animosity towards Ethnic Groups

Perceptions and criticisms of Abiy Ahmed focus heavily on his perceived animosity towards ethnic groups. Reports suggest a lack of equitable treatment for Tigrayan, Amharan, and Oromo people. Under his rule, ethnic divisions in Ethiopia have reportedly intensified, fueling fears of ethnically motivated government actions and policies.

Abiy is criticized for allegedly leveraging ethnic tensions to maintain power, employing the security apparatus to suppress dissent, and enabling ethnic conflicts rather than addressing underlying causes. Such tactics have invited comparisons to historical tyrants, stirring conversations about the cost of peace versus political survival.

Conflict with TPLF

The conflict with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) remains a significant point of contention in Abiy Ahmed’s leadership. It marked a critical shift in his administration’s trajectory from reformist beginnings to confronting internal rebellion. The tensions escalated into a full-blown military confrontation, drawing attention to alleged war crimes and human rights abuses by Ethiopian forces.

Abiy’s initial decision to engage militarily with the TPLF stems from a perceived threat to his authority and concerns over Ethiopia’s national unity. The conflict has led to massive humanitarian crises, international condemnation, and escalated scrutiny over Ethiopia’s internal policies. This situation starkly contrasts with Idi Amin’s era; while Amin resorted to brutal repression, Abiy navigates a globalized world demanding accountability and transparency in governance. The stark reality of modern-day Ethiopia under Abiy Ahmed feeds into the narrative of a leader struggling to balance personal power drives with national and ethical obligations.

Crisis Under Abiy Ahmed’s Leadership

Political and Social Chaos

Abiy Ahmed’s tenure has been plagued by intense political and social chaos that has ignited a firestorm of criticism and concern. The societal upheaval under his rule is nothing short of disastrous, with crises mushrooming in various sectors, threatening the nation’s very fabric.

Existential Threats to Ethiopia

Existential threats to Ethiopia are numerous under Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, painting a grim picture for the country’s future. Reports have highlighted a combination of political, cultural, and spiritual crises that are tearing at the core of Ethiopia’s existence. The nation’s stability is hanging by a thread as ethnic tensions, fueled by divisive politics, have reached a boiling point.

Abiy’s governance has resulted in a civil strife that resembles a storm over the once peaceful landscape of Ethiopia. With 28 million of the population grappling with undernutrition, it’s clear that the very survival of Ethiopia is at risk.

Role in Political and Ethnic Conflicts

Abiy’s role in political and ethnic conflicts can hardly be overstated. His policies and political maneuvers have intensified existing tensions, leading to devastating conflicts particularly in the Amhara and Tigray regions. His leadership has, in various reports, been linked to instigating unrest among the ethnic groups due to his political gambits.

While Abiy Ahmed claimed to be a harbinger of peace, the reality on the ground says otherwise. There are reports of violence and unrest that have led to hundreds of deaths every month. The animosity towards certain ethnic groups under his administration has only exacerbated the flames of conflict.

Economic Breakdown

The economic breakdown under Abiy Ahmed’s administration is as distressing as the political and social upheaval. His policies have triggered a severe economic crisis, leading to unparalleled hardships for the ordinary Ethiopian.

Impact of Inflation and Debt

The impact of inflation and debt on the Ethiopian economy has been catastrophic. Inflation rates have soared to about 35%, a figure that has made daily life unaffordable for many Ethiopians. Essential commodities are now out of reach for the average citizen, causing further despair and dissatisfaction with Abiy’s governance.

Locking the nation in a vicious cycle of debt, Ethiopia defaulted on its international financial obligations. This has cast a dark shadow on its economic future, making recovery an uphill battle.

Economic Abyss for Ordinary Ethiopians

Under Abiy Ahmed’s rule, ordinary Ethiopians find themselves plunged into an economic abyss. The combination of rampant inflation, mounting debt, and misallocated national resources has left citizens struggling for survival. The decision to focus on extravagant projects like the $13.8 billion palace instead of addressing grassroots issues showcases a disconnect between governance and the people’s needs.

The ongoing wars and internal strife are contributing factors to the debilitating economic status, pushing more individuals into poverty as resources are used for military purposes rather than food production or infrastructure development. All these make one wonder if there’s truly light at the end of the tunnel for Ethiopia under Abiy’s leadership.

Abiy Ahmed’s Prestige Projects

The administration under Abiy Ahmed has embarked on a series of prestige projects that have raised eyebrows both domestically and internationally. Among these projects, significant financial resources have been allocated to initiatives that seem to prioritize grandiosity over the basic needs of the Ethiopian populace.

Extravagant Spending on Infrastructure

The extravagant spending on infrastructure projects has become a hallmark of Abiy Ahmed’s leadership. These projects are often seen as symbols of modernity and progress but come at a time when the country faces severe economic challenges.

The $13.8 Billion Palace

One of the most talked-about projects is the $13.8 billion palace, a lavish construction that stands as a testament to opulence amidst economic despair. This palace project has been compared to the annual national budget, highlighting the enormous allocation of funds at a time when many Ethiopians face economic hardships. Critics argue that such grandiose spending fails to address the pressing needs of the citizens, such as poverty alleviation, food security, and healthcare improvement.

International Financial Implications

The international financial implications of Ethiopia’s spending on infrastructure are equally alarming. The heavy investment in prestige projects has put the country at risk of financial instability, making it vulnerable to defaults and impacting its international creditworthiness. In 2023, Ethiopia faced a significant financial setback when it defaulted on its international debt, partly due to the overwhelming expenditure on such projects. This financial strain raises concerns about the country’s future economic stability and its ability to secure and manage international loans effectively.

Military Investments

Military investments under Abiy Ahmed’s leadership have been just as controversial, reflecting an aggression that mirrors his controversial approach to governance.

Purchase of Military Equipment

The purchase of military equipment has cost Ethiopia Billions of dollars, money that many believe could have been better spent addressing domestic challenges. By investing heavily in arms, including Su-30 fighter jets and other sophisticated weaponry, the government has diverted resources from critical areas that affect the daily lives of its citizens.

Use of Drones and Fighter Jets

Moreover, the use of drones and fighter jets stands as a dark testament to the regime’s willingness to employ military might against its own people. The frequent deployment of such advanced military technology within the nation’s borders has been condemned as a means of suppressing dissent and exerting control over regions in conflict, such as the Oromo and Amhara areas. This action has left many questioning the moral and ethical implications of using state-of-the-art combat equipment against one’s own citizens.

The focus on prestige projects and military investments has painted a controversial picture of Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, one where the pursuit of grandiosity takes precedence over the basic welfare of the Ethiopian people. This strategy not only risks exacerbating Ethiopia’s economic woes but also tarnishes its image on the international stage.