By RFPosted on 02-12-2019Modified on 02-12-2019 at 21:51
In Ethiopia, the political landscape continues to change, while much-awaited elections will be held in less than six months. Eight political parties signed on 1 December their alliance in the Prosperity Party, a coalition wanted by Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner Abiy Ahmed.
After 28 years of rule in Ethiopia, the EPRDF coalition collapses. At the end of November, under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Prosperity Party (PP) was created to take power.
On December 1st, the PP officially welcomed its first members. Eight parties, three of which participated in the founding of the former EPRDF coalition.
The Prime Minister introduced the Prosperity Party as " a springboard for transforming the country, " adding that the old alliance " was no longer able to govern ."
Moments from the signing of the unification of EPRDF at Prosperity Party in the presence of PM @AbiyAhmedAli.
More: https://t.co/63yx7pdbTR#PMOEthiopia pic.twitter.com/HGgbYIsaOT
This fusion is a real revolution. The EPRDF took power in 1991, with a Marxist-inspired economic vision and a central place for ethnicity, resulting in the marginalization of many groups. Abiy Ahmed, he wants an economic vision, more liberal, an openness to all ethnic groups, placed equally.
However, nothing is won. The fourth founding party of the EPRDF, the Tigrayans of the TPLF (Tigray People's Liberation Front) refuse to join. They criticize a violation of the procedures. But behind, the stakes are political.
Yet a minority, the TPLF has long dominated Ethiopia. The arrival of the PP threatens its influence a little more. Will he join the new group or go to the opposition? Its rupture could increase tensions further. However, nothing says that the new coalition will convince Ethiopians, while ethnicity remains at the center of the political game and tribal tensions are strong.
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