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Contributor: Dawit Solomon
Independent journalist and Political Analyst
Nairobi, Kenya
In a recent development highlighting the growing ethnic tensions within Ethiopia, an Ethiopian expert employed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has fled to Kenya. This move comes after facing significant pressure from the Oromo-dominated Prosperity Party, which has been accused of forcefully asserting dominance in both public and non-governmental organizations. This incident highlights the growing ethnic tensions and political dominance exerted by the Oromo nationalists within Ethiopia’s ruling party, which has now extended its influence into non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
According to sources, the expert, who wishes to remain anonymous for safety reasons, was subjected to intense pressure and threats from officials within the Prosperity Party. The party, which has a strong Oromo nationalist faction, has been increasingly accused of sidelining individuals from other ethnic groups and promoting their own members to key positions, regardless of qualifications.
The expert’s ordeal began when the former Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute’s Deputy Director, Ato Aschalew Abayneh, refused to accept an assignment letter. Instead, he reportedly appointed a relative to the position, despite the relative lacking the necessary experience for the role. This incident is seen as part of a broader pattern of nepotism and ethnic favoritism that has been growing within the Prosperity Party.
The Ethiopian expert, whose identity is being withheld for security reasons, was a senior employee at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. According to sources, the expert, who had been working on critical health and nutrition projects funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, found the environment increasingly hostile. “The pressure was unbearable,” the expert said. “I was constantly being undermined and threatened because I did not belong to the Oromo ethnic group.”
According to sources, the situation escalated when the expert received threats to their personal safety. Fearing for their life, the expert made the difficult decision to flee Ethiopia and seek refuge in Kenya. This move underscores the severe and dangerous environment that non-Oromo professionals are facing under the current political climate.
This incident is not isolated. Reports indicate that the Prosperity Party’s influence is growing in various sectors, including NGOs, where they are pushing for Oromo dominance. This has led to a climate of fear and intimidation, with many professionals feeling coerced into compliance or facing the threat of violence.
The rise of the Prosperity Party has been marked by significant political shifts in Ethiopia. Initially hailed for its promise of unity and reform, the party has increasingly been seen as an instrument of Oromo nationalism. This has led to accusations of marginalization and discrimination against other ethnic groups, particularly the Amhara and Tigrayans.
The expert’s flight to Kenya is a stark reminder of the deep-seated ethnic divisions that continue to plague Ethiopia. It also raises questions about the future of NGOs and other sectors that are supposed to operate independently of political influence.
The case of the Ethiopian expert fleeing to Kenya is a troubling indicator of the current state of affairs in Ethiopia. As the Prosperity Party continues to consolidate its power, the international community must remain vigilant and advocate for the protection of all professionals, regardless of their ethnic background. The situation calls for urgent attention to ensure that Ethiopia does not descend further into ethnic strife and political repression.
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Poorly handled report. No evidence or independent source. You seem to use every occasion to file complaints in favor of Fano. Yes, Abiy Admin is corrupt. You need to remember for Abiy power, not Oromo, is everything. Your nagging about Oromo nepotism is superficial. Every group in every regime has always been corrupt and nepotic. We saw Tplf was rotten to the core. Amahra is itching for its turn.
Dawit Solomon has spread lies and falsehoods, inflaming ethnic tensions and undermining progress made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Prosperity Party. His malicious fabrications are a gross distortion of reality, with no basis in fact. Solomon’s reckless disregard for truth and reliance on unsubstantiated hearsay prioritize sowing discord and division over factual accuracy.
This fabrication insults the Oromo people’s struggle for equality and justice, undermining progress made by the Prosperity Party in promoting national unity and addressing historical grievances. The party’s commitment to inclusivity and equality benefits all Ethiopians, regardless of ethnicity. Contrary claims are a deliberate attempt to sow discord.
Solomon’s article exemplifies irresponsible journalism, prioritizing hate and misinformation over fact-based reporting. His refusal to verify information and deep-seated bigotry make him a purveyor of toxic propaganda. Borkena’s decision to publish this content reveals a disturbing lack of editorial standards, allowing Solomon’s lies to further divide Ethiopians.