Terrorism and Security IRL3516 L, Niyazbekov Nurseit

Why is Ethiopian PM admitting the use of torture and state terrorism?
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed admitted the use of torture and state terrorism as part of his commitment to reform and to distance himself from the repressive practices of previous regimes. His admission was an effort to acknowledge the cruelties committed by state security forces in the past and to demonstrate transparency and accountability. By confronting these abuses, Abiy aimed to build trust with the Ethiopian people, foster national reconciliation, and set a new standard of governance that respects human rights and the rule of law.

Can you think of any other state that weaponized the 'war on terror'?
Egypt is an example of a state that weaponized the "war on terror." Under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the Egyptian government has used the threat of terrorism to justify widespread crackdowns on political opposition, activists, and journalists. Many individuals and groups were labeled as terrorists or threats to national security, which provided a pretext for the state to carry out mass arrests, detentions, and human rights violations under the guise of maintaining stability and security.

Reflect on the recent developments in Ethiopia. Since the article was published in 2018, does your opinion of Ahmed still stand?
Since the article was published in 2018, my opinion of Abiy Ahmed has become more nuanced. Initially, his leadership was seen as transformative, particularly his peace agreement with Eritrea and efforts to open political space in Ethiopia. However, the outbreak of conflict in Tigray, along with allegations of human rights abuses by government forces and ethnic tensions across the country, have tarnished his image. While he still deserves credit for early reforms, the handling of internal conflicts and governance challenges has raised concerns about whether his vision of a peaceful and democratic Ethiopia can be realized.

Why is Ethiopian PM admitting the use of torture and state terrorism?
First of all, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recognised this out of a desire to build trust with the Ethiopian people, promote national reconciliation and set a new standard of governance that is more inclined towards democracy. Moreover, he recognised this to distance himself from the practices of previous regimes, particularly authoritarian rule.
Can you think of any other state that weaponized the 'war on terror'?
The US comes to my mind as the state that turned the ‘war on terror’ into a weapon thereby justifying its invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan and the use of controversial interrogation techniques that in reality were a cover for torture.
Who do you think tried to kill Ahmed? Why?
At first glance, most likely Abiy was eliminated by the top because the elite could hardly like the reform programme introduced by him. His actions to overthrow the entrenched systems of corruption and repression could have angered these groups.
Reflect on the recent developments in Ethiopia. Since the article was published in 2018, does your opinion of Ahmed still stand?
In the early stages of his presidency, it is safe to say that he has done well as he has resolved internal conflicts and put the state on the path to democracy. In addition, the peace agreement with Eritrea and efforts to open up political space in Ethiopia are all certainly good. However, the conflict in Tigray, ethnic tensions, accusations of human rights violations by government troops across the country have soured his image as a new democratic leader, which should not be forgotten, therefore bringing more problems in the long run.

1). Why is Ethiopian PM admitting the use of torture and state terrorism?*
Abiy Ahmed admitted to the government’s past use of torture and state terrorism to show he wants real change. By being honest, he hoped to start healing the country and gain trust. His goal was to move away from the old ways and create a fairer government for everyone.
2). Can you think of any other state that weaponized the "war on terror"?
Yes, Egypt and Russia both used the "war on terror" to stay in power. Egypt targeted its political enemies under the excuse of fighting terrorism, while Russia did something similar, especially in Chechnya. Both countries used this idea to control people and limit opposition.
3). Who do you think tried to kill Ahmed? Why?
The people behind the attack on Abiy Ahmed were likely those who didn’t like his reforms, such as the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). His changes threatened their long-held power, so they might have wanted to stop him from making more reforms that could weaken their influence.
4). Reflect on the recent developments in Ethiopia. Since the article was published in 2018, does your opinion of Ahmed still stand?
Abiy Ahmed started as a hopeful reformer, but recent conflicts, like the fighting in Tigray, have raised concerns. His early promise of peace and change now seems harder to achieve because of ongoing violence and reports of human rights abuses. This has made people question if he can still bring the positive change he promised.

Abiy Ahmed admitted the use of torture and state terrorism as part of his broader reform agenda. It seemed he aimed to acknowledge past abuse and to promote reconciliation somehow.

Many states, including Ethiopia, have weaponised the "war on terror". Of course the first state one thinks of is the USA and its global counterterrorism campaigns post-9/11.

Regarding the assassination attempt on Ahmed, I would speculate its people who opposed to his reform, I think likely elites within the military or political establishment, were involved. They probably feared the loss of their influence.

