Dominant Victory for Ruling Party Amid Fragmented Political Landscape

Election officials from the National Election Board of Ethiopia confirmed that the Prosperity Party secured an overwhelming parliamentary majority, consolidating its control over the legislature. The new parliament is expected to convene in October, where Abiy Ahmed is anticipated to be re-elected as prime minister for another term.

The result reinforces the ruling party’s political dominance, though the electoral process took place in a highly uneven environment marked by restricted opposition participation and security challenges across multiple regions.

Security Crisis and Regional Exclusions Shape Election Environment

Insecurity in the Oromia and Amhara regions significantly disrupted voting, with 143 polling stations failing to open due to ongoing violence and instability. Fighting between the Fano armed group and federal forces in Amhara, as well as clashes involving the Oromo Liberation Army in Oromia, contributed to the breakdown of normal electoral conditions.

The conflict-affected regions of Amhara Region and Oromia Region remained central to the instability surrounding the election process, reflecting broader challenges facing national security efforts.

Tigray Exclusion Continues After Years of Conflict

The election once again excluded the northern Tigray Region, which has remained without federal representation for six years following the devastating war between federal forces and regional groups. The absence of voting in the region underscores ongoing political fragmentation and unresolved post-conflict tensions.

The exclusion of Tigray further limited the national scope of the election, raising concerns about representation in a country still grappling with the aftermath of prolonged internal conflict.

Allegations of Political Suppression and Limited Opposition Space

Opposition figures and candidates criticized the electoral environment, alleging intimidation and restrictions on political participation. Several opposition leaders were reportedly imprisoned, in exile, or otherwise unable to take part in the election process.

One opposition candidate, Yitayal Assefa of the All Ethiopia Unity Party, described the political environment as heavily skewed in favor of the ruling party, while academic and opposition figure Merara Gudina called the vote a “sham,” arguing it would further weaken national stability.

International Observation and Limited Monitoring Presence

Observers from regional organizations, including the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, were present during the election but were largely based in Addis Ababa, limiting their geographic reach across the country.

Their presence was cited by election authorities as contributing to international legitimacy, though critics questioned the depth of monitoring in areas affected by insecurity.

Background: Governance, Conflict, and Regional Tensions

Abiy Ahmed, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 following a peace agreement with neighboring Eritrea, has since faced renewed tensions in the region. Relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia remain strained, with mutual accusations of supporting destabilizing activities.

The election outcome comes as Ethiopia continues to navigate internal armed conflicts, regional fragmentation, and questions over the durability of its democratic institutions.

Tags: Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, Prosperity Party, Oromia, Amhara, Tigray Region, African Union, Elections

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The vote carries significance beyond Ethiopia’s borders because the country is Africa’s second-most populous nation and hosts the headquarters of the African Union. The election comes as Ethiopia continues to grapple with the aftermath of recent conflicts and seeks to project stability following years of political and security upheaval.

Ruling Party Favored to Retain Control

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party currently controls more than 500 seats in the national legislature and is expected to secure another parliamentary majority, according to reporting by The Associated Press and other observers. Ethiopia’s electoral system requires voters to elect members of parliament, who then choose the prime minister.

The opposition enters the election fragmented and weakened by internal divisions. Several opposition leaders have argued that the political environment favors the ruling party, while government officials have rejected allegations that opposition groups face unfair restrictions.

Much of the campaign focused on national reconciliation, economic development and security, reflecting concerns over continued instability in several regions. Government candidates highlighted infrastructure projects and economic reforms, while opposition parties called for broader political reforms and changes to the country’s governance system.

Security Challenges Affect Voter Participation

The election takes place against a backdrop of continuing unrest in parts of the Amhara and Oromia regions, where insecurity is expected to reduce voter participation. Authorities have increased security measures in the capital, Addis Ababa, and other areas ahead of the vote.

Political tensions remain elevated following years of conflict. The war in the Tigray region between 2020 and 2022 resulted in widespread devastation before a peace agreement was signed in November 2022. Despite that accord, divisions remain unresolved and concerns persist about renewed instability.

The election will not be held in the Tigray region, which remains without representation in the federal parliament. The federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front continue to disagree over political arrangements in the region, contributing to uncertainty over the implementation of the peace agreement.

African Union Monitors Election

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta is leading a 73-member observer mission from the African Union to monitor the election process. Upon arriving in Ethiopia, Kenyatta emphasized the importance of a peaceful vote, noting Ethiopia’s central role on the continent.

Election officials declared Monday a national holiday and closed government offices to encourage voter participation. Results are expected to be announced in the coming days after ballots are counted across the country’s constituencies.

