John the Baptist’s Prophetic Voice: A Call for Repentance in the Face of Ethiopia’s Crisis
Image: John the Baptist Preaching in the Wilderness
May 7, 2025
Caleb Ta (Dr.)
Iceberg: The Hidden Reality of Ethiopia’s Crisis
Much like an iceberg, the full extent of Ethiopia’s suffering, particularly in Amhara, Tigray, and Oromia, remains largely hidden, with only surface-level violence visible to the world. Beneath lies a deeper crisis: systemic oppression, corruption, and the exploitation of religion for political gain. This submerged reality threatens Ethiopia’s moral and spiritual foundations. The government’s manipulation of evangelical Christianity masks atrocities under a guise of divine legitimacy. Exposing this hidden layer calls for a prophetic reckoning—one rooted in repentance, truth, and justice.
Abstract
This article offers a theological response to the Ethiopian government’s weaponization of evangelical Christianity under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. It critically engages the regime’s use of religious rhetoric to justify state violence, ethnic repression, and systemic injustice, particularly in the Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia regions. Through the prophetic voice of John the Baptist, the article confronts the manipulation of faith, exposing the complicity of both political and religious leaders in enabling oppression and division.
Drawing deeply from biblical themes of repentance, justice, and prophetic truth-telling, the article provides a theological and moral framework for challenging state-sanctioned atrocities and institutional corruption. John the Baptist’s fearless proclamation, rooted in moral clarity and resistance to power, serves as a model for critiquing the distortion of religion as a political weapon and for calling for genuine repentance and reform.
This is not merely a theoretical discussion but a plea for transformative action. The article calls on the Christian community—within Ethiopia and globally—to reclaim its prophetic mandate: to denounce injustice, resist complicity, and stand in solidarity with the oppressed. Ethiopia’s future demands courageous moral leadership, rooted not in religious nationalism or political control, but in the gospel’s call for justice, human dignity, and reconciliation.
Introduction: Ethiopia’s Crisis
Ethiopia, a historically rich nation and spiritual beacon, is now marked by division, civil war, and a worsening humanitarian disaster. The conflict has primarily affected regions like Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia, leading to over two million deaths and mass displacement (UNOCHA, 2024). These conditions have resulted in widespread famine, particularly in Tigray, where aid routes have been blocked, exacerbating the crisis. Ethiopia’s political leadership, under Abiy Ahmed, has militarized governance and manipulated religion, including evangelical pastors, to consolidate power and justify violence.
John the Baptist: A Bold Voice Against Corruption
John the Baptist’s message was not limited to addressing personal sin; it confronted entrenched systems of injustice and religious hypocrisy. His cry—“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2)—was a radical challenge to the status quo, calling for a repentance that would transform both individual lives and corrupt structures. He rebuked not only immoral behavior but also the religious and political elites who enabled oppression.
Applied to Ethiopia today, John’s voice would thunder against religious leaders who have compromised their prophetic integrity by aligning with state power. Many within the evangelical community have abandoned their sacred responsibility, offering theological justification for government-led violence and turning a blind eye to mass suffering. John would call them to sever this unholy alliance with Prime Minister Abiy’s regime and instead stand in solidarity with the victims. He would reject any claim that divine favor rests upon a political system built on injustice, bloodshed, and spiritual manipulation.
Repentance and Accountability in the Context of Ethiopia’s War
John’s call for repentance would call Ethiopian leaders to act beyond rhetoric. True repentance, in this case, involves an end to ethnic violence, dismantling corrupt political systems, and focusing on human dignity over political power. His message would demand acknowledgment of the crimes committed by the Ethiopian government and allied forces, especially in the context of the Amhara, Tigray, and Oromia conflicts.
These conflicts have been marked by numerous reports of war crimes, including mass killings, displacement, and the use of starvation as a weapon of war. In such circumstances, John’s prophetic voice would emphasize the need for restitution, reconciliation, and the pursuit of justice. The words of Amos, “Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24), would serve as a crucial reminder of the ethical and moral responsibility of the Ethiopian government.
