abiy ahmed aliThe Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia or "Ethiopia" for short, is a sovereign landlocked country located at the north-eastern part of Africa (the horn of Africa), covering a total land area of about 1,100,000 squared kilometers. Just about 15.1% of Ethiopia's total land area remains arable (land good for farming).

Although landlocked, Ethiopia is often referred to as the "water tower" of eastern Africa because of its many rivers and lakes. Ethiopia is blessed with more than 9 major rivers (including the Nile, the Omo river, the Baro river, Awash river, Tekeze river, Shebelle river, Angereb river, Mereb, etc.) and 12 huge lakes (including Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile).

Ethiopia borders the Republic of Kenya to the south, the Republic of Eritrea to the north (Eritrea's separation made Ethiopia a landlocked country), the Republic of Sudan to the west, and the Republics of Djibouti and Somalia to the east.

Ethiopia has an estimated population of 118 million people (which makes Ethiopia the second most populous country in Africa today) with the population growth rate hovering around 2.5%.

Ethiopia was able to survive the late 19th-century “Scramble for Africa” thanks to its uniquely successful military resistance. Ethiopia made history by becoming the only African country to defeat a European colonial power and retain its sovereignty. Also, Ethiopia was the first independent African member of the 20th-century League of Nations and the United Nations.

Ethiopia is blessed with abundance of natural resources including gold, potash, unexploited natural gas or methane, copper, platinum, etc.

Ethiopia has seen great improvements in several sectors of its economy (especially in the areas of infrastructure) these past couple of years thanks in part to the great Chinese investment in this part of Africa, and also to the intense government projects aimed at achieving its Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) of attaining middle income status by 2025. Between 2013 and 2014, Ethiopia's GDP growth was around 10.6%. Kenya grew only 4.8% this same period while Rwanda, which has been a very stellar performer, did only 7.9%. This is great news to investors and shows Ethiopia is on course. According to the World Bank Group's latest poverty assessment, poverty in Ethiopia fell from 44 percent in 2000 to 30 percent in 2011 which translated to a 33 percent reduction in the share of people living in poverty.

Despite these great achievements, at least 37 million Ethiopians continue to wallow in poverty and according to recent world bank statistics, the poorest in Ethiopia have become even poorer in the sense that, the high food prices that improves income for many farmers, also makes buying food more challenging for the poorest especially those in the rural areas. In other words, although more farmers are making good incomes from their farm produce, many people in Ethiopia today are unable to afford basic necessities like food due to the high prices.

Since Ethiopia's economy depends mostly on agriculture (about 45 to 50% of GDP), natural causes such as drought and sometimes unpredictable flooding put the entire economy of Ethiopia in a very bad shape and leave many starving.

Illiteracy is another major reason why a section of Ethiopia wallows in poverty. Ethiopian leaders today do not pay much attention to education. Ethiopia has a lliteracy rate of 49% with the female literacy rate hovering around 41%. This implies only about 41% of the total female population of Ethiopia above age 15 can read and write which is very bad compared to most other African countries.

Due to extreme poverty and hunger, most children of school going age are out of school and most are forced into child marriage, child labor, child trafficking and most recently, child prostitution. Most children in Ethiopia are forced into petty trading especially along the major streets of big cities such as Addis Ababa (the capital of Ethiopia with a population of about 5 million people), Dire Dawa, Adama or Nazret, Gondar, Dese or Dessie, Mek'ele, Jimma and Bahir Dar.

Coffee which is very critical to the Ethiopian economy (with exports around $400 million dollars a year) sometimes meet low prices on the international market which puts the entire Ethiopian economy in a very shaky state.

Environmental issues such as water pollution (as a result of agricultural and industrial runoffs, etc.), land degradation which often leads to desertification, poor climatic conditions (including severe droughts), etc. continue to threaten several lives in Ethiopia today.

Ethiopia's HIV/AIDS adult prevalence rate hovers around 1.1%. In 2014, more than 730,000 people were officially living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia with about 20,000 HIV/AIDS deaths recorded in 2016. Besides the deadly HIV/AIDS, malaria, bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, dengue fever, rabies, etc. continue to threaten several lives in Ethiopia today.

