Politics

Contesting the Politics of Statistics in Ethiopia

By Eyob Asfaw On July 3, 2025, PM Abiy addressed the House of Peoples’ Representatives, where he shared his quantitative figures quite liberally. The question of what these figures mean—and what they do not—captivated my mind, as I want to make sense of them as a student of Development. It is not uncommon to build

July 5, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Politics

Beyond the Law: Ethiopia Approves Shocking Immunity for Investigators—Except for Murder

Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives has approved a controversial amendment to the country’s longstanding anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism proclamation, sparking strong criticism from legal experts and parliamentarians who warn that the changes could enable serious human rights violations. The amendment, passed on Tuesday, modifies a key provision in the 58-article proclamation first enacted in 2005

June 19, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Politics

Mengistu Haile Mariam at 88: Reflecting on the Legacy of Ethiopia’s Most Controversial Revolutionary

Mengistu Haile Mariam: Ethiopia’s Revolutionary Strongman and the Legacy of Power in Exile Mengistu Haile Mariam, born on May 21, 1937, is a figure etched deeply into Ethiopia’s 20th-century political history. As the leader of the Derg, a Marxist-Leninist military junta, Mengistu ushered in a brutal new era following the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie.

May 28, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Politics

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio Cancels Planned Visit to Addis Ababa

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who also serves as a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has reportedly canceled his scheduled diplomatic visit to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Nairobi, Kenya. The decision to call off the trip was confirmed just hours after Kenyan President William Ruto announced a five-day state visit to China. According

April 22, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Politics

Ethiopia’s Corridor Development Project: Progress or Human Rights Catastrophe?

April 2025 As Ethiopia pushes forward with its ambitious Corridor Development Project (CDP), a sweeping urban transformation initiative meant to modernize 58 cities, it is facing serious accusations of human rights abuses. Amnesty International, in its damning report titled “Ethiopia: Federal Government Must Pause the Corridor Development Project and End Forced Evictions” (Index AFR 25/9098/2025,

April 16, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Politics

Seven Years of Abiy Ahmed’s Leadership: A Complex Legacy of Hope, Conflict, and Controversy

On April 2, 2018, at just 41 years old, Abiy Ahmed Ali became the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, a country long defined by its intricate ethnic politics and authoritarian rule. His ascent marked a dramatic shift, one that seemed to promise a new era for the Horn of Africa’s second-most populous nation. Abiy’s arrival was

April 2, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Opinion

A Decade Later: Sudan’s True Stance on the Renaissance Dam

By- Asrat Berhanu Today marks exactly 10 years since Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia signed the historic Declaration of Principles (DoP) on the Renaissance Dam. Yet, despite clear, documented support from Sudan, misinformation continues to thrive, primarily from Egyptian sources. Let’s uncover the reality behind Sudan’s stance with clarity, numbers, and history: Back in December 2013,

March 24, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Politics

Ethiopia’s Asset Recovery Law: Security Officers Begin Abusing Power Before It’s Even Enforced

The introduction of the Asset Recovery Proclamation in Ethiopia represents a significant step in the country’s anti-corruption strategy. The goal is to recover assets gained through illicit means and deter further corrupt practices within both the public and private sectors. However, the law’s potential for misuse, particularly in terms of targeting political opponents, critics, and

March 1, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Politics

PM Abiy Arrives in Somalia for Talks on Security, Trade, and Diplomatic Relations

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Mogadishu today, where he was warmly received by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The visit aims to reinforce bilateral ties, with discussions set to focus on security cooperation, economic collaboration, and strengthening diplomatic relations, according to Somalia’s state news agency, SONNA. This marks Abiy’s first visit to Somalia

February 27, 2025 • By Addis Insight

Politics

Lidetu Ayalew Barred from Boarding Flight to Ethiopia Amid New Travel Restrictions

Ethiopian politician Lidetu Ayalew has alleged that he was unlawfully prevented from boarding a flight to Ethiopia at Atlanta International Airport, despite no official legal charges barring his return. According to Lidetu, airline staff denied him a boarding pass, citing directives from the Ethiopian Embassy in the U.S. He claims his legal team has assured

February 11, 2025 • By Addis Insight