Addis Ababa, July 31, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the country’s diversity has historically been a source of strength, but distorted political narratives built around the East African nation’s history have contributed to challenges facing society.
Reflecting on Ethiopia’s historical journey in an interview with Amhara Media Corporation (AMC), the Prime Minister said centuries of interaction among the country’s peoples have produced a strong foundation of social ties, shared experiences, and collective advancement.
From political alliances and cultural exchanges to trade relations, intermarriage, and traditional social systems, Ethiopia’s communities have long been connected, he noted.
Prime Minister Abiy pointed to historical examples, including the Shewa and Yifat Sultanates, as well as other political formations, to illustrate how different communities lived together and contributed to Ethiopia’s evolving history.
He said the relationship between the Amhara and Oromo peoples, in particular, reflects a long history of integration shaped by social ties, customary practices, and shared political experiences.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the Battle of Adwa as a defining example of Ethiopia’s collective strength, saying people from different communities united to defend the country’s sovereignty against colonial aggression.
He further cited broader social struggles in Ethiopia’s history as examples of shared efforts by citizens seeking justice and transformation.
However, Prime Minister Abiy said the country’s historical narrative has often been shaped through selective interpretations that overlook the broader reality of coexistence and integration.
He argued that preserving only parts of history while ignoring others prevents society from learning fully from both its achievements and its mistakes.
A balanced understanding of Ethiopia’s past, he said, is essential for building a future based on cooperation, shared purpose, and national renewal.