Sorry Ayamaru44, for the friendly fire
Your alias is intriguing though
Indeed, Lemma has shown leadership during the heydays of the protest and inspired Ethiopians by his rhetoric. Even then, the brain behind all the strategic moves was Abiy. Once he came to the front, Abiy took down the rapacious and brutal machinery of the TPLF, at least managed to quarantine it to one narrow corner of the country; he opened up the political space; the Internet, reformed the electoral
commission; the judiciary. The reform that took place in the Government (the Executive) is major with more women taking leadership role.
Restoring peaceful relationship with Eritrea is tremendous with huge positive consequences. His green legacy flagship project illustrates his vision and love of country. Above all, he is trying to change the destructive ethnocentric narrative and policy by showing broader vision. He is advocating for a wider integration and cooperation; the value of co-existence in achieving growth and prosperity even for countries in the Horn.
These are some of the highlights of PM Abiy’s accomplishments and efforts that demonstrate his real commitment to Ethiopia and its peoples. I know one can come up with a list of failures and short falls in leadership witnessed in the past 2 years or so. That is expected during a transition. He is not a dictator; he needs to take a decision within certain parameters. He has no control over what is happening even by members of his own party. There are forces who are working vehemently against his vision and good will for the country.
What is the track record of Lemma? I have no idea. He was one of the important leaders of change at the beginning. However, once the balance of power shifted in favour of the forces if change especially OPDO came out strong, he was caught reassuring his base how his organization is working to change the demography of Addis by design. That is what I remember of Lemma’s record.