The rise of ‘Pentecostal Republics’ in Africa? Insights from Ethiopia

The increasing prominence of born-again Christian politicians in several African countries has sparked discussions about the 'Pentecostalization' of African politics and its impact on secular governance and inter-religious harmony. The case of Ethiopia offers a fresh perspective on these questions. When the Pentecostal Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed assumed power in this predominantly Orthodox Christian and Muslim nation, observers were surprised by his use of religious rhetoric alongside his radical restructuring of Ethiopian politics, which ultimately led to civil war and instability. Ethiopia presents a useful case study to question overgeneralized notions of a postcolonial Pentecostal politics in the post and prompts better analysis rooted in local historiography.