Ethiopia promises peace but keeps bombing rebels and civilians
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s actions belie his words
THE MOOD at the international airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, is strikingly upbeat. In recent weeks arriving passengers have been met by smiling dancers and patriotic music. Garlands of flowers and bright yellow carpets adorn the arrivals hall. Banners proclaim the “Great Ethiopian Homecoming”, a state-sponsored effort to convince Ethiopians living abroad to come home for the holidays (Ethiopians celebrated Christmas on January 7th). Echoing John Lennon, the state’s Christmas greetings come with an implied message: war is over.
This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “Happy Christmas, war is over?”
From the January 15th 2022 edition
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