Abiy Ahmed's use of religion to promote his dictatorial ethnic rule in Ethiopia is a calculated strategy that manipulates various faiths and cultural practices to bolster his power. His approach involves both co-opting religious institutions and exploiting religious symbolism to foster ethnic extremism. Below are some key ways Abiy uses religion to promote his agenda:
1. Exploitation of Irecha, the Oromo Pagan Tradition
Abiy has strategically leveraged the growing popularity of Irecha, the Oromo religious festival, to position himself as the protector of Oromo culture and identity. By presenting himself as the champion of the Oromo ethnic group, he seeks to consolidate his power among the Oromo, while marginalizing other groups.
Irecha is increasingly promoted as the "true" Oromo religion, positioning it as superior to Christianity and Islam, which Abiy frames as "semitic" religions. This division fosters ethnic extremism and a sense of Oromo superiority, deepening ethnic tensions and advancing his personal rule.
2. Manipulation of Islam for Diplomatic and Ethnic Control
Abiy has manipulated the leadership of Ethiopia's Islamic community by installing an ethnic Oromo as the head of the Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council. This move allows him to exert influence over the Muslim community, ensuring their support and quelling any potential dissent.
His relationships with Muslim-majority countries, particularly the UAE, are partly based on this religious manipulation. He has used this influence to secure diplomatic leverage, while also enabling the expansion of Islam in Ethiopia, potentially paving the way for radicalization among vulnerable groups.
3. Instrumentalization of Evangelical Christianity
Abiy and his wife, who publicly identify as Evangelical Christians, have cleverly utilized the growing influence of evangelicalism in Ethiopia for political gain. By establishing and controlling church councils, they ensure that ethnic Oromo leaders are placed in positions of power within the church.
This provides Abiy with a direct avenue to promote his ethnic agenda, portraying himself as "God-sent" and encouraging followers to support his rule. The prime minister’s manipulation of religious institutions extends to inviting influential foreign evangelical leaders for diplomatic purposes, further entwining faith with statecraft.
4. Exploitation of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity
In an attempt to control the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abiy has faced challenges from ethnic extremists who sought to fracture the church along ethnic lines and install an Oromo pope. When this attempt failed, he presented himself as the savior of the church, stepping in to rally Orthodox Christians behind him, despite his controversial record.
His portrayal as a defender of the church appeals to the religious sentiments of many Ethiopians, masking his authoritarian tendencies and securing a loyal base among Orthodox Christians, who see him as the protector of their faith.
5. Promotion of Other Ethnic Traditions to Fuel Ethnic Divisions
Abiy’s promotion of various ethnic traditions, such as the exuberant celebration of the Sidama New Year, further fuels ethnic division. These celebrations, while culturally significant, are often used to promote the idea of ethnic autonomy at the expense of national unity.
By endorsing and elevating these practices, Abiy encourages fragmentation, creating a sense of division that undermines Ethiopia's cohesion and fosters ethnic extremism. This tactic not only solidifies his rule among specific ethnic groups but also exacerbates the country's already fraught ethnic tensions.