1. Why is Ethiopian PM admitting the use of torture and state terrorism?
In order to confront Ethiopia's troubled past and clear the path for democratic changes, Abiy Ahmed acknowledged using torture and state terrorism. His candour was intended to restore confidence and distance his government from the wrongdoings of the past regimes. In an effort to guide Ethiopia towards a more democratic future, he worked to encourage reconciliation and put an end to the security forces' impunity.

2) Can you think of any other state that weaponized the ‘war on terror’?

Counterterrorism themes have been exploited for political ends in a number of nations. For instance, Egypt declared the Muslim Brotherhood to be terrorists and then clamped down on them. Similar actions were taken in Turkey during the 2016 coup, as anti-terror laws were used to repress journalists, dissenters, and political opposition. In its fight against terrorism, the United States has also permitted dubious activities and increased monitoring capabilities through the Patriot Act.

3) Who do you think tried to kill Ahmed? Why?

Those who opposed Abiy Ahmed's broad reforms were probably responsible for the assassination attempt. His strategy endangered the interests of those who profited from the previous system, such as members of the armed forces, government, and security agencies. These groups had become used to operating with impunity, and Abiy's demands for transparency and democracy might have turned him into a target for those looking to hold onto their privilege and power.

Why is Ethiopian PM admitting the use of torture and state terrorism?

Abiy Ahmed’s acknowledgment of the fact Ethiopian government sanctioned tortures and terrorism appears to be a calculated political move, likely driven by both international and domestic pressures. Ethiopia’s government has been facing criticism from international human rights organisations, particularly because of the abuses reported during the Tigray conflict, where Ethiopian forces, alongside its allied militias, were accused of atrocities. By admitting these abuses, Ahmed might be attempting to demonstrate new from of transparency and a commitment to reform, which could help Ethiopia regain some credibility on the global stage and potentially secure future aid and diplomatic support from potentially strategic partners, such as the US. Domestically, the admission might also be a signalizing factor to factions within Ethiopia that the government intends to shift toward reconciliation or cooptation, following years of civil unrest and political division.

Can you think of any other state that weaponized the "war on terror"?

Historically, there has been many situation in which states justified excessively supressive or violent actions on their part by referring to a necessity of fighting terrorist activity. The case which comes to my mind among the recent ones is Turkish-Kurdish conflict. Turkey has long faced conflicts with the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party), which it identifies as a terrorist organisation. However, the Turkish government has extended this label to include various political forces like the People's Protection Units (YPG) in Syria despite their participation in the fight against ISIS. By recognizing these Kurdish groups as terrorist threats, Turkey seeks to legitimize its cross-border military operations in Syria and Iraq. This has also allowed Turkey to target some political parties that express pro-Kurdish sentiments, like the left-wing HDP (People's Democratic Party), domestically, with many HDP members, including elected representatives, imprisoned on terror-related charges.

Who do you think tried to kill Ahmed? Why?

Abiy Ahmed’s reform agenda and his approach to managing Ethiopia’s ethnic and regional divides could be the factors that generated numerous enemies, both within and outside of traditional elite groups and respective government structures. Some possible agents might be represented by deposed political elite groups that seek to regain lost influence, weakened regional factions that are discontent with centralizing efforts of Ahmed, or even local warlords inspired by foreign influence. Each of these groups has their own reason to oppose Ahmed's regime, but the unifying cause is that Ahmed's reforms undermines their traditional power.

Why is Ethiopian PM admitting the use of torture and state terrorism?

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed acknowledged in 2018 that his government and earlier ones had tortured and repressed civilians and dissidents. This admission was a component of a larger effort to address Ethiopia's past of violating human rights and to open the door for political change. In an effort to establish confidence and change Ethiopia into a more open and democratic society, Abiy's openness was intended to promote national healing and demonstrate a commitment to abandoning authoritarian methods.

Can you think of any other state that weaponized the 'war on terror'?

The "war on terror" has also been used by Pakistan to impose control over its border territories, especially in places like Waziristan, which is close to Afghanistan. Pakistan has been under criticism for using anti-terrorism campaigns as a cover for military operations to repress ethnic Pashtun populations, resulting in widespread displacement and violations of human rights, despite supposedly targeting insurgent and extremist groups. Because it occasionally puts state interests ahead of sincere counterterrorism efforts and regional security, this strategy has drawn criticism from both domestic and foreign quarters.

Who do you think tried to kill Ahmed? Why?

The most possible answer seems to be the ones who were not happy with Abiy's chosen transformative path. Initially, the Ethiopian administration placed the blame on members of the security and military forces, especially those who remained faithful to the former government. Many members of the established political and military elite at the time, who had profited from the previous authoritarian system, which was founded on ethnic federalism and closely governed by a ruling party alliance, viewed Abiy's reforms as an existential threat.