AMN Plus –August 1, 2026
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has said Ethiopia has undertaken significant political and economic reforms to move the country away from political repression and economic decline toward a path of shared prosperity.
In an exclusive interview with Amhara Media Corporation, the Prime Minister reflected on the discussions he held with various segments of society in the Amhara Region shortly after the political reform, explaining the motivations and objectives behind those engagements.
Abiy said one of the government’s immediate priorities following the reform was to engage directly with the public by listening to people’s concerns, aspirations, and perspectives. He noted that these conversations were aimed at fostering trust, strengthening national unity, and laying the foundation for inclusive development.
Referring to the slogan voiced by young people in Gondar, “Oromo blood is my blood” the Prime Minister said it represented far more than a simple expression. According to Abiy, it reflected the deep historical, cultural, and familial ties that have long connected the Oromo and Amhara peoples. He added that the government sought to reinforce national unity by recognizing and promoting this shared heritage.
Drawing a comparison with China’s reform experience, Abiy recalled that under Deng Xiaoping, China pursued economic liberalization while maintaining a relatively restricted political environment, a situation he said eventually contributed to unrest and bloodshed. By contrast, the Prime Minister said Ethiopia chose to pursue political and economic reforms simultaneously, believing that sustainable national transformation requires progress in both areas rather than advancing one at the expense of the other.
The Prime Minister further stressed that unity built without genuine mutual trust and understanding is inherently fragile. He said this conviction inspired the introduction of the national philosophy of Medemer which he described as a guiding framework designed to reflect the aspirations of all Ethiopians and support the country’s journey toward lasting peace and shared prosperity.
By Birhanu Workneh
