Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Proposes Term Limits, Addresses Regional Tensions

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has confirmed that Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party has formally proposed to the National Dialogue Commission that “a government in power should only last two terms.” He also announced that there will be no inauguration celebrations during the next government formation.

The remarks were made on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, during the 30th regular session of the House of People’s Representatives, where the Prime Minister responded to questions from members of parliament. Among the issues raised were the Prosperity Party’s stance on elections and its agenda for the upcoming national dialogue.

Abiy explained that term limits are one of the key proposals his party has submitted for discussion. “A government in power should only last for a maximum of two terms,” he said, noting that such a measure is rare across the African continent.

In his address, the Prime Minister alleged that Sudan, the TPLF, and Eritrea are working together against Ethiopia, supported by unnamed foreign forces. He compared this alleged coalition to the alliance that overthrew the Derg regime but insisted it poses no threat to Ethiopia’s sovereignty. “Let alone Shabia, Woyane, and Sudan, let alone others, they do not pose the slightest threat to Ethiopia’s sovereignty,” Abiy told parliament.

Separately, across press releases, press conferences, interviews with its leaders, and affiliated media outlets, the TPLF has repeatedly accused the federal government of failing to return territories to Tigray as stipulated by the constitution and the Pretoria Agreement. The group also claims that Addis Ababa has withheld the region’s annual budget and is closing off peace options, potentially leading to renewed conflict.

Regarding Eritrea, the TPLF has stated that there is no formal government-to-government relationship, only people-to-people ties aimed at fostering peace between the two populations.

Political observers warn that the Pretoria Agreement, signed three years ago to end hostilities, is now at risk. Critics argue that federal government actions—including drone strikes in Tigray—have undermined the accord, fueling fresh tensions in the region.