Abiy Ahmed was born on August 15, 1976, in Beshasha, a town in the Gomma district of the Jimma Zone, located in the southwestern region of Ethiopia. He was born to a Muslim father and a Christian mother, making him part of a family with mixed religious heritage. Abiy was raised primarily as a Protestant Christian, a faith that became central to his identity.

Abiy joined the military at a young age, working initially in the communications department of the Ethiopian National Defense Force. During the Eritrean-Ethiopian War (1998–2000), he served as a United Nations peacekeeper in Rwanda. Later, he became one of the key figures in cyber intelligence as the head of the Information Network Security Agency (INSA), Ethiopia's cybersecurity unit. This period exposed him to the workings of government, technology, and international diplomacy.

In 2010, Abiy entered politics as a member of the Oromo Democratic Party (ODP), which was part of the ruling coalition Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). He quickly rose through the ranks, holding various government posts including that of Minister of Science and Technology. Abiy's rapid ascent was fueled by his reformist ideas and ability to bridge ethnic divides.

On April 2, 2018, Abiy Ahmed became the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. He was the first Oromo to hold this position in Ethiopia’s history, a landmark event given the historical marginalization of the Oromo ethnic group. Upon taking office, Abiy implemented sweeping reforms, releasing thousands of political prisoners, legalizing banned opposition groups, and advocating for freedom of the press. His government also promoted gender equality, appointing women to half of the cabinet positions.

One of Abiy's most significant achievements was ending the 20-year military stalemate with Eritrea, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. His efforts led to the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the reopening of their borders. This breakthrough brought international acclaim and cemented Abiy’s reputation as a peacemaker.

However, Abiy's tenure has not been without controversy. Ethiopia, a country with numerous ethnic groups, has long struggled with ethnic violence, and his reforms inadvertently unleashed latent ethnic tensions. One of the most significant crises of his administration began in November 2020 when a conflict erupted in the Tigray region between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The conflict resulted in severe humanitarian issues, widespread displacement, and accusations of human rights abuses from various parties involved in the war. Despite international criticism, Abiy’s government has continued to assert control over the region, but the conflict has severely tarnished his earlier reputation as a reformer and peacemaker.

As of 2024, Abiy Ahmed's government continues to grapple with complex challenges, including ethnic unrest, economic pressures, and the ongoing effects of the Tigray conflict. His administration remains under close scrutiny both domestically and internationally, as Ethiopia’s political landscape continues to evolve under his leadership.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abiy_Ahmed.