The Illusion of Miracles: How The Secret May Have Shaped Abiy Ahmed’s Political Rhetoric

The Illusion of Miracles: How The Secret May Have Shaped Abiy Ahmed’s Political Rhetoric

Since coming to power in 2018, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has often framed his leadership and his party’s agenda in messianic and miraculous terms. He speaks of “achieving miracles” in economic development, unity, peacebuilding, and institutional transformation despite mounting evidence of deepening economic hardship, political instability, and national fragmentation. This grand, almost metaphysical language raises an important question: What is this rhetoric's philosophical or ideological foundation?

One possible influence is the popular self-help book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. The book promotes the Law of Attraction, suggesting that positive thinking, visualisation, and an unwavering belief in success will manifest outcomes in real life. It encourages readers to see themselves as co-creators of their destiny, able to achieve anything by aligning their thoughts and emotions with their desires.

The Secret and Abiy’s Vision of “Miracle Politics”

Abiy Ahmed has consistently used language that mirrors the core ideas of The Secret. He repeatedly speaks of “vision,” “belief,” and “miracles,” not as distant hopes but as imminent realities that will materialise through willpower and determination. His speeches are often laden with metaphysical undertones, where challenges are seen not as material obstacles but as illusions to be overcome by positive national energy and belief.

Examples include:

Referring to his administration as “a party of miracles” capable of transforming Ethiopia beyond expectations.

Asserting that "nothing is impossible for Ethiopia" when there is national unity and belief.

Promoting mega projects like the GERD (Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam), new cities, and military-industrial complexes as signs of spiritual and visionary leadership rather than the result of grounded planning.

Such rhetoric uncannily aligns with The Secret’s formula: Ask, Believe, Receive.

The Discrepancy Between Rhetoric and Reality

However, the on-the-ground realities in Ethiopia tell a very different story:

Economic Struggles: Inflation, youth unemployment, debt pressure, and foreign exchange shortages persist. The cost of living has dramatically risen.

Conflict and Displacement: Ethnic-based violence, civil war, and displacement have increased under Abiy’s rule. Peace processes are inconsistent and fragile.

Authoritarian Drift: Despite promises of reform, there has been a crackdown on opposition, journalists, and activists. Institutions remain weak and politicised.

Lack of Transparency: Major national decisions are often shrouded in secrecy, and there is little space for genuine democratic deliberation.

This mismatch between citizens' miraculous self-image and their painful lived experience exposes a dangerous tension: positive thinking cannot replace effective governance.

The Danger of Magical Thinking in Politics

Borrowing the mental framework of The Secret into national politics can be deeply problematic:

1. Denial of Structural Problems: If success is just a matter of belief, then poverty, inequality, or conflict are perceived as failures of attitude, not systemic challenges requiring policy intervention.

2. Suppression of Dissent: Critics questioning the government’s claims may be labelled “negative thinkers” or enemies of progress, stifling healthy public debate.

3. Over-Personalisation of Power: The idea of a “visionary” leader who manifests reality through thought centralises power and creates a cult-like atmosphere, eroding institutional checks and balances.

4. Delusion over Realism: Ethiopia faces complex, historically rooted challenges. Addressing them requires realism, competence, and humility—not self-congratulatory rhetoric.

Conclusion: From Wishful Thinking to Responsible Leadership

While The Secret may inspire individuals to pursue goals with confidence and optimism, its principles are not suited for guiding statecraft in a multiethnic, conflict-ridden, and economically struggling country. Abiy Ahmed’s adoption of this style of rhetoric—conflating political will with miraculous outcomes—risks detaching governance from accountability, policy from evidence, and leadership from reality.

Ethiopia does not need a government that speaks of miracles. It needs one that delivers measurable progress through inclusive, transparent, and practical leadership. Words can inspire—but only when backed by truth and tangible action.