Poor governance, rampant corruption, lawlessness, etc. remain some of the top issues facing Ethiopia today. Just like in most other African countries, political figures in Ethiopia today are very corrupt with little to no experience at all. The poor government policies, corruption, political instability, etc., unfortunately drive investors away.

Another major problem facing Ethiopia today is the systematic marginalization and persecution of certain ethnic groups caused mainly by poor government policies. The nationwide protests by the Oromo people, the single largest ethnic group in both Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa, is a clear example of the atmosphere this systematic marginalization and failed government policies have created in Ethiopia today. Unfortunately, Ethiopia's corrupt government and the international community fail to acknowledge the simple fact that Ethiopia is facing a crisis of unprecedented magnitude.

Ethiopia's forgotten civil war (or the Tigray war) which started in November 2020 is perhaps the deadliest of the 21st century. According to the United Nations and other credible sources, the Tigray war killed over half a million people between November 2020, and November 2022. The European Union Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josef Borrell, stated that, the number of people killed (within the 2-year interval) was between 600,000 and 800,000 making it the deadlist war of the 21st century.

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Bitania Solomon
Great information. I was born in Ethiopia and raised in the United States. Once I complete my Masters degree I plan on moving there to implement business and innovative strategies to be apart of the exponential growth. I love the country and the culture. Ethiopia has so much potential but the corruption in the government also has great potential to destroy its progress.
Firdie getnet
Hello Bitania, This is Firdie from Ethiopia.
I like your point of view and I have some questions and discussion ideas. Could you leave your contact information here?

Berhe
Good report. But there is still something missing. In my point of view and certainly many will come to terms on the following point. The Amhara are taking a major political and divisive role in creating chaos and violence persistently in Ethiopian history. They have committed genocide in various northern part of Ethiopia during the military junta 1970 and 1980 s including Gondar, Hawzen, Mekele, etc . Historians have a lot to say what Amhara have done to the so-called minorities who are fiercely tortured, burned alive and ramming innocent people by cars, tanks and other military vehicles. However, Amhara used to bark and sticking their blood-tainted fingers on Tigray and other tribes.

Amhara claim that they have churches which possess religious articles descended from heaven to attract people lavishly gather money. Amhara has bombarded and killed thousands in the market using military force by plane. Amhara is always using its diasporas in the western countries to establish ties and gain the upper hand in the western media against Tigray people. Amhara is still asking asylum in US and EU claiming suppressed by Tiny Tigre while the liberators Tigrayans are behind bars by the dictator PM Abiy whose fans call him prophet and God's Messenger.

Majority or outnumbering others cannot be a justification to possess skills to lead a country as Amhara claims. Amhara cites consistently that outnumbering or surpassing others in number could be the only reason to hold power and control other ethnic groups. There are tribes even diasporas who are able to lead a country regardless of their ethnic or religious affiliation. What matters is skill and wisdom!

Tamiart
I enjoyed reading the report. Berhe's view, however, sounds skewed to politics only. I think we need to see beyond ethnic egoism. Fake religiousness and outnumbering must not be a factor for ruling, I agree with him on that point. But similarly, misinformation and biased history telling (like your view about 'Amharas') can not bring solution to the issues at stake. In fact, such hatred may exacerbate our problems. Finally, none of our leaders were an angel.
Kenyata
Oh Amhara! You cannot have your cake and eat it! YOU cannot enjoy the best of both worlds. Choose one: Asking asylum in western worlds, enjoying social or monetary benefits and taking power in Ethiopia while demonizing TPLF and Tigrayans do not go along. Always Choose one. Amhara go to great lengths to restore the so-called its divine bestowed lordship by evoking violence, murdering, robbing and being involved in multiple big and petty crimes. However, we will not even forget the massacres committed by Amhara leaders throughout Ethiopia including Eritrea.

What I still remember, Amhara leaders like Melaku Fenta, they were conducting mass murder locally called Red Terror, marked by the bloodshed of innocent Ethiopians. Besides, Melaku Tefera was torturing the bishop of Gondar just only the his garce said: May Almighty God safeguard you by His angel and protect you from the anger or wrath of the God by the hand of God. In Amharic the word his Angel is interpreted as Melaku and it was understood as the Bishop was sarcastically lashing out the governor of Gondar and that time who was Melaku. Amhara governor's stooge accused the bishop as if he was insulting and teasing the Amhara dictators. I cannot tell you all the savage acts of Amhara leaders against the innocent people including their own Amhara tribe members. Now, they want to turn Ethiopia into a bloody scene so as to hold power if not to kill all their political rivals just for the sake of satanic feedback, revenge.

