Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has declared a sweeping victory in last week’s national elections, but the claim is being met with scepticism and rising tension. Sources on the ground confirm that opposition parties have alleged widespread fraud and intimidation, raising fears that the country could slide back into a devastating civil conflict.
Uncovered documents obtained by this newspaper reveal internal party memos discussing strategies to suppress voter turnout in Tigray and Oromia, two regions that have seen violent unrest. The election commission, widely seen as beholden to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has so far refused to release full results. International observers have yet to certify the vote.
Opposition figures are crying foul. “This is not a landslide. This is a land grab,” a senior opposition source said. “They are stealing the future of this country.”
The victory claim comes just months after a brutal war in Tigray ended with a fragile ceasefire. The conflict left tens of thousands dead and displaced millions. Now, the same fault lines are being reopened. Military sources confirm that troop movements have been detected along the Eritrean border, and militia groups in Amhara are mobilising.
The prime minister’s office insists that the vote was free and fair. But for those who follow the money and the bodies, the signs are unmistakable. When power is unaccountable, it does not share. It takes. And when it takes, people die.
This is a developing story. We will continue to follow the evidence, wherever it leads.