Once hailed as a reformer, Abiy Ahmed now faces mounting anger over war, repression, internet blackouts, and human rights abuses across Ethiopia.
By The Habesha News Desk
September 30, 2025
When Abiy Ahmed became prime minister in 2018, Ethiopians and the world imagined a democratic opening. Years later, many inside and outside Ethiopia say the promise curdled into repression and war. Rights groups and humanitarian agencies now describe a landscape marked by conflict-related atrocities, shrinking civic space, internet blackouts, and a vast humanitarian crisis. Human Rights Watch+2Amnesty International+2
1) War, atrocities, and impunity
Independent monitors report severe abuses across multiple fronts since 2018—most notoriously in the Tigray war (2020–2022) and continuing violence in Amhara and Oromia. Findings include widespread attacks on civilians, destruction of health facilities, mass displacement, and patterns of sexual violence that experts say amount to crimes against humanity. Human Rights Watch+1
The Amhara conflict that escalated in 2023 brought hundreds of civilian deaths and injuries and the destruction of civilian infrastructure; authorities responded with a sweeping state of emergency that facilitated arbitrary arrests nationwide. Human Rights Watch
Amnesty International says authorities have used states of emergency and security operations to suppress peaceful dissent, alongside arbitrary arrests and regional internet blocking. Amnesty International
Why this drives anger: people judge leaders by whether they protect lives and uphold law. Continued abuses with scant accountability have shattered trust.
2) Shrinking civic space and media freedom
After early liberalization, the government is now moving to tighten the legal environment for civil society. Human Rights Watch warned in July 2025 that proposed amendments to the civil society law would “dismantle” earlier reforms; late-2024 actions included suspending independent rights groups. Human Rights Watch+1
Press freedom has also deteriorated. Ethiopia slipped to 145/180 on Reporters Without Borders’ 2025 Index, reflecting conflict, legal pressure, and attacks on journalists. Capital Ethiopia
Why this drives anger: Ethiopians who tasted a brief opening now see critics jailed or silenced, and media operating under fear.
3) Internet shutdowns and information control
Ethiopia has repeatedly used internet disruptions during crises—especially in Amhara and other conflict areas—undercutting access to news, education, health, and livelihoods. Global watchdogs recorded record-high shutdowns worldwide in 2024–2025, with Africa (including Ethiopia) contributing significantly to the surge. Amnesty International+2Access Now+2
Why this drives anger: shutdowns are collective punishment; they hide abuses and cripple daily life.
4) Humanitarian emergency and governance credibility
The UN’s humanitarian arm reports millions in need of assistance due to conflict, displacement, and climate shocks—and warns of critical funding gaps. In April 2025, the World Food Programme even halted malnutrition treatment for 650,000 women and children for lack of funds, amid more than 10 million facing severe food insecurity. Reuters+2OCHA+2
Why this drives anger: people link governance to outcomes. When insecurity and hunger persist, public patience erodes.
5) Perceived drift toward authoritarianism
Critics say Abiy has centralized power, relied on emergency decrees, and sidelined checks and balances—contradicting the reconciliation message that won him a Nobel. Amnesty noted in 2024 that authorities “failed to halt violations” while denying abuses, even as “transitional justice” talk advanced; in 2025 HRW warned of new legal moves that would severely restrict civic life. Amnesty International+1
Why this drives anger: people feel promises of democracy were replaced by securitized rule.
6) Narrative whiplash: accolades vs. accountability
International honors (from the 2019 Nobel to later FAO recognition) jar with the documented record of wartime abuses and continuing repression, deepening cynicism about global double standards and domestic propaganda. Human Rights Watch
Counter-arguments (and why they haven’t convinced critics)
Supporters cite infrastructure projects, macro reforms, and the need to “stabilize” a fractious federation. But as long as verified reports document atrocities, shrinking civic space, shutdowns, and soaring humanitarian need, many Ethiopians judge the government by harms endured rather than plans promised. Human Rights Watch+2Amnesty International+2
What accountability would look like
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Independent investigations (domestic or international) with real prosecutorial follow-through on crimes against civilians and sexual violence. The Guardian
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Repeal/withdraw restrictive legal amendments; reinstate suspended rights groups; end arbitrary arrests. Human Rights Watch+1
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Stop internet shutdowns; commit to transparent communication in crises. Access Now
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Humanitarian access and funding plans developed with UN agencies and shielded from politicization. OCHA+1
Bottom line
People don’t “hate” Abiy Ahmed because of partisanship alone. They oppose a record—war-time atrocities, repression, blackouts, and a grinding crisis—that contradicts the promise of 2018. Trust can return only if accountability, rights, and human security come first. Human Rights Watch+1