Why Do Hybrid Elites Led by Dr. Abiy Ahmed Persecute ATO-Democrats Led by Dr. Lemma Megersa?
Posted: 09 Dec 2025, 18:20
Why Do Hybrid Elites Led by Dr. Abiy Ahmed Persecute ATO-Democrats Led by Dr. Lemma Megersa?
By Fayyis Oromia*
Many of Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s supporters within the Prosperity Party (Biltsiginna) and its associated networks can be described as hybrid elites—individuals who are mixed ethnically, socially, and ideologically. They often present themselves as defenders of “Ethiopia” and “Ethiopiawinet.” Over time, such hybrid elites appear to have formed a privileged class aligned with the ruling regime, using political power primarily for economic gain.
It is important, however, to distinguish between two kinds of ATO elites—those among Amhara, Tigray, and Oromo who pursue democratic cooperation, and those who promote mutual hostility. The democratic camp seeks triangular collaboration, while the authoritarian camp remains locked in triangular confrontation. This confrontation ultimately strengthens the incumbent regime, which depends on divide-and-rule tactics.
The conflict between Dr. Abiy Ahmed and Dr. Lemma Megersa could also be understood through this lens. Dr. Abiy appears to be benefiting from divisions among ATO authoritarians, using these conflicts to sustain his rule through divide-and-neutralize strategies targeting opposition from all three peoples (Amhara, Tigray, and Oromo). Dr. Lemma Megersa, by contrast, seems to be moving toward a strategic alliance among ATO democrats in order to challenge the current regime more effectively. Time will determine whether the cooperative or confrontational approach prevails.
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/06/1 ... operation/
By Fayyis Oromia*
Many of Dr. Abiy Ahmed’s supporters within the Prosperity Party (Biltsiginna) and its associated networks can be described as hybrid elites—individuals who are mixed ethnically, socially, and ideologically. They often present themselves as defenders of “Ethiopia” and “Ethiopiawinet.” Over time, such hybrid elites appear to have formed a privileged class aligned with the ruling regime, using political power primarily for economic gain.
It is important, however, to distinguish between two kinds of ATO elites—those among Amhara, Tigray, and Oromo who pursue democratic cooperation, and those who promote mutual hostility. The democratic camp seeks triangular collaboration, while the authoritarian camp remains locked in triangular confrontation. This confrontation ultimately strengthens the incumbent regime, which depends on divide-and-rule tactics.
The conflict between Dr. Abiy Ahmed and Dr. Lemma Megersa could also be understood through this lens. Dr. Abiy appears to be benefiting from divisions among ATO authoritarians, using these conflicts to sustain his rule through divide-and-neutralize strategies targeting opposition from all three peoples (Amhara, Tigray, and Oromo). Dr. Lemma Megersa, by contrast, seems to be moving toward a strategic alliance among ATO democrats in order to challenge the current regime more effectively. Time will determine whether the cooperative or confrontational approach prevails.
Read more: https://orompia.wordpress.com/2023/06/1 ... operation/