
“On May 28, 1991, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) captured Addis Ababa, ending the 17-year Marxist rule of the Derg regime led by Mengistu Haile Mariam. This marked a significant turning point in Ethiopian history as the EPRDF, a coalition of rebel groups, led by Meles Zenawi, successfully overthrew the government. This event initiated the transition towards the establishment of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and paved the way for democratic reforms and economic restructuring” (Inside Africa, 28.05.2024).
Last year… the authorities, the state and the Prime Minister celebrated their own version of Ginbot 20, as they saluted the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF). This year in 2024… there is only foreign dignitaries and others who seems to remember this day.
It is like Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali who in the beginning of his reign celebrated and publicly stated the importance of the day. Nevertheless, with time going by… maybe he prefers the day to live in infamy. As it isn’t a celebration of his victory or the civil war he fought to consolidate power.
You know this day has lost it’s significance when there is no sign of it on the FANA Broadcasting Company’s front-page. It is like a long forgotten memory. Some even says the day is controversial now. As it was ushering in the previous government, which happens to be one that fostered and made it possible to have Prosperity Party to begin with.
He couldn’t have created his party and his government without the creation of the EPRDF, which is the foundation of his in many aspects. As a powerful Prime Minister he might not like this idea, but that is a fact.
It seems like Abiy needs his own day to bash in glory. The medemer terror that he has created. All the conflict in the republic and the never ending wars. Make the victories of the EPRDF overshadow the conquests of the current era. Maybe that’s why he wants to finish off all his own enemies before creating a day to celebrate his own victories on the battlefield. Because, he has not achieved what the predecessors did.
Well, he has created more conflict and gotten more enemies over the years. That’s what Abiy has been able to do. Making the nation more fragile and war-torn. Instead of building a strong foundation and trust between the regions of the state. Therefore, he struggles to get to grips and to stop the wars. The wars is what makes him tick and gives him power.
That’s maybe why he cannot stomach to celebrate Ginbot 20. It is a reminder of how he failed to continue the legacy and the strong government, which came in affect because of it. That’s what Abiy haven’t been able to do. Neither has he continued the rising development or getting trust from the financial markets. That is all dwindling as a consequence of the costly warfare that is destroying the nation.
Certainly the end of Derg should have been celebrated. Nevertheless, that is apparently in the best interests of the PM. If it was… he would be together with dignitaries and fellow associates making a rally and holding a grand ceremony with him as the centrepiece of attention. Therefore, we know this day isn’t important.
When the PM doesn’t issue a statement, doesn’t utter a word and the authorities and state media is serving radio silence. That’s when we know it is just another Tuesday. Peace.