By The Habesha News Desk
September 28, 2025
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is frequently seen delivering speeches in English at international forums. To his supporters, this projects cosmopolitan sophistication; to his critics, it represents a carefully constructed illusion. They argue that Abiy does not actually speak English fluently and instead relies on prepared texts, reading them aloud with a heavy accent that reveals a lack of genuine command of the language.
This insistence on using English is especially striking when compared with the practices of other global leaders. Presidents, prime ministers, and monarchs from non-Anglophone countries often choose to address the world in their native languages—even when they are fluent in English. Doing so is both a matter of cultural pride and authenticity. France’s Emmanuel Macron, China’s Xi Jinping, and Japan’s Fumio Kishida regularly speak through interpreters to assert their national identity. Abiy, by contrast, appears to prioritize projecting fluency in English over authentically representing Ethiopia in its own languages, Amharic.
Education and the Politics of Image
Abiy’s choice to emphasize English cannot be separated from questions about his academic background. His educational record has long been the subject of controversy. Reports suggest that he dropped out after the seventh grade, raising doubts about his foundation in formal schooling. Later, he claimed advanced degrees—including a PhD from Addis Ababa University—that critics argue are tainted by inconsistencies and allegations of plagiarism.
Independent reviews of his doctoral thesis point to extensive passages of unattributed duplication, particularly in Chapter 2, where nearly every page contained flagged material (World Peace Foundation). Others have gone further, questioning whether the degree was politically motivated or improperly vetted. Against this backdrop, his reliance on English at global forums is interpreted by detractors as another layer of performance—an effort to polish his image on the world stage while fundamental questions about his credibility remain unresolved.
Language, Leadership, and Legitimacy
Language in international diplomacy is not a trivial choice; it is symbolic. Leaders who speak in their own languages project confidence in their national identity. Those who opt for English do so either to reach broader audiences or to signal alignment with Western power structures. In Abiy’s case, the latter interpretation often prevails, with critics viewing his speeches as an act of mimicry rather than authenticity.
Yet it is important to separate language ability from leadership ability. Speaking fluent English is not proof of intellect, nor does relying on interpreters diminish authority. The true measures of leadership lie in honesty, accountability, vision, and the ability to unite a people. On these fronts, critics argue Abiy Ahmed has consistently failed. His government faces accusations of authoritarianism, censorship, and human rights abuses across Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, and beyond. In this light, his English speeches become not a sign of strength but a metaphor for his leadership style—appearance over substance, presentation over truth.
The Core Issue
Ultimately, the problem is not whether Abiy speaks English fluently. It is that his public persona often appears more crafted than authentic. If the use of English serves primarily as a façade—masking deeper issues of legitimacy, credibility, and accountability—then it becomes symbolic of a larger crisis of leadership in Ethiopia.
For Ethiopians and the international community alike, the question remains: Is Abiy’s leadership built on genuine vision and substance, or is it a performance designed to impress abroad while failing at home?