I was against the independence of Eritrea as a part of Orthodox laity I believed that We should stay together and work for the unity of Ethiopia and national development. However, as I see it now as Amhara and other narrow-minded egoist people act savagely, we cannot continue to live with them giving our fathers, sisters and brothers as sacrifice to live with them being tortured and killed nonstop. With regard to this white man, these people always want to please and work with the winning party and maintain their national or bilateral interest. If we do not want to live together peacefully outsiders will not grant us peace unless they see something that took their attention.

Semhal
Abiy is incarnated devil.
Did Woyanee use ethnic federalism to liberate the minorities suppressed by Amhara for centuries, allow them to speak proudly and use their language both in and out of school? They were belittled and despised by Amhara. When someone speaks non-Amharic, Amharas used to deride and ridicule him or her. How on earth could Amhara suppress the whole countrymen? Amhara elites who continuously wage war and provoke violence should be brought to justice. They do not represent the hardworking and peaceful Amhara and the same goes to some Oromo bad eggs like Juwar Mahammed who could not be a representative of Oromo People. Amhara dictators destroyed Geez at the expense of imposing their language on the entire nation and preventing the other ethnic groups from using their own languages.

As Melese described Political parties are not aggregates of Angels, they could do something that pleases one and displeases the other. Look what the regrets of Obama admin and other powerful leaders elected by peaceful democratic elections. They always have something unpleasant even if they have well-educated and highly experienced staff behind them.
I do not believe Woyane followed ethnic federalism to create division among tribes, but it was to emancipate the so-called minorities who were suppressed and killed by dominant tribes.
We have no clear evidence to show to the world that TPLF caused damage to our unity. We cannot claim that the rest of nations and nationalities have to follow what was established by domineering government regulated by Amharas for centuries without giving opportunity to take part in leadership make use of their own languages, etc. This former PM had no chance to lead Ethiopia if he were during Amhara dominated regime during which many non-Amhara tribes were forcefully sent to military camp and targeted or tortured.

During Amhara regime you cannot even stare at police officers you can simply be beaten up and considered as spy for TPLF fighters and anti-govt. During TPLF administration, many of us could go to school and have a chance to apply for different job openings. Since many students failed high school test, had no chance to go to university or pursue their studies in another technical or vocational school. Many stay at the same career throughout their lifetime. Having BA degree was very rare but now we have many fellow citizens holding PHDs. This is due to the so-called minority TPLF ruling party. We have no political party in the world famed for its complete success throughout its mandate, administration period. Dominating a certain tribe or society in quantity or in number doesn't always imply that we have exclusive right to hold power over the others.
Thank you for you all

T/mariam
I am really surprised that how much craze are some of the top comment providers, who are preoccupied with their own informed misconception and biases, which even don't know the agenda what they are commenting on. instead, they have tried to cover all of their frustrations, a debilitating and an everlasting crime made on the country as a whole for the purpose of gratifying only their own hunger at the expense of other citizens by TPLF leaders, including the Melese. Moreover, they have also Propagating the propaganda and jealousy emanated out inferiority complex that has been started by their brutal leaders while they had been in the desert, by hiding the great massacres committed g their leaders and other Banda groups on all citizens of the country, especially on innocent Amhara Ethnic group.

Believe me that no one will forget all what has been done for the past 27 years by TPLF and you will pay for it later or sooner. I understand that partly to coverup all of the brutal deeds of your leaders and partly by fact that you completely cease abusing the abundance of the country's resources for your personal/group needs. Any ways do not lose you energy and time by talking and attributing all evils for the Amhara ethnic group, all of the Ethiopian nations and nationalities and that of the international community knows that there is no one on earth as cruel and beast than TPLF, that exclusively destroyed, killed the country and exploited mercilessly its resources for building their region and empowering their group.

