By Tadesse Birru
The interview on Al Jazeera, conducted by journalist Mehdi on the program Head to Head, was allegedly staged by groups affiliated with the Ethiopian government. The panelists were Tsedale Lemma — editor of The Addis Standard newspaper, Kjetil Tronvoll — professor of peace and conflict studies, and Bisrat Lemessa — founder of “Nexus Forum for Research and Dialogue.” According to one analysis, the panel setup — including the audience composition — was part of what the authors call a “carefully choreographed encounter,” with ideological alignments among panelists and audience intended to shape the narrative.
Abiy the most loser. The program was intended to restore the image of Abiy Ahmed. Instead, it became the crucifixion of the self-proclaimed, false Ethiopian “Messiah” Abiy Ahmed. In the 49-minute realist interview, harsh phrases were directed at this small, street-smart politician who has been empowered by many self-worshipping ideologues. These Mehdi Hasan questions will echo in the coming years and generations:
- “You spent years calling Abiy Ahmed a war criminal. You said … Abiy Ahmed ‘perfected genocide into an art form.’ Do you stand by those genocide accusations?”
- “Did Abiy Ahmed commit genocide?”
- “Were you not a lawyer in 2021 when you said Abiy Ahmed carried out a genocidal campaign?”
- “So you believe it was genocide — but won’t say he [Abiy] did it?
- “So he led the war? Does that mean he led the genocide?”
Mehdi was the true star of the program. He came equipped with many serious questions and had clearly done his homework impressively. Even for Ethiopians, the amount of factual information he collected to corner his guest was astonishing. However, it was not fully balanced. It was biased. There were no people on the panel or in the audience to represent the cause of the Amhara or the rest of Ethiopians. In a way, Mehdi also looked the other way regarding the ongoing genocide against the Amhara people. Perhaps he too is a victim of the continuous narrative promoted by Al Jazeera and parts of the Arab world, which for many reasons tend to undermine the Amhara cause, at large the Ethiopian cause.
As for Getachew — was he the loser? On the surface, yes; he was the loser of this staged program. He lost many of his supporters among Tigrayans once again. Although some supporters on social media platforms like X Spaces, Facebook, and TikTok continue to speak positively about him, most Ethiopians predict that whatever political legitimacy he had left is now finished. He lost against Mehdi. Getachew believed he could succeed, perceiving himself as a strong debater on programs like Hard Talk, but he appeared visibly unsteady. Getachew also lost to Abiy. He was seen figuratively “kissing the shoes” of a man he had previously labeled a genocidaire, attempting to protect and defend the indefensible. He has now lost credibility both among Tigrayans and Ethiopians in general. Even for an academic lecturing position, which he claims he would pursue after retiring from political involvement, his reputation has been severely damaged.
In retrospect, the TPLF was the clear winner of the program for several reasons. First, Abiy — their political archenemy — was portrayed on the world stage as the leader responsible for a genocidal war. He appeared as a blood-sucking, self-made king. As some reported, a high-level Ethiopian government official even admitted, implicitly if not explicitly, that Abiy is a genocidal. Even Getachew stated that he would give Abiy the benefit of the doubt to prove himself — in court. As a lawyer, Getachew essentially referred Abiy to stand trial. Perhaps in the ICC court (not explicitly though) ?
Second, in light of its internal divisions—especially as Getachew separates from the TPLF to lead a new party called Simret—the credibility of that party has diminished along with Getachew himself. Beyond Tigray, the TPLF is managing to win over much of the Ethiopian audience. It is gaining momentum in all its objectives. This requires some explanation. A few years ago, the TPLF was surrounded by enemies on all sides. Now, despite being divided, one half of the TPLF has managed to make amends with Eritrea, reducing the 180-degree border threat and making the northern front relatively safe—for now, at least. This is beneficial for the people of Tigray, allowing them to be at peace with their immediate neighbor.
On the other side, the faction of the TPLF that appears—on the surface—to be at odds with the old-guard, hard-core wing is actually closer to Abiy’s government. This group is smoothing life for the people of Tigray by representing them in the federal government and securing budget allocations and other subsidies for the region. This means Tigray is no longer as isolated as it once was. Furthermore, many Ethiopians are comparing the TPLF’s current political posture with the inefficiency of the ruling Prosperity Party (PP). The country is at its lowest point in terms of rule of law, economy, diplomacy, peace, safety, and security. In many ways, Abiy and his PP party are now surrounded by enemies on all sides. If TPLF leaders are intentionally using this subtle strategy to encircle their adversary, they are succeeding.
Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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