By Tewodros Gezhagn
Ethiopia, long heralded for its bold identity and deep-rooted cultural heritage, is witnessing a systematic dismantling of its foundational pillars—the Amhara people and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Under the leadership of the current Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, deliberate actions are eroding these two historically significant entities, leaving the nation divided and vulnerable. The mission appears calculated: weaken the forces that have upheld Ethiopia’s unity, strength, and resilience for centuries.
The Deliberate Undermining of the Amhara People and Ethiopian Orthodox Church
At the heart of this mission lies a concerted effort to diminish the influence of the Amhara people and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. These two entities have historically shaped Ethiopia’s identity, preserving its sovereignty and serving as symbols of unity. However, the Prime Minister’s policies and rhetoric seem aimed at fracturing their societal influence. By systematically marginalizing the Amhara and sidelining the Orthodox Church, he is dismantling the very institutions that once ensured Ethiopia’s stability and international respect. Many prosperity Protestant gospel preachers insulted and talked about splitting the orthodox church in public. One of the preachers was given 25,000 Euros and a gold medal for the mission is working on.
Weaponizing Hate Narratives and False Propaganda
The weaponization of hate speech and propaganda has become a hallmark of the Prime Minister’s administration. Leveraging false narratives propagated by the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF), the government has painted the Amhara as oppressors, fueling resentment and division among Ethiopia’s ethnic groups. This deliberate strategy not only isolates the Amhara but also perpetuates a cycle of animosity that weakens the nation’s internal cohesion. Hate speeches from state-aligned figures exacerbate these divisions, creating an environment of mistrust and hostility. Abiy himself said in public that there are many people who hate Oromo living in the capital, such crude conclusions are part of his weapons.
Consolidating Power Through Religious and Political Favoritism
A glaring aspect of this mission is the disproportionate concentration of power in the hands of Protestant leaders. Reports indicate that over 90% of key government positions, including the House of People’s Representatives and other influential bodies, are held by Protestants. This deliberate favoritism undermines the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which has been a cornerstone of the country’s spiritual and cultural identity for millennia. By sidelining the Orthodox Church, the administration is strategically weakening its ability to mobilize and unify the population.
Exclusion and Marginalization of Amhara in National Representation
The marginalization of the Amhara people extends beyond rhetoric, manifesting in tangible exclusion from national representation. Key roles in the House of People’s Representatives and other critical institutions are systematically stripped away from Amhara leaders. This exclusion silences the Amhara voice in national decision-making, further diminishing their influence and their ability to advocate for their community’s interests. The systematic sidelining has left the Amhara increasingly vulnerable to political and social injustices. Arrests without cause have become a grim reality for many Amharas. No Amhara is immune to marginalization, often labeled with tailored accusations designed to justify their persecution. Many Amharas I know have been taken to jail, and their fates remain unknown. I am a living witness, fortunate to have survived, but deeply aware of the harsh realities faced by my people.
Erosion of Ethiopia’s Historical Unity and Identity
The long-term consequence of these actions is the erosion of Ethiopia’s historical unity and identity. The weakening of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Amhara people dismantles the cultural and historical foundations that have long defined Ethiopia’s strength. Without these pillars, the nation becomes increasingly fragmented, susceptible to both internal discord and external exploitation. The deliberate targeting of these two “trees” not only undermines Ethiopia’s resilience but also jeopardizes its future as a unified and independent state.
In conclusion, the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s calculated mission to weaken the Amhara people and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church poses a grave threat to the nation’s unity and identity. By fostering division through propaganda, consolidating power through favoritism, and marginalizing key groups, he is dismantling the foundations that have upheld Ethiopia for centuries. If these trends continue, Ethiopia risks losing the bold and resilient character that has defined it throughout history. It is a critical moment for Ethiopians to recognize and address these challenges to safeguard their nation’s future.
Editor’s note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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