Thread:
As an #Ethiopian & a student of Ethio’n politics, I have followed PM Abiy & his politics very closely for more than two years & half. I have written many pieces critiquing him for the things that should have been done, especially for the ethnic violence in the country. 1)
My criticism of his administration especially in his 1st year was harsh but justified as the country experienced huge internal displacements due to ethnic conflict. 2)
A thread:
Death of Hachalu is 1 of #Ethiopia’s recent most tragic events. He is a hero for the Oromo & a popular amongst Ethiopians.
But he wasn’t behind the reforms that emerged in 2018. His song fueled Oromo Protests? Yes. But Oromo protests alone didn’t bring Abiy to power.
The suffering of Somalis under Abdi Illey, the suffering of the Anuak/Gambella (their massacres for land grab), the injustice against the Afar, the suffering of the Amhara for 27 years under EPRDF, the gross human rights violations the regime committed were also major reasons.
Sep 4, 2019 • 11 tweets • 3 min read
The more I think about the current mess in #Ethiopia|n politics... 1) I cannot find a historical era that looks like it, & 2) I even hope good and real historians help us make sense of our past better. Here is my simple take on Zemene Mesafint (The era of princes). Thread:
1) The Era of Princes, EOP, (mid 18-mid 19c) was considered a period of major uncertainty in #Ethiopia’s history & one of the worst eras people mention when trying to find historic similarities to what’s going on today.
But, EOP’s historical significance shall be revisited.
