Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent lecture at Addis Ababa University has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it undermined academic freedom and intellectual independence. The speech, delivered on the occasion of the university’s 75th anniversary, was expected to reflect on the institution’s contributions to Ethiopian society and outline a vision for higher education. Instead, it was seen as a political performance that redefined intellectual life in state-friendly terms and insulated executive power from criticism.
During the lecture, Prime Minister Abiy presented a narrow definition of intellectuals as rational problem-solvers detached from emotion or political engagement. This distinction was perceived as an attempt to discredit activists, dissenters, and critics, casting them as impulsive and undisciplined. The prime minister also introduced a typology of leadership “currencies,” assigning power to political leaders, faith to religious leaders, and ideas to intellectuals, implying that scholars should remain within the domain of ideas and not engage in political struggle.
The speech was also notable for its defensive tone, with the prime minister using the platform to vindicate his governance record and deflect criticism. He avoided explicit reference to Ethiopia’s ongoing crises, including human rights abuses and governance failures, and instead framed critics as lacking depth or patience. The lecture’s silence on attacks on universities, arrests of academics, and campus militarization was also seen as a strategic omission.
The event has raised concerns about the diminishing autonomy of Addis Ababa University, with the prime minister’s tone and language perceived as didactic and paternalistic. The university’s historic role as a site of critical thought and resistance to injustice was acknowledged, but quickly framed as a record of failure. The lecture’s emphasis on state-friendly intellectual pursuit has subordinated academic freedom to executive authority, valuing knowledge only insofar as it serves a regime-defined notion of prosperity.
The incident reflects a broader crisis in Ethiopia’s intellectual and political life, with the prime minister seeking to position himself as an intellectual authority without submitting to evidence or critique. The country’s multifaceted crises, including human rights abuses and governance failures, were conspicuously absent from the anniversary speech, highlighting the need for true intellectual depth and accountability. As Ethiopia navigates its challenges, the importance of academic freedom, intellectual independence, and critical thought cannot be overstated.
