Dr. Dagnachew Assefa is a familiar figure on Ethiopian government-owned television stations and associated YouTube channels. For readers who are not acquainted with his work, he is a former lecturer at Addis Ababa University who was dismissed by the then Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)-led Ethiopian People’s Democratic Front (EPRDF) government for reportedly mixing politics with education. Since that time, he has been a vocal critic of the former EPRDF government and an advocate for the current Prosperity Party Ethiopian government. He is known for strong opposition to the TPLF and those affiliated with it. When the 2020-2022 Tigray civil war erupted, he publicly expressed gratitude to the Eritrean government for assisting the Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party government during the conflict with the TPLF. Following the peace agreement signed in Pretoria, South Africa, on November 2, 2022, and as the Abiy Ahmed government shifted its stance regarding Eritrea, Dr. Dagnachew’s public communications also shifted. He became a notable voice in the resulting discourse. His statements often include references to renowned scholars and varied quotations. However, these quotations are sometimes viewed as attempts to support his arguments. This article will address and examine statements from Dr. Dagnachew’s recent interview with the Ethiopian YouTube channel Andafta, which was broadcast on August 17, 2025. While several points could be discussed, this article will focus on four main claims.
Lie No.1: Ethiopia is the Most Stable Country in the Horn of Africa.
It is concerning when a person with advanced academic training makes public statements that are inconsistent with widely observed facts. Currently, Ethiopia faces significant challenges, including conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions. Reports indicate widespread extrajudicial killings of civilians and abductions for ransom near the capital, Addis Ababa. There are also reports of government-sponsored arrests driven by financial motives in the city. The Tigray region is described as a semi-autonomous federal government no-go zone. The Ethiopian economy is facing considerable strain, with citizens reportedly struggling to meet basic needs. The Ethiopian Birr to US dollar exchange rate has weakened substantially, going from 53 to 1 to 170 to 1. Overall, observers have drawn comparisons between Ethiopia’s current circumstances and Argentina in the 1930s. Comparatively, some suggest that Eritrea and Djibouti, though smaller in size, may presently experience relatively more stability in the Horn of Africa. Despite this, Dr. Dagnachew has maintained the position that Ethiopia is the most stable country in the region and that Western powers believe Ethiopia can safeguard the Red Sea. It is also important to note that Ethiopia is a landlocked country and does not have direct access to the sea.
Lie No. 2: Eritrea does not have Public Institutions.
Dr. Dagnachew acknowledged that his statement that “Eritrea does not have Public Institutions” was based on information from Ethiopian National Security Adviser Redwan Hussien, whose appointment as Ethiopian Ambassador to Eritrea was not accepted by Eritrea. This suggests that Dr. Dagnachew’s views may be shaped by perspectives within the Ethiopian government. Those interested in the political history of the Horn of Africa may find that Eritrea has a historical record of establishing public institutions dating back to before its 1991 liberation from Ethiopian control. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF) reportedly developed departments in education, social welfare, economics, and health, among others. The EPLF’s underground hospitals provided health services and even produced medicines. Programs such as foot health doctors and the production of basic supplies were also established. The EPLF’s education efforts extended beyond combatants and civilians to include prisoners of war. These structures are said to form the foundation of modern Eritrean public institutions. Comparatively, present-day Ethiopia’s education system faces significant challenges, with millions of students out of school in the Amhara region and low academic achievement in matriculation exams. Similar difficulties are reported in other sectors. In the current information environment, it is increasingly difficult to sustain narratives that are easily contradicted by accessible data.
Lie 3. The Conflict in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia is Between Ethiopians and Anti Ethiopians.
Lie number 3 shows the Dangerous nature of Dr. Dagnachew’s Misinformation Campaign. Tigray is a de facto Northern Region of Ethiopia; currently, the Federal Government has no reach at all. In the past three years with the making of the Ethiopian Federal government, there was a political split in the TPLF, which is a governing party in the region. The split is a pure struggle for power. It has nothing to do with pro or anti-Ethiopian groupings. Yet without any shame, Dr. Dagnachew wanted to divide the region based on loyalty to Ethiopia. In fact, he went on to say further and mentioned the subregions in Tigray that are pro-Ethiopian. The Current Ethiopian Prosperity Party government is known for dividing Ethiopians along ethnic and ideological lines and igniting conflict among them. Dr. Dagnachew’s propaganda falls within such Ethiopian government’s messaging.
Lie 4. He is a defender of the Amhara Ethnic group.
Dr. Dagnachew states that he is part of a group advocating for the Walkaite, Tselemt, and Tsegede regions to remain under the Amhara regional government. The Amhara region currently faces significant challenges, including reports of violence against civilians, widespread displacement, and disruptions to education. Despite these issues, Dr. Dagnachew has not publicly addressed the human rights concerns affecting the Amhara population. This raises questions about the consistency of his advocacy and the motivations behind his public statements.
Conclusion
Dr. Dagnachew Assefa is a former academician known for his critical stance towards the TPLF. His outspoken nature and strong opinions have made him a prominent figure in the region’s political discourse. However, concerns arise when considering the broader implications of his views and the potential influence they have. In an environment where the line between opinion and fact can become blurred, it is crucial to evaluate the messages being conveyed critically.
Victory to the Masses and Eternal Glory to Our Martyrs.
