The Intelligence from The Economist Abiy damned: Ethiopia’s looming civil war
Nov 6, 2020
David Rennie, The Economist's Beijing bureau chief, sheds light on Ethiopia's precarious situation as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed escalates military actions against the TPLF, risking broader regional instability. He also discusses China's ambitious drive for self-sufficiency in poultry, confronting the paradox of relying on imported 'super chickens' while striving for independence. Additionally, listeners are intrigued by a chilling narrative about books bound in human skin, blending historical curiosity with ethical considerations.
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Ethiopia's Conflict
- While America voted, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops against the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front (TPLF).
- This drastic step risks escalating tensions into civil war.
TPLF's Perspective
- The TPLF, once dominant, now views Abiy as a threat to the constitution and Tigray's autonomy.
- They see the current conflict as an existential struggle.
Conflict Dynamics
- Tigray possesses a substantial militia, strong military units, and an officer corps potentially sympathetic to their cause.
- This, combined with territorial disputes involving Amhara and Eritrea, makes the conflict dangerous.
