Hold Abiy accountable. The regime is destabilising the entire region.

Re: The recent turmoil in the country and the instability in the Horn of Africa

We are residents/citizens of various European countries of Ethiopian origin who follow current affairs, political and economic decisions as well as diplomatic developments in Ethiopia very closely. The recent turmoil in the country and the instability in the Horn of Africa brought about by the current Ethiopian regime that has plunged the nation into a deepening crisis is alarming, and the Ethiopian regime has become a menace to regional stability. We respectfully ask you to hold Abiy Ahmed’s administration accountable for all crises in the country and tensions in the Horn of Africa.

There are credible reports indicating that the regime is purchasing drones, jets and sophisticated weapons mainly from Turkey and the United Arab Emirates to use against its own people in Amhara and Oromo regions. The meagre income the country has and assistance it gets from donors is squandered on funding these needless wars and on unnecessary projects like building an opulent palace.

Under Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, Ethiopia finds itself entangled in extensive conflict with its own population. The brief respite after the Tigray conflict was followed by invasion of the Amhara region, resulting in unprecedented devastation in the region. The economic mismanagement has exacerbated the daily struggles for survival among the ordinary civilians. There are already reports of famine in the Amhara and Tigray regions that has led to fatalities.

Currently, the nation is grappling with a diplomatic crisis, which is evident in recent announcements by the African Development Bank of withdrawal of its personnel from Addis Ababa following physical assaults on two of its high-ranking bank officials by Ethiopian security forces in breach of diplomatic norms. In addition, Abiy Ahmed’s provocative announcement of acquisition of a seaport in Eritrea, by force if necessary, has heightened tensions in the region. Eritrea has deployed its military forces to the Ethiopian border. The alarming military readiness indicates the potential for, yet again, another conflict.

Furthermore, Abiy Ahmed’s decision to recognize Somaliland, by ignoring potential repercussions and setting a precedent for similar actions across Africa and the world, is concerning. Such acts undermine diplomatic norms and fuel tensions in the already fragile region.

In light of these events, Abiy Ahmed’s leadership is marked by instability and poses a substantial threat to regional stability and is plunging Ethiopia into an existential crisis.

• We propose exploring avenues to deliver aid directly to the affected communities and work with emerging entities like Fano. Unlike lawlessness, widespread atrocities, sexual violence and indiscriminate killings practised by the regime’s army, Fano’s adherence to the rule of law in areas they control in the Amhara region is commendable. It is proof that they are credible potential partners for peace and stability.

• We urge you to use all diplomatic means at your disposal and press the Abiy regime to adhere to international law and norms and refrain from destabilising the region in the name of national interest and work together with neighbouring countries and IGAD for regional stability and economic development.