The War in Amhara: A Brutal Extension of Abiy’s Power Struggle
The war in Amhara represents a tragic escalation of the internal conflicts in Ethiopia. Once a region central to the nation’s identity, Amhara has become a battleground for the expansion of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s political power. Abiy’s government has deployed drones and artillery in civilian areas under the guise of fighting insurgents, leading to numerous civilian casualties.
An example of this brutality occurred in Gedeb kebele, East Gojjam Zone, where a drone strike killed over 100 civilians in April 2025. This attack, occurring in waves, targeted non-combatants—families, children, and community members attending an Easter gathering. This deliberate targeting of civilians is a form of collective punishment, a strategy that John the Baptist would vehemently condemn, echoing the biblical warning in Proverbs 6:16–17: “There are six things the Lord hates… hands that shed innocent blood. John the Baptist’s message would identify this kind of violence as not only immoral but as a spiritual affront, calling for repentance and a change in the hearts of leaders who perpetrate such atrocities.
Economic Collapse and Famine
The years of civil conflict have devastated Ethiopia’s once-thriving economy, leading to inflation, food shortages, and a collapse in agriculture. The situation has worsened with famine conditions, particularly in Amhara and Tigray, where food aid is blocked by the government. In addition, Amhara faces similar threats of famine and economic collapse due to the ongoing conflict.
This man-made disaster, exacerbated by government actions and war, is in stark contrast to biblical calls for justice and care for the poor. Isaiah 10:1–2 warns against those who make unjust laws and deprive the poor of their rights. The weaponization of food and resources as a means of control, as seen in Ethiopia, aligns with this biblical critique. John the Baptist would reject such policies, demanding an end to the use of famine and scarcity as tools for political leverage.
Manipulation of Religion for Political Gain
One of the most insidious aspects of the Ethiopian crisis is the co-optation of religion by the government. Abiy Ahmed and his allies have used evangelical pastors to legitimize the violence of the state, framing the conflict as a divine mandate and portraying those who oppose the government as enemies of God. This manipulation of religion for political purposes mirrors the kind of hypocrisy that John the Baptist condemned.
In Matthew 3:9, John rejects false religious identity, stating, “Do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’” This would directly challenge the Ethiopian religious leaders who claim divine approval for the state’s violent actions. John would demand these leaders to repent, recognize their error, and realign themselves with the true message of the gospel, which is one of justice, peace, and compassion for the oppressed.
The Cruel Practices of Abiy Ahmed and His Generals
Under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, the Ethiopian government has been accused of committing widespread human rights violations, particularly in the Tigray region but also in other parts of the country like Amhara and Oromia. The government’s actions have been described as war crimes, and numerous reports have emerged of mass killings, ethnic cleansing, sexual violence, and the displacement of millions.
- Massacres and Targeted Killings
The Ethiopian military, under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, has been accused of carrying out large-scale massacres in conflict zones such as Tigray and Amhara. Civilians—including women, children, and the elderly—have been deliberately targeted and killed in what numerous human rights organizations describe as systematic and brutal operations (Human Rights Watch [HRW], 2023). These attacks are often executed as reprisals against communities. The violence has been particularly horrific, with credible reports of soldiers using knives, firearms, and other weapons to kill unarmed civilians. Eyewitness accounts and independent investigations have documented house-to-house executions, mass graves, and the indiscriminate targeting of non-combatants. These massacres are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of state-sanctioned violence aimed at silencing dissent and asserting control through terror and collective punishment.
- Mai Kadra Massacre – November 2020
Although outside the 2024 timeframe, the Mai Kadra massacre remains one of the most heinous examples of targeted killings in Ethiopia. On November 9–10, 2020, during the Tigray War, hundreds of civilians, primarily ethnic Amharas, were killed by Tigrayan forces and affiliated militias in the town of Mai Kadra. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and Amnesty International categorized the massacre as ethnic cleansing and a war crime (Amnesty International, 2020; EHRC, 2020).
