The incumbent Prosperity Party (PP) rallied 1,200 of its ranks amid a turbulent political and economic environment, convening its second convention five years after its establishment. Mustered for two days at a time when the country has been gripped by protracted armed conflicts, including the contentious war in Tigray, strife in Oromia and Amhara regional states, and severe economic headwinds, the convention was notable for the attendance of influential figures such as former President Mulatu Teshome and former Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen. Delegates representing ruling parties from 15 countries - from Djibouti to South Africa and Turkey, Russia and China - attended when it opened on January 31, 2025, in Addis Abeba.
The party, born in December 2019, emerged following the dissolution of the EPRDF, merging three of its coalition members but TPLF. Its victory in the 2021 national elections, however, was shadowed by persistent questions over electoral inclusiveness and credibility as it was held before its first general assembly. Its leader, Abiy Ahmed (PhD), whose administration has embarked on a sweeping economic liberalisation agenda, including the recent abandonment of the fixed exchange rate regime, defended his leadership record. Abiy emphasised the transformative ambition of his government, pledging to fast-track major national projects such as achieving food security in wheat farming and finalising the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He also revealed plans for an extensive expansion of corridor development projects, stating that these initiatives were crucial as the country approached its next national election in a year.
Abiy called for a peaceful resolution to the deep-rooted conflicts, a plea resonating amid the broader challenges of national division and diplomatic strains with neighbouring countries like Somalia and Eritrea.
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