EPRDF Party vs. Prosperity Party

Attribute	EPRDF Party	Prosperity Party
Ideology	Ethnic federalism	Multi-ethnic nationalism
Formation	1989	2019
Leader	Abiy Ahmed	Abiy Ahmed
Membership	Coalition of multiple parties	Single party

History

The Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) was a coalition of four political parties that came to power in Ethiopia in 1991. It was formed to overthrow the communist government of Mengistu Haile Mariam. The EPRDF ruled Ethiopia for nearly three decades until it was dissolved in 2019. On the other hand, the Prosperity Party was established in 2019 by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed after the dissolution of the EPRDF. It was created with the aim of unifying the various ethnic-based parties that made up the EPRDF into a single national party.

Ideology

The EPRDF was known for its policy of ethnic federalism, which granted autonomy to Ethiopia's various ethnic groups. Each ethnic group had its own regional state with the right to self-determination. This policy was intended to address historical grievances and promote equality among Ethiopia's diverse population. In contrast, the Prosperity Party advocates for a more centralized form of government that emphasizes national unity over ethnic identity. It aims to create a strong, unified Ethiopia that transcends ethnic divisions.

Leadership

The EPRDF was led by a council of representatives from its member parties, with the chairman of the coalition serving as the de facto leader of the country. Over the years, the EPRDF was dominated by the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which held significant influence within the coalition. In contrast, the Prosperity Party is led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who came to power in 2018. Abiy is seen as a reformist leader who has implemented significant changes in Ethiopia, including releasing political prisoners, making peace with Eritrea, and promoting economic liberalization.

Support Base

The EPRDF had a strong support base among Ethiopia's various ethnic groups, with each member party representing a different ethnic community. This allowed the coalition to maintain a broad base of support across the country. However, critics argued that the EPRDF's emphasis on ethnic identity led to divisions and tensions among different groups. The Prosperity Party, on the other hand, aims to appeal to a broader national audience by promoting a message of unity and inclusivity. It seeks to move away from ethnic politics and focus on common national goals.

Challenges

Both the EPRDF and the Prosperity Party have faced significant challenges during their time in power. The EPRDF was criticized for its authoritarian tendencies, human rights abuses, and lack of political freedom. The coalition also faced internal divisions, particularly between the TPLF and other member parties. The Prosperity Party, on the other hand, has faced challenges in managing Ethiopia's complex ethnic politics and addressing longstanding grievances. It has also been criticized for its handling of ethnic violence and political repression.

Future Outlook

As Ethiopia moves forward, the future of the Prosperity Party remains uncertain. The party has promised to bring about significant reforms and promote national unity, but it faces significant challenges in achieving these goals. The country's ethnic diversity and history of conflict present obstacles to the party's vision of a unified Ethiopia. It remains to be seen whether the Prosperity Party can overcome these challenges and lead Ethiopia into a new era of peace and prosperity.