Abiy Ahmed

Abiy Ahmed
File:Abiy Ahmed.jpg Abiy Ahmed in 2019
Born	Birth date -1st March 1966 Beshasha, Ethiopia
Nationality	Ethiopian
Occupation	Politician
Office	Prime Minister of Ethiopia
Predecessor	Hailemariam Desalegn
Political party	Prosperity Party
Awards	Nobel Peace Prize (2019)

Abiy Ahmed Ali (born August 15, 1976) is an Ethiopian politician serving as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia since April 2, 2018. He is the first Oromo to hold the office and is a member of the Prosperity Party. Abiy was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and in particular for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Eritrea.

Early Life and Education

Abiy Ahmed was born in the small town of Beshasha in the Gomma district of the Jimma Zone in southwestern Ethiopia. He is the 13th child of his father, Ahmed Ali, and the sixth and youngest child of his mother, Tezeta Wolde. Abiy's father was a Muslim, while his mother was a Christian, which exposed him to both religions from an early age.

Abiy joined the Ethiopian National Defense Force in 1993, where he served as a radio operator. He later rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career, he was involved in various peacekeeping missions, including in Rwanda and Liberia.

Abiy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Addis Ababa University, a Master’s degree in Transformational Leadership from the University of Greenwich, and a Master of Business Administration from Ashland University. He completed his PhD in Peace and Security Studies from Addis Ababa University in 2017.

Political Career

Abiy Ahmed entered politics in 2010 as a member of the Oromo Democratic Party (ODP), which was part of the ruling coalition, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Minister of Science and Technology from 2015 to 2016.

In 2018, following the resignation of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Abiy was elected as the chairman of the EPRDF, paving the way for his appointment as Prime Minister. His leadership marked a significant shift in Ethiopian politics, characterized by a series of reforms aimed at political liberalization and economic development.

Reforms and Achievements

As Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed has implemented numerous reforms, including the release of thousands of political prisoners, the lifting of bans on political parties, and the liberalization of the media. He has also worked to improve relations with Eritrea, culminating in the signing of a peace agreement in July 2018, which ended a two-decade-long conflict.

Abiy's government has focused on economic reforms, including privatization of state-owned enterprises and attracting foreign investment. However, his tenure has also faced challenges, including ethnic tensions and conflicts within Ethiopia.

Nobel Peace Prize

In 2019, Abiy Ahmed was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to resolve the border conflict with Eritrea. The Nobel Committee recognized his "decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Eritrea" and his efforts to promote reconciliation, solidarity, and social justice.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite his achievements, Abiy Ahmed's tenure has been marked by significant challenges. Ethiopia has experienced ethnic violence and political unrest, with critics arguing that his reforms have not adequately addressed underlying ethnic tensions. The conflict in the Tigray Region has been a major point of contention, drawing international concern and criticism.

Also see

• Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front
• Oromo Democratic Party
• Eritrea–Ethiopia peace process
• Tigray War