By Abdirezak Sahane Elmi
Former Government Official, Somali Region
Dr. Abiy Ahmed is like medicine 💊 for Ethiopia’s political realm because he is trying to reconcile two extreme political ideologies, both rooted in different forms of nationalism. These groups see each other as historic enemies. In my understanding, if Ethiopia is to continue as a unified state, we must support Dr. @AbiyAhmedAli.
Let me be clear: at the beginning of his reform, I was among those who opposed his political ideology. But later, I came to realize what he has saved us from. As an Ethiopian intellectual, I understand that if another person had come to power at that critical time, Ethiopia’s unity today would not exist in its current form. It would have either fragmented or been in serious danger.
Lessons From the EPRDF Era:
I worked with the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) for a long time. Their private and public discussions were vastly different, full of contradictions, conspiracy theories, and competing interests.
- TPLF, the leading faction for more than 27 years, sought to dominate Ethiopia for as long as possible, with an eventual plan to build a “Great Tigray.”
- ANDM envisioned itself as TPLF’s successor, aiming to restore Amhara dominance once TPLF lost legitimacy.
- OPDO struggled for leadership without a clear vision. Yet they were different, they did not seek to oppress others, but to transform Ethiopia toward equality. Still, internal divisions plagued them, with some members hostile to their allies. In my belief, these were the ones who resisted the founding of the Prosperity Party (PP).
For stakeholders like ours, ESPDP and other emerging regions such as Afar, Gambella, Benishangul, and Harari, we were often reduced to bystanders, waiting for whichever group triumphed to dictate our fate. That was never the destiny our people deserved.
The TPLF’s Double Game:
During my leadership tenure, I spoke directly with senior TPLF leaders. They openly admitted their strategy: lead Ethiopia until power could no longer be maintained, then pursue self-determination for Tigray while encouraging others to do the same.
They told us what we wanted to hear: “After we are done with our preparations, you will have your independent country.” But this was deception. Their goal was to monopolize Ethiopian politics for as long as possible, while planting seeds of division across regions.
To the Oromo, Afar, and others, they reminded them of past imperial abuses. To us, they warned of border threats. Their clever propaganda fueled mistrust between Oromo and Somali, fearing that a united Oromo–Somali alliance would take power. They also worked to pit Amhara and Oromo against each other, fearing that a partnership between them would marginalize TPLF forever.
These were not accidents. They were deliberate strategies of division.
Abiy Ahmed and the Fires of Division:
When Abiy Ahmed assumed power, these fires were already burning. His first test was the Somali Region, one of the flashpoints. Instead of resisting, we chose surrender to the federal government and it proved fruitful for our people and the country.
But the dangers did not stop there. Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia were all volatile. Ethiopia stood between two forms of nationalism:
- Extreme ethnic nationalism, which risked fragmentation and secession.
- Rigid unitary nationalism, which risked alienation and resistance.
If either had gained full control, the country would have collapsed.
For example, in my belief, if Lemma Megersa had become Prime Minister, he might have expanded autonomy or even allowed regions to declare independence. If Gadu Andargachew had risen, he would have imposed uncompromising centralism, alienating the South and East. Either scenario would have led Ethiopia into destruction.
Abiy Ahmed, by contrast, carefully balanced both ideological extremes. This balance though imperfect is what has kept the state alive.
My Personal Transformation:
As I stated earlier, I was once opposed to Abiy Ahmed’s reforms. I was even imprisoned for my beliefs. But after seven years, through analysis, reflection, and conversations with high-ranking TPLF officials in Kaliti prison, I came to see the truth.
We only glimpsed 10 percent of the destructive agendas prepared behind the scenes. Ethiopia was on the brink of collapse, and many do not realize how close we came to losing our state.
Today, I see some PP officials who still doubt whether the founding of PP was the right path. Some have even urged me to stop praising Abiy Ahmed’s leadership. A few have issued personal warnings. I know this could put my safety at risk. But such threats will not silence me. I am strong enough and confident enough to write and share with the public what I believe. I know the risks, but my belief is grounded in truth and in Ethiopia’s survival.
I strongly support Dr. Abiy Ahmed because of what he has done and continues to do for Ethiopia and for my own Somali Region.
The Reality We Must Face:
My message to all Ethiopians is this: if we support our leader Dr. Abiy Ahmed and the Prosperity Party, and give them the time needed to transform Ethiopia, they can succeed. Do not be misled by opportunists or chair-seekers who only want power.
I say this not as a politician, but as an independent, self-sufficient citizen with no personal interest in leadership. I speak only as someone who has seen the dangers Ethiopia escaped, and the medicine we now need to preserve our unity.
Conclusion: A Call to All Ethiopians
History will remember that at a decisive moment, Ethiopia stood on the edge of collapse. It was Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s leadership acting as medicine that held the nation together when two extremes threatened to destroy it. His leadership is not flawless, but it is indispensable.
Ethiopia needs time, unity, and collective support. We must not gamble with our state’s existence. We must not let opportunists undo the fragile stability we have. Instead, let us rally behind reform, behind peace, and behind unity.
The survival of Ethiopia depends on it.
✍️ Abdirezak Sahane Elmi @AbdiSaxanee, A former government official from the Somali Region.
