Since taking office in 2018, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has demonstrated a reformist leadership style that places dialogue, inclusion, and democratic values at the forefront of Ethiopia’s political renewal. The country, long steeped in political polarization and centralized power structures, has been steadily moving toward a broader, more inclusive democratic landscape—thanks in large part to PM Abiy’s unwavering commitment to opening political space and fostering participatory governance.
One of the most transformative decisions made under his leadership was the deliberate and strategic shift away from viewing opposition parties as adversaries. Instead, Prime Minister Abiy has encouraged a new political culture—one that recognizes all legally registered parties as legitimate actors in Ethiopia’s governance journey. The Prime Minister recently stated, “We have worked to foster a democratic environment, shifting from a long-standing posture of viewing parties as opposition to embracing them as legitimate competitors.”
This paradigm shift has not only encouraged political pluralism but has also reinvigorated Ethiopia’s social fabric with new hope and civic engagement. By dismantling the historical stigma around political dissent and opposition, the Prime Minister has laid the groundwork for a future in which contestation is peaceful, constructive and nation-focused.
At the heart of this democratic renewal is the ongoing effort to institutionalize dialogue and consensus-building. These platforms offer structured spaces where political actors from across the ideological spectrum can raise concerns, voice the needs of their constituencies, and contribute to shaping national policies.
This consultative process is not symbolic—it is substantively rooted in responsiveness and transparency. “Once again, as part of a series of stakeholder consultations I have been conducting over the past week,” the Prime Minister remarked, “today’s discussions continued with political parties to gather input on various concerns they raise on behalf of their constituencies.” These words are a testament to the government’s deliberate intention to ensure political inclusion and fairness.
Moreover, such dialogue is reflective of a deeper commitment to political accountability. By opening the door to continued feedback from political parties and civil society actors, the government under PM Abiy’s leadership is creating a more resilient democratic system—one that is better equipped to manage differences, absorb shocks, and evolve in response to citizen needs.
It is also worth appreciating that these reforms have taken place in a complex national and regional context. Ethiopia has faced multiple challenges in recent years, ranging from armed conflicts to economic pressures and geopolitical tensions. Yet, even in such a volatile environment, the push for democratic renewal has not been sidelined. Instead, it has been sustained and nurtured—a reflection of leadership that understands the intrinsic value of democratic legitimacy.
Prime Minister Abiy’s approach exemplifies what modern governance in Africa can look like: inclusive, responsive, and forward-thinking. His effort to widen Ethiopia’s political landscape is not merely about diversifying voices but about building a durable democratic culture anchored in mutual respect and collective nation-building.
As Ethiopians, we must recognize and build upon this momentous shift. Political leaders across the spectrum, civil society organizations, media institutions, and the wider public must engage constructively, uphold democratic values, and ensure that the gains made in recent years continue to flourish.
The path toward full democratic maturity is long and challenging, but with leaders who prioritize dialogue over division and inclusion over exclusion, Ethiopia is well on its way. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s stance is commendable—and it deserves continued national and international recognition.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 19 JUNE 2025
