Ethiopia: Abiy Ahmed's Constitutional Reform Could Expand Presidential Power

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is advancing a constitutional reform package that analysts say would consolidate executive authority, potentially shifting Ethiopia away from its federal system toward a more centralized presidential model.

The Proposed Changes

The proposed amendments would adjust the balance of power between the federal government and regional states, potentially reducing the autonomy of Ethiopia's ethnically-defined regional administrations. Critics argue that centralization threatens the federal compromise that has been essential to maintaining stability in one of Africa's most diverse and populous nations.

Supporters of the reform argue that Ethiopia needs stronger central governance to overcome the divisions exposed by the 2020-2022 Tigray conflict and ongoing instability in several regions.

Opposition and Context

Political opponents and civil society organizations have raised concerns about the concentration of power in the executive branch. Ethiopia has faced significant political turbulence in recent years, and any constitutional changes are being closely watched by regional neighbors and international partners.

Abiy Ahmed won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for his initial reforms and the peace deal with Eritrea. However, the subsequent Tigray war significantly tarnished his international image and raised questions about his governance style.