Ethiopia’s political crisis may enter new phase

Abstract

Significance High-profile resignations from the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) have added to the uncertainty, while an ongoing drought and slowing economic growth have accentuated the government’s troubles. The significance of these developments was attested to by a leaked document from a November 10 National Security Council meeting, which painted an alarming picture of deep political, social and economic crisis. Impacts Internal party dissonance will be a greater risk than opposition competition for local and municipal elections in 2018. Political stability will be critical for the fruition of long-term investments in grand economic projects. Domestic tensions will distract Ethiopia’s foreign policy focus, especially in Eritrea, Somalia and South Sudan.