Ethiopian PM did not provide evidence to support his claims
By: Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed alleges that there are businesses that are supporting armed groups in the country.
During a meeting with business representatives from across the country, Abiy stated that a significant portion of the instability affecting Ethiopia is driven by wealthy individuals supporting armed groups. “Sixty percent of the instability shaking Ethiopia’s peace is fueled by wealthy Ethiopians who are backing armed groups,” he said, adding that it is contradictory for peace advocates to fund these factions.
Abiy called on “peace-seeking businesspeople” to stop supporting these groups and encourage them to engage in peace talks. “We are ready for dialogue with anyone seeking peace,” he said, although he did not provide specifics on how such negotiations would proceed or identify the groups involved.
Though unnamed, the Prime Minister likely referred to groups such as Fano and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), which have increased their activities in Amhara and Oromia regions since federal forces were deployed in August 2023 to disarm regional militias. The Federal government has been fighting OLA forces for more than six years now.
Ethiopia’s Minister of Peace, Mohammed Endris, recently claimed that the government now controls nearly all of the Amhara region, with only two of its 265 districts not fully under government authority. He emphasized that the government had largely restored order and was ready to shift towards stabilization and development efforts.
The Minster claimed that over 80% of the region’s administrative infrastructure is operational, and most cities are peaceful. However, he downplayed the influence of Fano, suggesting that their commanders operate from neighboring countries and lack real control on the ground.
Yet, Fano forces dispute the government’s claims. According to their reports, they still control large parts of the region, including key towns in Southern Gondar, Gojam, North Wollo, and North Shewa zones. Independent verification of these claims is challenging due to the ongoing conflict.
The conflict has led to widespread displacement and humanitarian concerns. Over 3,600 schools have been closed, affecting more than four million students, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that over 800,000 people were displaced in Amhara in 2024 alone, with more than 4.5 million requiring humanitarian assistance.
Prime Minister Abiy also addressed issues related to law enforcement, stating that it is the government’s responsibility to maintain order. He emphasized the importance of peace, urging Ethiopians to work together towards stability. However, he criticized some individuals for isolating peace efforts as solely the government’s responsibility.
Concerns were also raised about government checkpoints allegedly soliciting money for inspecting goods and preventing the illegal flow of weapons. In response, Abiy assured the business community that the government would work to streamline inspections without resorting to corrupt practices.
Edited by Dimetros Birku
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This is a perfect moment of redemption for me. This photo proves my longstanding claim about PM Abiy. Just look at it. Does he look like an Ethiopian? Not even close! His parents were both refugees from Oceania. Remember I said Oceania, not Oromia. You guys are trying to put words in my mouth. His mom was a Filipina and his dad was a Māori. They both fled the Marcos regime in the 1960’s. I have his birth certificate right here in my hand. You guys are so worked up about hm believing he is an Ethiopian. I am gonna list the copy of his birth certificate on the auction block tomorrow. Opening bid price will be set at fifty nine ninety five. Please note I haven’t told you how many zeros I have behind that. I know many of you are suffering from ADHD syndrome so pay attention. Now you know. And don’t you dare call him that ‘Ummaa’ thing. If you do, his Māori cousins will bulldoze you and beat you to a pulp.