Dr. MeKonnen Birru
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In any country, the true strength lies not in the power of a single leader, but in the resilience of its institutions, the unity of its people, and the stability of its constitution. While it’s tempting to place our hopes in the strength of a leader to navigate a nation through turbulent times, history has repeatedly shown that nations built on dialogue, shared values, and robust systems of governance are the ones that endure, prosper, and grow. Ethiopia, like many nations at a crossroads, must recognize that the road to unity and prosperity lies in the power of conversation, compromise, and the strengthening of institutions, rather than the supremacy of any one individual.
History offers us many examples of powerful leaders whose personal strength has failed to translate into lasting national stability. Take, for example, Libya under Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Gaddafi ruled the country for over four decades with an iron fist. He built a strong, centralized government, but the lack of democratic institutions, freedom of expression, and political dialogue led to deep unrest. When civil war erupted in 2011, Libya plunged into chaos, and the absence of strong institutions made it impossible to maintain order after Gaddafi’s fall. Instead of a transition based on democratic values and dialogue, the country became fragmented, and power was seized by militias and regional factions, leading to ongoing instability.
A similar pattern can be seen in Syria, where President Bashar al-Assad’s tight control over the country led to initial stability but ultimately sowed the seeds for revolution. Assad’s refusal to engage in genuine dialogue and political reforms, coupled with brutal repression of dissent, sparked the devastating civil war that continues to this day. The conflict has shattered the country, exacerbated by foreign interventions and the collapse of state institutions. The Syrian example underscores how reliance on a single leader to hold a nation together can be disastrous when the underlying institutions and mechanisms for peaceful dialogue are weak or absent.
Even in Egypt, a nation that experienced monumental changes during the Arab Spring, the reliance on autocratic leadership led to instability. President Hosni Mubarak’s nearly 30-year rule, marked by heavy repression and limited political freedoms, ended abruptly in 2011 with mass protests demanding his resignation. Although Egypt initially hoped to transition toward democracy, the following years saw a return to strongman rule with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. While Egypt remains stable under Sisi, the country’s political landscape lacks the inclusiveness, transparency, and freedom necessary for long-term success. Egypt’s experience shows that relying on a single leader without strong democratic institutions, civil rights, and public accountability ultimately weakens the nation’s ability to evolve and grow.
In contrast, the United States offers a compelling example of how nations can thrive through strong institutions, not merely the power of individual leaders. The U.S. is a nation built on a system of checks and balances, a constitution that limits the power of any one branch of government, and a deep commitment to dialogue, compromise, and democracy. The strength of the United States lies not in the strength of any one president but in its institutions—the judicial system, the legislative process, and a long-standing tradition of upholding the rule of law.
While U.S. presidents wield significant power, they do so within a system of accountability. No matter how powerful or influential a president may be, they are still subject to the constitution, the courts, and the people. In times of crisis, the country does not rely solely on the strength of its leader but on the ability of its institutions to navigate challenges, represent diverse voices, and ensure stability. The peaceful transfer of power, regardless of political differences, is a hallmark of American democracy. This system has allowed the U.S. to weather numerous challenges, including civil war, economic depressions, and international conflicts, emerging stronger each time.
The American model demonstrates that the true strength of a nation lies not in a single leader but in the ability of the people to work together, to hold their leaders accountable, and to forge a path forward through dialogue and collaboration.
Ethiopia stands at a critical juncture in its history. The nation has long been marked by deep political and ethnic divisions, but it also possesses a rich history of resilience, innovation, and unity. However, the path forward requires a collective commitment to the values of democracy, dialogue, and institutional strength.
Same everywhere; Ethiopia’s current crisis cannot be resolved solely through the leadership of Abiy or any one individual. The road to lasting peace and unity must be built on a foundation of dialogue, compromise, and the development of strong democratic institutions. The role of the Fano, an important and powerful force within Ethiopia, for example, cannot be overlooked. They have played a significant role in the country’s struggles, fighting for what they believe is necessary to preserve the nation. But while their strength and resilience are admirable, their role must ultimately serve as a catalyst for change, not destruction. Forcing Abiy Ahmed and the government to engage in dialogue with all groups, including the Fano and other ethnic and political factions, is essential for creating a broader, more inclusive vision for the country’s future.
This dialogue should lead to the development of a new constitution—one that guarantees the rights of all Ethiopians, regardless of their ethnicity, region, or religion. A constitution that lays the groundwork for a more decentralized and federal system, empowering local communities while maintaining national unity, would be a crucial step in ensuring stability. In this process, all Ethiopians, from the highest political leaders to the most rural farmers, must feel that they have a voice and a stake in the future of their nation.
Ethiopia’s future does not lie in a strong leader or military victory alone, but in the strength of its institutions, the power of dialogue, and the unity of its people. Abiy Ahmed, despite the challenges and criticisms he faces, has the opportunity to solidify his legacy by championing the principles of democracy, transparency, and constitutional reform. The Fano, too, must understand that their strength is not just in military power, but in the ability to influence positive change through peaceful means, negotiation, and dialogue.
By fostering a culture of dialogue, strengthening democratic institutions, and crafting a new, inclusive constitution, Ethiopia can avoid the pitfalls of authoritarianism and division. The future of the nation lies not in the hands of one leader, but in the collective effort of all Ethiopians to build a just, equitable, and united society.
As history shows, nations built on the strength of their institutions—not on the strength of a single leader—are the ones that endure. The hope for Ethiopia’s future lies in this path: a path of dialogue, compromise, and institutional strength, where every citizen has a voice, and the nation can rise to its fullest potential. Whether drawing on the lessons from Libya, Syria, or Egypt, Ethiopia must recognize that true strength lies not in the power of a single individual, but in the collective will of its people to forge a shared future.