- Merawi Massacre – February 2024
In February 2024, Ethiopian military forces conducted a mass execution in the town of Merawi, located in the Amhara region. After clashes with the Fano militia, government reinforcements entered Merawi and, between noon and 6 p.m., systematically executed at least 45 civilians. Witnesses reported that soldiers went door-to-door, dragging individuals from their homes and shooting them in the head. Many victims were left in the streets, with some families prohibited from mourning or burying their loved ones. Satellite imagery confirmed the presence of new graves, indicating the scale of the massacre.
- Bahir Dar Executions – August and October 2023
In Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara region, Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) carried out extrajudicial killings in August and October 2023. In August, six civilians were executed in the Abune Hara and Lideta neighborhoods. Two months later, another six men were killed in the Seba Tamit neighborhood. These killings were reportedly in retaliation for alleged support of the Fano militia. Amnesty International has called for independent investigations into these abuses.
- January 2024 Massacre in Merawi
In late January 2024, Ethiopian federal security forces killed at least 45 civilians in Merawi, Amhara region. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) confirmed these deaths, attributing them to extrajudicial executions by government forces targeting individuals suspected of supporting the Fano militia. The EHRC noted that the actual number of victims could be higher, as many bodies were hastily buried or hidden.
These incidents highlight a disturbing pattern of targeted violence against civilians in the Amhara region. The use of extrajudicial killings and massacres by state and non-state actors underscores the urgent need for international intervention and accountability. Human rights organizations continue to call for independent investigations and justice for the victims of these atrocities.
- Ethnic Cleansing
The Ethiopian government’s forces, along with allied militias, have been accused of ethnic cleansing against the Tigrayans, Amharas, and other minority ethnic groups. Many reports suggest that the government has used ethnic identity as a weapon of division, actively targeting and displacing civilians based on their ethnicity. Abiy Ahmed has been criticized for not taking sufficient action to stop these attacks or hold those responsible accountable. - Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War
The use of sexual violence has been widely reported in the Ethiopian conflict, with women and girls being systematically raped by soldiers and military officials. This violence has been described as part of a broader strategy to terrorize and demoralize civilian populations, with little to no accountability for the perpetrators. Many victims face social stigmatization and trauma, and there has been a lack of support for survivors. - Blockades and Famine
The Ethiopian government has also been accused of using starvation as a weapon of war. Blockades have been imposed on regions like Tigray, preventing food, medicine, and humanitarian aid from reaching those in need. Reports suggest that this has led to widespread famine, with millions of people at risk of death from starvation. The international community has condemned this as a form of collective punishment aimed at breaking the will of the civilian population.
Manipulation of Religion for Political Gain
One of the more insidious aspects of Abiy’s rule is the manipulation of religion to maintain control over the population and justify government actions. Abiy and his government have aligned themselves with evangelical Christian leaders, both within Ethiopia and abroad, to frame the conflict in religious terms. This includes invoking religious rhetoric to justify military aggression and using evangelical pastors as moral supporters of the regime. By doing so, Abiy has sought to legitimize his actions and gain support from religious groups, further complicating the moral and ethical questions surrounding the conflict.
The Role of Evangelical Pastors and Generals in Ethiopia’s Conflict
Evangelical pastors and military generals play a pivotal role in the current crisis by offering theological justifications for the government’s actions. These religious figures serve as moral shields for the regime, endorsing state violence and casting the opposition as enemies of the faith. John the Baptist would not remain silent in the face of this manipulation of faith for political gain. He would call for these pastors to abandon their alliances with a corrupt and violent state and to stand in solidarity with the marginalized and oppressed.
John’s rebuke would be strong, urging the pastors and generals to repent, abandon their complicity, and embrace the prophetic calling of justice. His message would be a call to realign their actions with the values of the kingdom of God, rejecting power for power’s sake and instead advocating for peace and justice.
