Dictators may appear powerful and may build impressive structures , but power without accountability can lead to serious strategic mistakes. When leaders are surrounded by people who cannot challenge their decisions, they can make choices that ultimately damage their own country and even destroy much of what they built.
The situation involving Isaias Afwerki and Abiy Ahmed is an important example to examine. Eritrea supported Abiyโs government during the Tigray war, fighting alongside Ethiopian federal forces against the TPLF. But Ethiopiaโs relationship with Eritrea later deteriorated, particularly after Abiy repeatedly stressed that access to the Red Sea was vital for Ethiopia.
Ethiopiaโs interest in sea access has become a major source of tension between the two countries.
From a strategic perspective, one can argue that Eritrea had reason to be cautious about strengthening a powerful Ethiopian government while Ethiopia was simultaneously emphasizing its need for Red Sea access.
In 2023, Abiy specifically discussed Eritrean ports such as Assab and Massawa when talking about Ethiopiaโs access to the sea.
The lesson is that leaders need to think beyond their immediate enemies and consider what political consequences their alliances may create in the future. A decision that appears useful today can create a much bigger strategic problem tomorrow.
One thing history teaches us is this: a dictator often believes he is always right. But when a leader refuses to listen, admit mistakes, or learn from them, his decisions can weaken his people, divide his nation, and ultimately destroy the very country and legacy he spent years building.
Muna Kaamila
IDILNEWS