Those who kill today will die tomorrow. Our land accepts crime but not the Gospel. The church that preaches the Gospel is attacked with violence. Because we belong to Christ, the world will persecute and hate us.
Abune Nikodimos
#Orthodoxunderattack#Ethiopia
The ongoing injustice against the Amhara people demands action, not silence. Unjust systems thrive on silence. If justice is the first virtue, then speaking up for the Amhara people is not an option—it’s an obligation. #AmharaGenocide#WarOnAmhara
Desperate Measures by desperate leaders. Ethiopia- Somaliland MOU
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Addis Ababa on January 1st, 2024, between Ethiopia and Somaliland, where coastal territory was ceded albeit in a form of lease, in exchange for recognition, portrays a desperate move by leaders Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia and Muse Bihi Abdi of Somaliland. Despite orchestrated public celebrations by supporters of Abiy’s regime, this act raises concerns due to the evident desperation underlying it, considering the challenges and motivations of these leaders.
Somaliland's Desperation: Somaliland's relentless pursuit of international recognition since its 1991 declaration of independence remains unfulfilled, leaving the region in a state of uncertainty. Despite meeting statehood criteria, international reluctance due to legal obligations, major powers' interests, and fear of encouraging separatist movements has impeded recognition. This prolonged uncertainty has hindered economic growth, compromised security, and deprived Somaliland of political acknowledgment, compelling its leadership to seek any measure to break free from this stagnation.
Ethiopia's Desperation: Abiy Ahmed's Ethiopia grapples with internal strife, particularly armed revolts in the Amhara region, challenging his leadership. Economic turmoil, rampant corruption, and escalating inflation have heightened public dissatisfaction. Furthermore, a recent Edict, one of a kind in Ethiopian history, against Abiy Ahmed by Bishop Lukas, a prominent Ethiopian Orthodox Church leader, underscores his vulnerabilities. To divert attention from his government's fragility, Abiy Ahmed resorts to desperate measures to ensure his regime's survival.
Desperation Behind the MOU: The desperation underlying the MOU is evident from both sides. Somaliland's decision to cede territory to Ethiopia for recognition risks backlash from its populace and condemnation from Somalia, which claims sovereignty over the region. Expectedly, Somalia, IGAD, and the African Union are likely to oppose the agreement, complicating Somaliland's pursuit of recognition.
The Ethiopia-Somaliland MOU, ostensibly aimed at securing recognition for Somaliland and sea outlet for Ethiopia exposes the desperation of both leaders grappling with internal challenges. This pact poses risks of escalating tensions regionally and internationally, with Somalia's opposition likely to obstruct Somaliland's statehood aspirations. Simultaneously, no extraordinary move by Abiy Ahmed will distract the Ethiopian populace, determined to remove a regime that has brought unprecedented strife, warfare, hunger, death, and destruction to their nation. @IGADsecretariat, @mfaethiopia,@AbiyAhmedAli, @_AfricanUnion, @StateDept, @Somaliland, @musebiihi