Economist Podcasts

Abiy damned: Ethiopia’s looming civil war

Nov 6, 2020
Tom Gardner, The Economist's Ethiopia correspondent, sheds light on Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's aggressive military tactics against the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front, signaling a potential civil war. The discussion delves into the geopolitical consequences for the Horn of Africa, raising alarms over regional stability. Additionally, the complexities of China's drive for agricultural self-sufficiency are highlighted, along with a fascinating yet chilling exploration of books bound in human skin, weaving history and ethics into the conversation.
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INSIGHT

Ethiopia's Looming Civil War

  • Abiy Ahmed's actions against the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front (TPLF) risk escalating into a civil war.
  • This conflict could destabilize Ethiopia and potentially involve neighboring countries.
ANECDOTE

Differing Perspectives on the Conflict

  • There's a grim mood in Addis Ababa, with worries of returning to civil war.
  • However, in Tigray, they see Abiy as the aggressor and are prepared for self-defense.
INSIGHT

The TPLF's Viewpoint

  • The TPLF is an armed group turned political party, dominant until Abiy's rise.
  • They see Abiy as a threat to the constitution and their self-rule.
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