Ethiopia is grappling with a multifaceted crisis exacerbated by economic policies and governance challenges. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's embrace of neoliberal economics has drawn criticism for worsening the situation, particularly as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank policies are perceived to benefit elites at the expense of the poor. Currently, over 21 million Ethiopians face hunger daily, and alarming statistics reveal that 38% of children under five are stunted due to malnutrition. The country also struggles with a significant number of internally displaced persons, with 4.4 million reported in 2023, many of whom are victims of ongoing conflicts. [f0abc12f]
The education crisis is equally dire, with approximately 4 million children in the Amhara region denied access to schooling. Ethiopia ranks a dismal 175th out of 191 countries on the UN Human Development Index, highlighting the severe challenges in health, education, and living standards. Access to basic services is limited, with only 13% of the population having access to clean water and 46% lacking electricity as of 2022. Furthermore, 90% of the population does not have basic sanitation facilities. [f0abc12f]
Despite these pressing issues, proposed reforms aimed at stimulating sustainable growth are on the horizon, although skepticism remains regarding their effectiveness. Critics argue that without addressing the underlying governance issues and the impact of neoliberal policies, cosmetic changes will not resolve Ethiopia's deep-rooted crises. Future discussions will delve into these proposed reforms and their potential implications for the Ethiopian populace. [f0abc12f]