By Ebi Kesiena
The Caucus of Opposition Parties (CoP), a coalition of six Ethiopian opposition groups, has accused the ruling Prosperity Party of transforming the nation into a “war economy.”
In a statement released over the weekend, the Caucus expressed concerns over the “rapid shrinking of civic space,” alleging that the government is increasingly targeting journalists, rights advocates, and humanitarian workers through detentions and intimidation.
The coalition, which includes the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), criticized the government for allocating a significant portion of the national budget to military and security expenditures while neglecting essential development and infrastructure projects.
According to the Caucus, this misallocation of resources has exacerbated economic hardships, leaving citizens grappling with skyrocketing living costs and dwindling public services.
The statement further alleged that political parties are being denied their constitutional rights, while citizens are “criminalized and forced into silent compliance.” They warned that Ethiopia’s economy has shifted away from sustainable development towards one driven by conflict and security concerns.
Additionally, the opposition condemned recent amendments to the Mass Media Proclamation, claiming that independent media outlets are being shut down and journalists are facing imprisonment or forced exile. Rights advocates and activists, they said, continue to face harassment and intimidation.
Expressing alarm over Ethiopia’s strained diplomatic ties, the Caucus urged the government to adopt long-term, sustainable policies rather than short-term, reactionary measures. They emphasized the need for careful analysis and strategic planning to rebuild trust both domestically and internationally.