Vote Seen as Test of Abiy’s Leadership

The election serves as another major test for Abiy, who came to power in 2018 promising democratic reforms and political openness. He received international recognition in 2019 when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for helping end a long-running conflict with neighboring Eritrea.

Since then, his administration has faced criticism from opposition groups and human rights organizations over political freedoms and the government’s handling of internal conflicts. Government officials have denied allegations of systematic abuses and maintain that security measures are necessary to preserve stability.

With the ruling party expected to remain firmly in control, the election’s broader significance may lie less in determining the winner than in whether it helps strengthen confidence in Ethiopia’s political institutions during a period of continued uncertainty. Questions surrounding security, national reconciliation and regional tensions are likely to remain central challenges regardless of the outcome.

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Breaking Barriers in a Changing Capital

Every time Edomawit Ashebir steps outside with her skateboard, she braces for ridicule. Onlookers often hurl insults, questioning why a young woman would skate in public. Yet Ashebir, supported by her mother and her all-female skate crew, refuses to stop.

“It’s like a challenge every day,” she told photographer Chantal Pinzi. “People shout that I’m wasting my life, that I shouldn’t be in the street. But I don’t listen anymore.”

Ethiopia is rebuilding from the devastating civil war that ended in 2022. The capital, Addis Ababa, is transforming rapidly with new skyscrapers, roads, and cultural spaces. Yet deep-rooted gender roles remain. Public life, as Pinzi observed, is still dominated by men — making the presence of female skaters an act of quiet rebellion.

A New Generation Finds Freedom Through Skateboarding

For skaters like Makdelina Desta, a co-founder of Addis Girls Skate, the board represents far more than sport — it’s freedom.

“As girls, we’re told to stay home, to be careful, to act proper,” Desta said. “When I skate, I’m just myself. I don’t feel judged. I feel free.”

Every Saturday, the group gathers at one of Addis Ababa’s few skate parks — a space reserved for them on that day. They practice tricks, share laughter, and build confidence. For these girls, skating isn’t just play; it’s a declaration of identity.

“They’re reshaping the future they want,” said Pinzi. “They’re writing their own stories instead of accepting what’s written for them.”

From Streets to Sisterhood

Pinzi’s lens captures the duality of their world: gliding through Merkato, Africa’s largest open-air market, or racing down Mount Entoto’s slopes in traditional white habesha kemis.

“I love the sound of the wheels,” said Lydia, another skater. “It’s hypnotic. I forget everything else.”

The photos also reveal a deep sense of community — combing each other’s hair, sharing meals, and watching sunsets after long sessions. “They used to feel lonely,” Pinzi said. “Now they have a sisterhood that keeps them strong.”

Support from Male Skaters, Resistance from Society

Ethiopia’s skate community has been largely supportive. Male skaters often share the park, cheer the girls on, and even donate boards. But beyond the ramps, acceptance fades.

Skater Tsion recalled passersby waiting for her to fall so they could mock her. “They want to prove I shouldn’t be doing this,” she said. “But that only makes me stronger.”

One man once called the group “the devil.” The girls ignored him, choosing unity over confrontation. “They’re used to it,” Pinzi noted. “Their strength lies in standing together.”

Defying Age and Expectations

Not every skater in the group is a teenager. Burtekan, a 43-year-old single mother of two, has joined the sessions — earning the affectionate nickname Mamy.

“I wake up wanting to push my limits,” she said. “People say I’m too old. I say I’m not done living.”

For many Ethiopian women, marriage often confines them to domestic life. But Mamy defies that narrative. “She’s proving that motherhood and freedom can coexist,” said Pinzi. “She’s rewriting what womanhood means.”

Shredding the Patriarchy: A Global Lens

Ethiopia is one chapter in Pinzi’s global photo series Shred the Patriarchy, which also features female skaters in Morocco and India. Through her work, she explores how sports can dismantle structural inequality.

“Sports empower women physically and mentally,” Pinzi said. “They teach persistence and self-belief — lessons society often denies women.”

She noticed a shared spark among the women she photographed worldwide: a distinct confidence born from movement. “They look you in the eye,” she said. “They carry themselves differently. That’s what empowerment looks like.”

Expanding the Movement Beyond Addis Ababa

While the capital’s skate scene is slowly expanding, access remains limited in rural areas. In the southern city of Hawassa, Pinzi met Shurrube, the only known female skater there.

“She’s one of the strongest I’ve seen,” said Pinzi. “But she had no working board for months.” Pinzi later brought her a new deck, helping her continue to skate.

