Ethiopia (Vol 17, 2020)
in Africa Yearbook OnlineSearch for other papers by Jon Abbink in
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(6,979 words)
Ethiopia continued to be marked by a volatile political situation, interethnic unrest and an uncertain ‘reform agenda’ trajectory under prime minister Abiy Ahmed and the reigning Prosperity Party. Some of the political actors invited back into Ethiopia in 2018 reverted to armed struggle, and certain political murders and ethnic-based killings disturbed the country. The global Covid-19 pandemic reached Ethiopia in March, leading to socioeconomic damage and the declaration of a ‘state of emergency’ for five months. Economic growth continued, although at a more reduced rate, and many new urban and infrastructural projects were started. The agrarian sector did well due to a favourable rainy season. Expansion was also seen in the mining and industrial sectors, despite a decline in foreign investment. The external debt burden became a prominent issue. The controversy with Sudan and notably with Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (gerd) continued, with no negotiated settlement in sight. In November, a serious armed confrontation unfolded in Tigray after an unprovoked attack by the Tigray armed forces on the federal army camps and military infrastructure in the region, producing a massive and highly disruptive conflict, with incomplete media reporting and social media disinformation having a nefarious impact. This conflict also led to a decline in the international reputation of Ethiopia and its prime minister and to economic stress. Insecurity in areas in western Ethiopia was evident in the many killings and the property destruction by insurgent groups with no clear agenda. National parliamentary elections scheduled for May 2020 were first delayed to 29 August, then postponed to 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Ethiopia (Vol 17, 2020)
in Africa Yearbook OnlineSearch for other papers by Jon Abbink in
Current site
Google Scholar
(6,979 words)