French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Addis Ababa to inaugurate the €25 million renovation of a national palace has sparked widespread controversy. Framed as an effort to preserve Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage, the project has come under fire for its timing and priorities. In a country struggling with the devastating effects of war, famine, and poverty, many Ethiopians are left wondering how a costly palace renovation aligns with the urgent needs of the people.
The backdrop of this event couldn’t be more jarring. Just days before Macron’s arrival, the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa issued a statement drawing attention to the dire nutrition crisis in the Bugna zone, North Wollo, Amhara region. Reports of famine-like conditions and a growing number of malnourished individuals underscore the severity of the situation. The Embassy noted that its partners are working to provide food and nutrition support to those in the most affected areas. However, the need far outpaces the aid being delivered, leaving many to fend for themselves in a worsening crisis.
This humanitarian emergency is not isolated. Ethiopia continues to grapple with the aftermath of years of conflict, displacement, and economic instability. For families in regions like Wollo, survival is an uphill battle, with little to no support systems in place. Against this backdrop, the decision to invest millions into renovating a palace—a symbol of past opulence—feels deeply out of touch with the reality on the ground.
The preparations for Macron’s visit only added fuel to the fire. Streets in Addis Ababa were scrubbed clean with water and soap, an effort to create an impression of order and prosperity for the visiting dignitaries. Yet, for the city’s residents, this display of cleanliness stood in stark contrast to their daily struggles. In a capital city aspiring to become a “smart city,” many neighborhoods experience water shortages, with some residents lucky to receive water even twice a week. The dissonance between the polished streets for Macron’s visit and the unwashed realities of everyday life has not gone unnoticed.
Adding to the controversy were reports of arbitrary arrests during the lead-up to the visit. Individuals were reportedly detained based on their appearance, with a particular focus on targeting the poor and marginalized. These actions reflect a troubling pattern of exclusion and discrimination, where the most vulnerable are sidelined in favor of maintaining appearances for high-profile events. For many Ethiopians, this episode is a painful reminder of the inequality and systemic issues that persist within the country.
The €25 million allocated for the palace renovation raises important questions about national priorities. While preserving Ethiopia’s cultural heritage is undoubtedly important, the timing of this investment is deeply problematic. With millions of Ethiopians facing food insecurity, displacement, and economic hardship, the palace renovation feels like a luxury the country can ill afford. The funds could have been better spent addressing pressing humanitarian needs, such as providing food aid, rebuilding war-torn communities, or improving access to clean water and healthcare.
This disconnect between government actions and the people’s needs has drawn parallels to the infamous (and likely apocryphal) quote attributed to Marie Antoinette, “Let them eat cake.” While the French queen may not have actually uttered those words, the phrase has become synonymous with leadership that is detached from the struggles of ordinary citizens. Macron’s visit and the palace renovation risk becoming Ethiopia’s own “Let them eat cake” moment—a symbol of misplaced priorities and a failure to address the realities of those who are suffering.
Ethiopia’s heritage is undeniably valuable, and preserving its historical landmarks is a legitimate endeavor. However, such projects should not come at the expense of addressing the urgent needs of the population. In a country where millions are struggling to secure their next meal, does the grandeur of a restored palace truly resonate with the average Ethiopian? Or does it serve as a stark reminder of the growing divide between the powerful and the powerless?
The renovation project, while a testament to Ethiopia’s history, risks alienating the very people it claims to represent. For those in regions like Wollo, where famine and conflict have left deep scars, the sight of a gleaming palace is unlikely to inspire hope. Instead, it serves as a painful symbol of a leadership that appears more concerned with optics than with the welfare of its people.
As Ethiopia moves forward, it must grapple with the question of how to balance preserving its past with addressing the needs of its present. Investments in heritage are meaningful, but they must not overshadow the urgent humanitarian and social challenges that demand immediate attention. For the millions of Ethiopians struggling to survive, the priorities of their leaders will speak louder than any palace ever could.
Macron’s visit and the palace renovation have ignited a crucial conversation about Ethiopia’s future. Will it be one where resources are directed toward meaningful change and support for the vulnerable, or one where grand gestures continue to overshadow the daily struggles of its people? For now, the answers remain uncertain, but the questions are more pressing than ever.
I and the rest of the world will be holding the leaders of the regime and the so-called rebels in the Amhara region for the death of every human being from starvation. 1984-85 redux in 2023? The ICC At The Hague should make a note of this and issue arrest warrants for the officials and leaders of the fighting factions. That also applies to what is going in Oromia. ICC should chase their sorry behind with the dreaded arrest warrants. Let’s go The Hague!!!