The lack of equipment and facilities highlights broader inequalities across Ethiopia. But Pinzi and her Berlin-based network are trying to bridge that gap — collecting and donating secondhand boards wherever she travels.

Beyond Tricks: Lessons in Resilience

For Pinzi and the young women she photographs, skateboarding is more than a pastime. It’s a metaphor for persistence. “Falling, failing, and trying again — that’s the rhythm of skating,” she said. “It teaches you not to give up.”

As Ethiopia continues to rebuild, these women symbolize a generation pushing forward on their own terms. “Skateboarding doesn’t care where you’re from,” Pinzi said. “It only asks you to keep moving.”

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Source: CNN – These female skateboarders are shredding stereotypes in Ethiopia

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Published: October 13, 2025, 09:45 EDT

A Rising Voice for Ethiopia’s Abandoned Dogs

In Addis Ababa, where thousands of stray dogs wander the streets, one woman’s compassion is driving change. Feven Melese, a 29-year-old music graduate, has become a leading advocate for animal welfare in Ethiopia’s capital, establishing one of the city’s few shelters for abandoned dogs.

Building a Haven for the Unwanted

Melese runs a modest facility on the outskirts of the city that currently shelters 40 rescued dogs. Every week, she also feeds around 700 others across Addis Ababa’s busy streets.

Over the past two years, she has helped rehome more than 300 dogs — a rare initiative in a country where most people view dogs primarily as guards, not companions. Working with fellow activists, she aims to shift that mindset and foster a culture of care and responsibility toward animals.

“As skyscrapers rise in Addis Ababa, the dogs have fewer places to go,” Melese said. “Many are abandoned by owners moving into apartments that don’t allow pets.”

A Growing Urban Challenge

The Ethiopian capital is home to an estimated 200,000 stray dogs. Authorities have faced mounting criticism for culling thousands through poisoning campaigns ahead of public events, often citing concerns about rabies outbreaks.

Government officials, however, maintain that public safety remains a key concern. “We plan to begin registration and vaccination programs to ensure owners take full responsibility,” said Melese Anshebo, an Addis Ababa city administration official. “For those without owners, we aim to find shelters — but dogs showing signs of infection may have to be euthanized.”

Rabies and Public Safety Concerns

Rabies remains a serious public health threat in Ethiopia. Dr. Alazar Ayele, a local veterinarian, said limited resources have hampered progress.

“What we need are coordinated, humane approaches — more vaccines, sterilization programs, and community education,” Ayele explained. “This protects both people and animals.”

Some residents have expressed fear of stray dogs, particularly at night. “They can be aggressive and bite people,” said Addis Ababa resident Yonas Bezabih. “It’s dangerous to walk alone when you don’t know who owns them.”

Compassion Over Fear

Melese’s shelter not only provides food and safety but also rehabilitates injured dogs. Among them is Konjit — meaning “beautiful” in Amharic — who wears a neck brace after surviving a road accident. Despite her injuries, she wags her tail as Melese tends to her.

Melese’s connection to animals began early. “When I was a child, I brought home stray dogs,” she recalled. “My mother tried to return them to the streets, but they always came back.”

Her long-standing empathy has grown into a movement for change.

Volunteers and a Growing Community

Melese’s work has inspired a network of volunteers, including her friend Luna Solomon, who helps feed the dogs several times a week.

“People often abandon female dogs because they’re afraid of the responsibility,” Solomon said. “We’re trying to show that they deserve the same care as any other.”

Another volunteer, Biruk Dejene, discovered Melese’s shelter while seeking a safer home for his mistreated dog, Zuse. He now visits weekly to help with care and outreach. “There’s little emotional connection between many owners and their dogs here,” he said. “We’re working to change that.”

Changing Perceptions, One Dog at a Time

Melese and her team continue to use social media and public campaigns to raise awareness about animal welfare. They are urging the government to implement widespread vaccination, neutering programs, and incentives for adoption.

“In Ethiopia, people often don’t see dogs as living beings with feelings,” Melese said. “We’re trying to change that — one act of kindness at a time.”

Looking Ahead

With limited funding and space, Melese’s shelter remains a symbol of hope amid Addis Ababa’s growing stray dog crisis. Her goal is not only to rescue animals but to redefine how society views them — as companions deserving of dignity, rather than expendable street guards.

As the city evolves, her work highlights a quiet but powerful truth: compassion, even in small acts, can transform communities.

Source: AP News – Abandoned dogs in Ethiopia’s capital get little care. A woman wants to change that

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