Abiy Ahmed Warns of “Scavengers Hovering in the Sky”
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has used a speech at a National Dialogue event to criticize geopolitical rivals, labeling them as 'scavengers.' Critics argue the dialogue process is a tool to legitimize his government's status quo amid ongoing concerns over political repression.
Why it matters
The rhetoric highlights the fragile political climate in Ethiopia and the skepticism surrounding government-led efforts to address national grievances.
Toronto, Canada — On Wednesday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed delivered a speech at the Convention Center in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, where he made a pointed reference to what he described as “scavengers hovering in the sky” and seeking to steal meat.
The speech was delivered during an event organized to launch the National Dialogue. The National Dialogue Commission has spent the past four years collecting agenda items for the process. Earlier this month, the commission announced that it had classified the agenda items into different categories.
The event was attended by senior government officials, including the Speaker of the House, diplomats based in Addis Ababa, and the Secretary-General of IGAD, among others. Members of the Ethiopian diaspora also attended the event. The commission, or the government behind the event, reportedly covered travel-related expenses, including hotel accommodation and meals.
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