Abiy’s Power Play: A Constitutional Reform Too Convenient?

The Ethiopian Prime Minister’s potential consolidation of power has set off alarm bells, with many questioning whether a new presidential system would be a democratic step forward or a power grab in disguise. The recent national dialogue in Addis Ababa resulted in a recommendation to merge the offices of prime minister and president, effectively making the presidency the center of power.

Proponents argue that this would strengthen Ethiopia’s national identity and promote unity among its ethnically fragmented population. However, critics are skeptical about the motivations behind this move, citing concerns about transparency and inclusivity. The current constitutional reform process has been criticized for lacking these essential elements: opposition parties boycotted the dialogue, while influential armed groups with strong political aspirations were not represented.

Befeqadu Hailu, an Ethiopian civil rights activist, highlights the importance of distinguishing between procedural and popular legitimacy. While the parliament may have formal authority to amend the constitution, it is unclear whether this decision truly reflects the will of the people. Many observers believe that Ethiopia’s recent parliamentary elections were far from democratic, with opposition parties facing restrictions and repression.

The creation of a stronger presidency would grant Abiy more executive powers, which he has already consolidated through his leadership of the Prosperity Party since 2019. This raises concerns about the concentration of power in one person’s hands and whether such a system can be viewed as legitimate when enacted through legal procedures rather than popular mandate.

Martin Plaut, a British journalist and Ethiopia expert, describes the proposed reform as an act of “formalizing the situation that currently exists.” This suggests that Abiy is using the constitutional reform process to legitimize his existing power structure, rather than genuinely seeking to democratize the system. The implications of this power play are far-reaching: if Abiy succeeds in consolidating his power through this constitutional reform, it would set a worrying precedent for democratic backsliding in Ethiopia.

The international community must closely monitor this development and hold Abiy’s government accountable for ensuring that any changes to the constitution reflect the will of the people. In other words, transparency, inclusivity, and genuine representation are essential components of any legitimate constitutional reform. Anything less would be a convenient means for Abiy to further consolidate his power at the expense of Ethiopian democracy.