Ethnic Identity and Injustice: A Call for Unity
Ethiopia’s political system, which emphasizes ethnic federalism, has contributed to the deepening divisions in the country. Leaders have exploited ethnic identity to incite violence and justify repression. John the Baptist’s words, “God can raise up children for Abraham” (Matthew 3:9), challenge the exclusivity of ethnic identity politics. He would reject the division created by ethnic federalism and call for a unified Ethiopia based on shared humanity and justice for all people, regardless of their ethnic background.
John’s message transcends tribalism and nationalistic tendencies, offering a vision of inclusivity and reconciliation that prioritizes the dignity and worth of all Ethiopians.
Divine Judgment and the Need for Immediate Action
John’s message was not just about repentance; it was a warning. He proclaimed, “The ax is already at the root of the trees” (Matthew 3:10). For Ethiopia’s leaders, this warning is urgent. If the current path of corruption, division, and violence continues, the country faces not only political collapse but moral and spiritual ruin. John’s message is clear: action is needed now to change the trajectory of the nation and avoid further suffering and destruction.
Conclusion: A Prophetic Call for Change
John the Baptist’s voice cuts through the noise of political rhetoric and religious compromise with an urgent call for radical repentance and transformative justice. In Ethiopia’s current crisis—marked by civil war, mass atrocities, ethnic division, famine, and the manipulation of faith—his prophetic witness speaks with renewed relevance and moral force. His message, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2), is not merely a spiritual platitude. It is a demand for ethical realignment, political reckoning, and systemic transformation. It is a summons to confront injustice, to reject complacency, and to pursue righteousness with boldness and humility.
The Ethiopian leadership, particularly under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, stands at a moral crossroads. The continued pursuit of power through violence, repression, and ethno-political manipulation has pushed the nation toward humanitarian catastrophe and spiritual decay. John the Baptist would call out such leadership without hesitation, condemning their abuse of power and failure to uphold the dignity of every human being created in the image of God. His voice would thunder against the shedding of innocent blood (Proverbs 6:16–17) and call for immediate cessation of hostilities, restoration of justice, and accountability for war crimes and human rights violations.
Religious leaders, especially within the evangelical community, bear a sacred responsibility in this hour. Many have abandoned their prophetic mandate, choosing instead to align with state power and provide theological cover for state-sponsored violence. In doing so, they have betrayed the gospel’s core message of justice, mercy, and solidarity with the oppressed. John’s rebuke would be sharp and uncompromising: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?” (Matthew 3:7). He would demand that they reject political idolatry, return to the heart of the gospel, and speak truth to power, even at great personal cost.
Furthermore, the Christian community—both within Ethiopia and globally—must rise to the occasion. Silence and neutrality in the face of such widespread suffering are themselves forms of complicity. The church must recover its prophetic voice and become a moral force for peace, reconciliation, and restorative justice. This includes advocating for the rights of victims, supporting independent investigations into atrocities, pressuring international actors for humanitarian access, and standing in solidarity with the marginalized and displaced.
John’s message is ultimately a message of hope—but only if heeded. “The ax is already at the root of the trees” (Matthew 3:10) serves as a stark warning: time is short, and judgment is near. Ethiopia faces not only political collapse but moral and spiritual ruin if it does not repent and change course. The future of the nation hinges not on military victories or political dominance, but on courageous moral leadership—leaders willing to dismantle systems of oppression, to listen to the cries of the wounded, and to pursue a vision of Ethiopia rooted in justice, peace, and shared human dignity.
Now is the time for repentance—not as an abstract religious ritual, but as a national turning point. A repentance that bears fruit: an end to war, the demilitarization of politics, the protection of civilians, the restoration of rule of law, and the revival of integrity in both government and the church. Only then can Ethiopia begin the long journey toward healing and reconciliation. John the Baptist’s cry echoes across the land: “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him” (Matthew 3:3). The time for moral clarity, prophetic courage, and ethical action is now.