Woyane and their revisionist
Woyanne and their revisionist history pitting ethnic groups against each other and blaming it on Amharas. All while stealing millions for themselves
Moa Taddese
Bad Government is not the issue but selfish and Power Loving activist causing day to day life Hard!! Recently, Mr. Jawar Mohamed posted something like he is surrounded by the gov military, next thing his supporters started to steal and kill. guess what, Mr. Jawar donated blood and call for peace. on the first place his coward response to the incident started the recent violence and next day he pretends to be a solution. Even Aljazeera reported for his fervor!!!
Muller
This is the problem my People! Most of us born by bullet sound, we don't know what Democracy means. We jump from 1st floor to 10th floor and that is why we complain. Dr Abiy, he did everything as a human being. Just list out what he did. But he did not killed people. Those who are disabled by Fanatic, evil Meles Zenawi also complain at this time. Please stop and think where we came from and how we reached here.
Mulu
Quote :
Good report. But there is still something missing, in my point of view and certainly many will come to terms on the following point. The Amhara are taking a major political and divisive role in creating chaos and violence persistently in Ethiopian history...

This is absolute lies! A story created by TPLF in the last 40 years. Amhara has never in history been divisive, rather medium for unity of Ethiopia. You and your lies will die away, and the truth will live forever. Don't try to confuse people between yourself TPLF and the Tigre people!!!!

Mulugeta G
Ethiopia is a Blessed Country. Those creating conflicts (one way or the other) among brothers will get their return, eventually, in the long, long run! You- who are having bad heart of the country would rather play cutting a stone.
Misrak Tezera
Why don't you get your independence like Eritrea? Independence without wolkait and raya and we will see what you will feed Tigray. TPLF can no longer steal millions of dollars, so Ethiopia is no longer good. We will fight with whatever way can rather than bring to power the Adwa dynasty. Disgusting sending children and old people to fight for the glory of TPLF.
Okunyi Kwot
The article is well stated with the evidence from the ground. Many can argue that the number of schools are increasing in Ethiopia. Well, that may be true, but if it only exists in quantity and lacks quality it is exactly similar to eating large a mount of food which lacks nutrient at the same time.
Nomfundo Sasa
Relevant and great information as I am planning my first trip to Ethiopia. It's vital to be informed of the opportunities, developments and challenges faced by the country.
Efrem Tecle
I am very sorry to say that, but when we measure things, it is better to have us our own starting point. Educational distribution at this time extremely much jumping. May be one of the government problems is the rate of students graduated and job opportunity created becomes unbalanced. You may say the quality is not efficient, this is true but always quality comes after quantity because competition will be raised. In the country there are some irrelevant problems ethnicity and disrespectful among the ethnic groups. Corruption is a culture in the society. Everybody needs bribe for any single issue. This is a cancer for social and economic development.
Ethiopia
Yaa Ethiopia is independent and great country made by her matured children. However, violence and destruction acts are running through inland and external-white narcists even though they do not attain their stupid mission.
Terefe Fanteye
The current Ethiopia political, economically and social problems very complex. The root cause of the problems based on my opinion is that political systems of Ethiopia for the last 50 years starting from the Derg, Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and up to prosperity parity due corrupted political systems, ethnic center federalism, and conspiracy political systems, focusing on personal interest rather than national interest and etc. To overcome such challenges I suggest that to resolve the problems thinking strategically reform the current Ethiopian political systems and recrafting new Ethiopian constitution.
Tade
Surprisingly, no one cares about the people of Amhara, which is the largest and most scattered ethnic group in Ethiopia. Both the local and international communities have been denying the ethnically motivated murder, ethnic cleansing, genocide, forced displacement, and starvation that the Amhara people have experienced in the last 50 years. Dozens of evidence show the incidence and prevalence of the problems mentioned. The '60s movement was based on the claim that the people of Amhara and the Orthodox Church were oppressors and it was targeted to set themselves free from the state. This narration ended up with a continuous and pervasive attack, discrimination, and marginalization of the people of Amhara. It continued after Abiy Ahmed came to power. There is an active genocidal war in Amhara Region opened by the regime on the people. The whole region is under the military command post without access to electricity, internet, and other necessities. Why are you guys denying the case of Amhara? Isn't the problem enough to catch your attention? Why are you keeping your silence? why?