Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Presents Three-Month Progress Report to Parliament

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed the House of People’s Representatives today, delivering a comprehensive progress report on his government’s activities over the past three months. This address provided an update on key areas, including economic reforms, security challenges, social initiatives, and infrastructure development, while also allowing Members of Parliament (MPs) to ask direct questions regarding the government’s priorities and recent decisions. The address marked an important moment in Ethiopia’s political landscape, as Abiy sought to showcase his administration’s achievements and acknowledge ongoing challenges.

Economic Growth and Inflation Control

At the forefront of Prime Minister Abiy’s presentation was Ethiopia’s economic performance. Despite global economic challenges, he reported that Ethiopia had achieved modest growth in key sectors, such as agriculture and manufacturing, attributing this success to reforms designed to improve efficiency and encourage investment. Abiy highlighted Ethiopia’s continued efforts to boost agricultural productivity through modernized farming techniques and increased export partnerships, which have allowed the country to secure new trade deals in both regional and global markets.

Abiy also addressed Ethiopia’s ongoing struggle with inflation, acknowledging that rising prices have placed a significant burden on citizens. He outlined his administration’s efforts to combat inflation by stabilizing the local currency, the birr, and implementing subsidy programs to ease the cost of basic goods. These measures, he noted, were part of a broader strategy to protect the economy from external pressures, including global supply chain disruptions and fluctuating fuel prices.

Security and Peace Efforts

Security concerns remain a critical issue in Ethiopia, with the Prime Minister dedicating a significant portion of his address to the ongoing efforts to stabilize conflict-prone regions. Abiy reported progress in peace-building initiatives, particularly in the Amhara, Oromia, and Afar regions, which have experienced intermittent violence in recent years. He acknowledged the complexities involved in securing peace but assured MPs that his administration is committed to achieving lasting stability through community dialogues, negotiations with local leaders, and law enforcement reforms.

Addressing the recent deployment of additional security forces, Abiy justified these actions as necessary to protect citizens and maintain public order. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach, one that respects human rights while ensuring the safety of communities affected by violence. In response to MP questions regarding concerns about military presence in certain regions, Abiy asserted that his government remains focused on a peaceful resolution and sees the enhanced security measures as temporary.

Infrastructure Development and Social Initiatives

Abiy Ahmed also highlighted advancements in Ethiopia’s infrastructure, focusing on critical projects in energy, transportation, and healthcare. He pointed to the near-completion of several road networks, which are expected to improve connectivity and support economic growth by facilitating trade across regions. The Prime Minister mentioned ongoing investments in renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, to meet Ethiopia’s growing demand for electricity and reduce reliance on imported energy.

In the realm of social services, Abiy underscored his government’s commitment to education and healthcare reform. Recent upgrades to educational facilities, recruitment of additional teachers, and expansion of digital learning platforms were noted as part of his administration’s broader plan to improve the quality of education. On healthcare, Abiy discussed efforts to increase access to medical services in rural areas through mobile health units and investments in community health centers, which aim to provide essential care for underserved populations.

Responding to MPs’ Questions

As part of the session, MPs had the opportunity to question Prime Minister Abiy on various issues, including economic policies, security strategies, and government transparency. Some MPs raised concerns about youth unemployment, questioning whether the government’s current job creation initiatives are sufficient to address the needs of Ethiopia’s growing young population. Abiy responded by acknowledging the urgency of the issue and outlined plans to expand job training programs and incentivize entrepreneurship.

Questions also arose regarding Ethiopia’s international relations, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with neighboring countries over issues like border security and resource management. Abiy reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to peaceful diplomatic relations, emphasizing that his government prioritizes constructive dialogue and regional cooperation.

The Road Ahead for Ethiopia

Prime Minister Abiy’s address to the House of People’s Representatives comes at a time of significant challenge and opportunity for Ethiopia. While his administration has made strides in stabilizing the economy and improving social services, it continues to face hurdles, particularly in addressing inflation, managing security, and fostering inclusive growth. Abiy acknowledged these challenges openly, stating that the government is committed to “meeting the needs of all Ethiopians” and working toward sustainable development across all sectors.

Today’s address was well-received by some MPs who praised Abiy’s transparency, while others remained cautious, pressing for more concrete outcomes in the months to come. As Ethiopia navigates its path forward, Abiy’s commitment to economic reform, regional stability, and social progress remains central to his administration’s vision for the nation. The upcoming months will be crucial as his government continues to implement its plans and respond to the complex dynamics shaping Ethiopia’s future.