PM Abiy’s Advisor’s Inflammatory Rhetoric Undermines Ethical Political Discourse

Daniel’s tweet, which states “ያ ታላቅ ሕዝብ የገጠመው – ግምኛ በሽታ።” (“The great Amhara people are encountering an illness called ‘stench’ [‘as in the stench of rotting rat’] disease”), exemplifies inflammatory rhetoric that simplifies complex issues and portrays the Fano fighters negatively. This type of language risks perpetuating harmful stereotypes and exacerbating existing tensions within Ethiopian society.

Furthermore, such rhetoric is antithetical to the goals of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC). Established as an independent federal institution to facilitate inclusive national dialogue, the ENDC aims to promote reconciliation, understanding, and unity among diverse groups within Ethiopian society. However, the counterproductive social media activities of figures like Daniel Kibret hinder the commission’s efforts by further polarizing communities and impeding meaningful dialogue.

One of the root causes of such antithetical rhetoric lies in the absence of social media rules, policies, and standards of conduct for officials within PM Abiy’s administration. Without clear guidelines in place, government officials such as Daniel engage in divisive or inflammatory behavior without accountability. To deter such social media behavior, it is imperative for the PM Abiy’s administration to establish a control mechanism through rules, policies, and standards of conduct.

Some might argue that Daniel’s tweet was intended to highlight the dire circumstances faced by the Amhara people, including the Fano fighters, rather than intending to dehumanize or degrade them. For instance, “United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Announces More Than $80 Million in Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the People of Ethiopia.” However, even if the intention was to draw attention to issues, the manner in which it was done—by asserting they are eating fertilizers for their survival without evidence—still risks perpetuating harmful stereotypes and undermining trust.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with leaders, including PM Abiy and influencers such as Daniel, to set a positive example and uphold the principles of ethical governance. By refraining from engaging in rhetoric that undermines trust and exacerbates tensions, they can contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and peaceful society in Ethiopia. It’s imperative that political discourse prioritizes reasoned debate, transparency, and respect for all parties involved, rather than resorting to divisive tactics that hinder progress and perpetuate conflict.

The writer, LJDemissie, who received assistance from AI technology developed by OpenAI, can be reached at LJDemissie@yahoo.com or on Twitter at @LJDemissie.