Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
By Shimels Hussien Mohammed (PhD)
In politics, trust is a double-edged sword. It binds leaders to their followers but can shatter with a single misstep. This dynamic is especially stark in Ethiopia, where ethnic divisions deepen the stakes of loyalty and betrayal. The hard truth is that living politicians cannot be trusted and admired blindly, early, and readily. True admiration should be reserved for after their death, when their legacies are complete and immune to further betrayal. Politically, socially, psychologically, and morally, the evidence mounts: blind faith in living leaders is a risk we cannot afford.
Take a recent case of the story of Getachew Kahsay Reda, once a celebrated figure in the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). For years, he embodied Tigrayan resilience and dedication. As a spokesperson of TPLF and key negotiator during the Pretoria Agreement in 2022, he fiercely defended TPLF and Tigray’s interests during the PP-Tigray War, earning widespread respect. Tigrayan elites, both in Ethiopia and the diaspora, adored him, nicknaming him “Getcho the Intellectual” and “The Sanitizer.” Yet, in the past two years, his reputation unraveled. A public rift with TPLF leadership culminated in his expulsion from the party and the Tigray presidency. Accusations followed: he allegedly aligned with federal authorities, leaking sensitive TPLF secrets shared by comrades in better times. Once a hero, Getachew became a traitor, shattering the trust and admiration of those who revered him. His betrayal transcended personal failure—it symbolized the peril of trusting living politicians. Morally, it raises troubling questions: how could a champion of TPLF turn against the movement that defined him?
Sadly, Getachew’s story is not unique. Ethiopia’s past and current political history is full of similar betrayals. Politicians within groups, like the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (Ezema) and the National Movement of Amhara (NAMA), are also full of pervasive internal conflicts, scandals, unprofessionalism, and poor integrity. Recent leaks from these parties by faction groups indicate that these parties and their leaders are not truly up to what they claim in public. In reality, the guys there prioritize group and personal interest over public interest. The recent feud between Belete Molla’s faction of NAMA (PP-NAMA) and Desalegn Chane’s faction of NAMA has exposed the disloyalty and unprincipled alliance of the NAMA boys, disillusioning the party’s supporters. Likewise, Andargachew Tsige’s recent revelations about his former colleagues—once publicly admired—underscored how our admiration was blind and poorly founded. Many other cases of political drama and unpredictable swings have been seen in Ethiopia’s politics, where politicians pursue power, money, and self-interest at the expense of their supporters and the public.
While politicians are generally less trusted globally, dishonesty, betrayal, and self-interest appear particularly pronounced in Ethiopia. Several factors contribute to this. First, Ethiopia’s ethnic-based political system, built on ethnic divisions, almost inevitably leads to betrayal and irrationality. This is because such a system relies heavily on emotional appeals rather than sound reasoning and critical thinking. Consequently, politics becomes a precarious game focused on securing ethnic alliances and ensuring survival, often at the cost of ethical principles. Second, the individuals who choose to participate in the Ethiopian political system are often less principled than those who abstain. Logically, individuals with strong integrity would be hesitant to engage in a political landscape dominated by tribalism, which tends to attract those who prioritize personal gain over ethical considerations. Third, the very nature of politics can compromise morality and integrity. This reflects a universal truth: power tests character, and many succumb to its pressures. Even well-intentioned individuals can lose their ethical compass. The demands of power, party loyalty, and the need to appease various factions frequently lead to the compromise of core values. Fourth, the absence of robust mechanisms to enforce accountability is also a contributing factor.
Betrayal inflicts a profound emotional and social wound. In Ethiopia, where politics is deeply intertwined with ethnic identity, betrayal often feels intensely personal. This was clearly evident in the deep distress felt by Getachew Reda’s supporters following his political shift. Psychologically, social betrayal triggers brain responses akin to physical pain, leaving lasting emotional scars of anger, shame, and despair. Socially, it fragments individuals and communities, exacerbating existing divisions and undermining the very unity that is most crucial. Each instance of betrayal fosters cynicism among the populace and leads to disengagement from meaningful political participation.
Given Ethiopian politicians’ history of consistent betrayals and the lack of accountability mechanisms in the country’s political landscape, we, the citizens, must adopt a strategy to protect our hearts and minds from the negative consequences of politicians’ betrayals. I suggest, rather than offering our trust and admiration readily, we should reserve admiration and eulogizing only for those politicians whose long-term actions have consistently demonstrated integrity and whose legacies are solidified. This is ideally after the politicians have finished their political career or even passed away. This approach, exemplified by figures like Nelson Mandela whose esteem grew after his tenure, allows for a clearer, less vulnerable assessment of their contributions, preventing the recurring cycle of disillusionment. It’s not about abandoning politics, but about engaging with a more discerning and protected heart. Otherwise, the current noise and cries of betrayal will only persist.
Dr. Shimels Hussien is a Researcher and Ass. Professor of Public Health at St. Paul Hospital’s Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa. He can be reached at: shimelsh@gmail.com
Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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On any nation’s political dynamics citizens have preferences to condemn or to glorify their political leaders in a manner which they confront the political atmosphere living in.your suggestion to admire a political actors after final death occurred is shortsighted .It is the job of Historians to upgrade or downgrade a political figure after his life is expired .citizens can condemn or admire their fellow politicians in each political event cross ponding to their political point views