Ethiopia's Prosperity Party Accuses "Thwarted Enemies" of Inciting Conflict, Announces New Peace Strategy
In a wide-ranging and significant statement following its regular council meeting, Ethiopia's ruling Prosperity Party has accused unnamed "enemies whose prolonged war was thwarted" of attempting to reignite conflict across the country. The party's council, which met from July 30 to August 2, 2017 E.C., claims these forces are using "extremist puppets" to sow discord and undermine the unity of the Ethiopian people and government. The statement marks a pivotal moment, connecting the legacy of the northern conflict to ongoing security challenges and outlining a new strategic approach to peace.
Unnamed "Enemies" and Their Alleged Tactics
While the Prosperity Party's council did not explicitly name the "enemies," its statement painted a clear picture of their alleged motives and methods. The council accused these "historical enemies" of leading and coordinating various armed groups in different parts of Ethiopia. According to the party, the ultimate goal is to "keep Ethiopia in chaos," using a multi-pronged approach that includes:
- Inciting Local Conflicts: The party claims these groups have a history of stoking violence in different regions to weaken the government's authority and divide communities.
- Digital Propaganda: The council's statement specifically highlighted the use of "digital media" to spread misinformation and discredit the government, a tactic it says has been employed extensively over the past two years.
- Waging Proxy War: The statement directly accused these forces of using "extremist puppets" to carry out a proxy war, a strategy the party believes is a direct continuation of their failed military campaigns.
The Legacy of the Northern War and a New Threat
The party's statement is framed by its narrative of "victory" in the bloody war in northern Ethiopia, which it says was concluded through the Pretoria Peace Agreement. This military triumph, however, has not brought complete stability. The council's statement also recalled the cooling of relations with the government of Eritrea, a former ally in the northern war. It noted that the two governments, once close, are now accusing each other of preparing for war, a development that adds a layer of regional complexity to the party's accusations of external threats.
The statement's central message is that the defeat of these "enemies" on the battlefield has simply forced them to adopt new, more insidious tactics to achieve their objective of destabilizing the nation.
A New Dual-Track Approach to Peace and Security
In a major strategic shift, the Prosperity Party announced that it would now prioritize peaceful options for resolving conflicts. The party stated that it has learned from "past histories" and "current world realities" and has chosen to "exhaust all peaceful political opportunities." This new approach outlines a clear path for dealing with armed groups:
- Incentives for Peace: The party has decided to do "everything necessary" to assist armed groups who choose to pursue peace through non-violent means.
- Strengthened Law Enforcement: For forces that reject this peaceful option and continue to cause harm to the public and property, the party has vowed to "enforce the law in a strengthened manner."
This dual-track strategy acknowledges the ongoing conflicts in the country. The statement specifically mentioned the two-year-old conflict in the Amhara region and the six-year-long battle against the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), which the government refers to as "Shene," in Oromia. The party's announcement comes months after a high-ranking OLA commander and other members surrendered to the government and were given positions in the Oromia region, a move that may serve as a template for this new peace initiative.
Pledges for Reform and a Look to the Future
Beyond security, the Prosperity Party's statement also addressed internal issues. The council pledged to work on addressing public demands for "good governance, justice, and economic questions." It also vowed to "cleanse internal saboteurs," "tame nationalism," and "fight to eliminate theft and populism" within its own ranks.
Looking ahead, the party committed to actively participate in the upcoming seventh national election, pledging to ensure it is "democratic, legal, and reflects the full participation of the people." This promise ties the party's new peace strategy and internal reform efforts directly to its vision for a more stable and prosperous political future for Ethiopia. The statement thus serves as both an accusation against external enemies and a roadmap for the party's domestic agenda in the coming years.
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