René Lefort

René has been writing about sub-Saharan Africa since the 1970s and reported on the region for French newspapers. He is now a researcher and publishes in academic titles such as The Journal of Modern African Studies.

Abiy’s botched centralization fuels Ethiopia’s feuding centrifugal forces

The only way forward for Ethiopia is allowing greater autonomy.

4 years

Ethiopia’s vicious deadlock

The much-hyped democratic transition is not only dead, but buried deep. It would need a miracle to exhume it in…

5 years

Mind over matter: Abiy Ahmed’s aim to “Pentecostalize Ethiopian politics”

The premier believes the power of positive thinking can help him save Ethiopia.

6 years

From his pulpit, amid a crisis, Abiy regally dismisses all opponents

After unilaterally deciding that Prosperity Party will govern until elections, the ruling system the Nobel laureate yearns for becomes clearer…

6 years

Yes, the pandemic does present a political opportunity—for Abiy

There are few reasons to think Ethiopia’s political classes can now redirect the transition in a more democratic direction.

6 years

Preaching unity but flying solo, Abiy’s ambition may stall Ethiopia’s transition

The fatal error of Ethiopia’s acclaimed premier Abiy Ahmed has been to place his standing ahead of his country’s democratic…

6 years

A flicker in the gloom

If Abiy transforms EPRDF into a single party, at least it will offer a possible—albeit still risky—way out of the…

7 years

Local bosses may fill the party-sized hole in Ethiopia’s next election

Ethiopia has traditions of local self-government—could they induce voters to look at independent candidates for Parliament?

7 years

Federalist façade for centralist front

Despite TPLF probing, an incoherent EPRDF staggers on. More jostling looks likely, as the Prime Minister tries to cobble together…

7 years