The Prosperity Party’s Political Use of Evangelical Leaders in Ethiopia

March 12, 2025

Caleb Ta (Dr)

Introduction

The influence of evangelical Christianity has become a critical and controversial element within Ethiopia’s political structure, particularly under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his Prosperity Party (PP). The Ethiopian government, led by Abiy, has repeatedly positioned itself as a believer in the Christian gospel, specifically appealing to evangelical Protestantism for support. This is a highly politically charged move, especially as it has become clear that the government is not simply embracing religious values, but is also using religious figures and organizations as tools for political power consolidation.

Religious Justification for Political Power

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his regime have sought to use evangelical leaders to bolster the legitimacy of their rule, framing themselves as defenders of Christian values. This manipulation of religion has led to evangelical leaders publicly aligning themselves with the regime, going so far as to declare, “This government is mine.” These leaders justify their support of the government even in the face of extreme violence and human rights abuses, saying that they will accept the regime’s actions, regardless of how violent or damaging they may be. “When it kills, I accept; when it robs, I accept; when it destroys the country, I am a collaborator,” has become a recurring refrain from certain evangelical leaders supporting the government.

This deep entanglement of religion and politics raises serious ethical and legal concerns. The Prosperity Party, while claiming to be evangelical, has filled high-ranking government positions, including ministers and key advisory roles, with evangelical leaders. This has created an uncomfortably close relationship between the government and religious organizations, blurring the lines between church and state in ways that many see as problematic. Some critics argue that such alliances undermine the moral and spiritual integrity of religious leaders who are meant to serve the public’s ethical needs, not political agendas.

Evangelical Leaders and the Military: A Dangerous Alliance

One of the most alarming aspects of this political manipulation of religion is the role of evangelical leaders in advising the government on military actions. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has often been reported to consult with the Evangelical Council rather than the Military Council when making critical decisions regarding Ethiopia’s ongoing military conflicts. This raises significant concerns about the influence of religious ideology on military strategies, which are supposed to be based on tactical and national security considerations, not religious beliefs.

The power and influence of evangelical figures extend beyond advisory roles; they have reportedly been integral in decisions surrounding military leadership. This includes instances where generals and high-ranking military officials have reportedly converted to evangelical Christianity to gain favor with Abiy. These military leaders, some of whom were once aligned with other religious groups or secular ideologies, have changed their religion to align with the Prosperity Party in order to secure high-ranking positions within the government.

The Case of General Mohammed Tessema and the Violence in Gojjam

A prominent example of this dangerous intersection between military and religious influence is General Mohammed Tessema, who has been linked to the massacres in the Gojjam area. General Tessema is accused of leading military operations that have targeted civilians, particularly in Gojjam, resulting in the deaths of many innocent people, including pregnant women and children. His rise to power is said to be connected to his conversion to evangelical Christianity and his newfound loyalty to Prime Minister Abiy’s regime.

Reports suggest that after converting to evangelicalism, Tessema was appointed to high military command positions, a move that critics argue was less about his military qualifications and more about his religious alignment with the Prosperity Party’s agenda. Upon retiring, he was given command of a militia, and his forces have been implicated in widespread violence in Gojjam. These militia forces have reportedly been responsible for atrocities that include the killing of civilians and the destruction of homes and communities, leading many to question whether the government’s embrace of evangelicalism is being used to justify militarized violence.

Evangelical Converts in the Military: The “Pente” Phenomenon

The Prosperity Party’s political alliance with evangelical leaders has been marked by the phenomenon of military officials who change their religion—specifically converting to evangelical Protestantism—in order to gain access to power and positions of respect. These figures, often referred to as “Pentes” (a colloquial term for Pentecostal converts), have become a critical part of the regime’s political apparatus.

The regime’s embrace of evangelicals is not just a matter of ideological alignment; it is also about gaining loyalty from individuals who can be instrumental in consolidating power. By promoting the Pente ideology, the government ensures that key military figures and political advisors are in line with its goals, which often include pursuing aggressive and violent strategies. These strategies have led to internal conflicts, including massacres, displacement, and human rights violations, particularly in regions like Gojjam.

The Prosperity Party’s Use of Evangelical Christianity as a Political Tool

While some evangelicals have rallied behind the government, others have expressed concern about being co-opted for political purposes. Christian leaders who have become part of the government apparatus are often called out for compromising their faith in exchange for political power and influence. Rather than using their platforms to advocate for peace and justice, these religious leaders have been accused of justifying government actions, even when these actions include violence, killings, and widespread destruction.

For example, the Prosperity Party has capitalized on evangelical leaders’ public pronouncements to endorse its policies, which range from military campaigns to economic reforms. However, these endorsements are seen by many as more about political expediency than spiritual conviction. The growing tension between religion and politics in Ethiopia has raised questions about whether these evangelical leaders are genuinely serving the interests of the Ethiopian people or if they are merely pawns in a larger political game.

The Legal and Ethical Implications

In addition to the ethical concerns, there are also legal implications for those evangelical leaders and military officers who align themselves too closely with the government. Serving as political tools for a government engaged in widespread human rights violations could lead to legal accountability, both nationally and internationally. Leaders who openly support government actions that result in violence, killings, and destruction may face consequences under international law, especially as Ethiopia’s conflicts come under increased scrutiny from human rights organizations and the international community.

Conclusion: A Divided Landscape

The growing influence of evangelical leaders within the Prosperity Party and the military in Ethiopia presents a deeply complex and troubling situation. On one hand, the government has positioned itself as a defender of Christian values, drawing on the support of evangelical leaders to consolidate power. On the other hand, the alliance between the government and evangelical figures has raised questions about the role of religion in justifying violence, human rights abuses, and political repression.

The situation in Ethiopia continues to evolve, and the role of evangelical leaders will undoubtedly remain a key factor in the country’s future political landscape. As the government continues to exploit religious beliefs for political gain, the spiritual and moral integrity of the country’s religious leaders will remain under intense scrutiny. Whether these leaders will choose to challenge the government’s abuses or continue to endorse them will determine the future of Ethiopia’s politics and its religious landscape.