By Naod Hailu
In an authoritarian state, entertaining independent thought and criticizing the regime often results in imprisonment or severe psychological distress, while loyalty to the regime grants certain benefits. In light of this, some intellectuals, for self-serving or malicious reasons, align themselves with authoritarian powers. Their loyalty is frequently driven by fear of personal or professional repercussions, or by a desire to gain influence and power.
Cognizant of these looming threats and potential benefits, Dagnachew Assefa (PhD) has publicly aligned himself with, as he put it, “the son of Ahmed” a reference to Abiy that seemingly to avoid repercussions and secure personal benefits. He has pledged loyalty to a man who considers himself the sole authority capable of resolving the crises the country is engulfed in.
His interview with Andafta Media yesterday vividly revealed his alignment with the regime and echoing Abiy’s approved narratives. What is striking about the conversation is that Dagnachew acted as an unofficial spokesperson for the government. Although invited to analyze the situations in Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia, he merely reiterated the government’s positions on the TPLF, OLA, and Fano, thereby legitimizing its stance.
One of Abiy’s key strategies for consolidating power is the “divide and rule” tactic, often through crafting an objective enemy. Since ascending to power in 2018, Abiy has oversimplified Ethiopia’s deeply rooted issues by scapegoating specific ethnic groups, notably the Tigrayans. This demonization and use of derogatory rhetoric contributed significantly to the outbreak of the northern war though the TPLF also bears responsibility.
Dagnachew reinforced this divisive narrative. When asked whether the TPLF is ready and capable of waging another war, he asserted that it is severely weakened. More revealingly, he stated, “We are also damaged by the war, but we might not feel it because our population is large. But Tigray is damaged.” This response succinctly reveals his entrapment in the regime’s “us vs. them” mentality. Although he claims to be a patriotic intellectual and a staunch supporter of pan-Ethiopianism, how can one uphold Ethiopian unity while harboring an exclusionary mindset?
Defying Logic and Reason
As an academic who has studied and teaches philosophy, Dagnachew is expected to analyze situations using logic and reason. Instead, he has sacrificed philosophical integrity to become a tool of Abiy, who consolidates power by leveraging fear and emotional manipulation. During the interview, Dagnachew expressed support for Abiy’s approach to the crises in Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia, an approach driven by personal vendettas rather than rational policy.
From the outset of the interview, Dagnachew veered sharply away from logic in defending himself against criticism. He resorted to ad hominem attacks, targeting individuals like Yayesew Shimelis, who questioned his stance on Ethiopia’s deteriorating relations with Eritrea and the alleged plan by Brigadier General Tefera Mamo to ally with the TPLF against Abiy. As an intellectual, he should have addressed such critiques on rational and logical grounds. Instead, he allowed emotion to override reason, undermining the very principles of philosophy.
By betraying these core principles, Dagnachew has positioned himself as the bulwark of warmonger and aberrant leader.
Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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I wonder if his stand of a current ‘Banda’ is hereditary, recalling his elder sister (actually half-sister) Genet Zewdie.