Abiy and Lemma are anthropological archetypes who are trying to teach Ethiopians the art of peaceful leadership and responsible exercise of power. They are trying to civilise Ethiopian politics.
The way Lemma handed power to Abiy, and the way Abiy defused the Sidama time-bomb by holding peaceful credible referendum are just two examples of this. They have shown the way, and now they may apparently seem to be parting ways.
What Abiy and Lemma need to do now is to continue on their epoch changing way of handling difficulties and differences.
It would be a great lesson to Ethiopia (Jawar, Iskinder, Ermias, Hizkiel, Maxi, Revelation and company) if the two archetypes could continue to amicably work together despite their huge differences on issues and philosophies. Not only that Lemma remains defence minister and Abiy prime minister, but even think of sharing responsibilities as co-equals within their party and in Ethiopia if the people elect their party in 2020.
Nobody said that civilising Ethiopian politics would be a peace of cake. I hope Lemma and Abiy heed my advice.
Re: The many challenges of Lemma and Abiy
Ethiopia has no options. Lemma and Abiy have to succeed in modernising it's politics. What Abiy is lacking is a balance between legally punishing the Woyane and administratively paralysing Jawar's primitive lash-outs. He needs to share power more openly and more formally with Lemma.