The Crossroads Government: Franklin Graham, Evangelical Pastors, and Political Lobbying in Ethiopia

March 9, 2025
Caleb T (Dr.)

AbstractEthiopia, a country historically known for its religious pluralism, has witnessed the intertwining of religion and politics under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This article explores the complex role of evangelical Christian leaders, including U.S. figures such as Franklin Graham and the late Senator Jim Inhofe, who have become key political allies of the Ethiopian government. These international religious figures, alongside Ethiopian evangelical pastors, have played an active role in political lobbying efforts that support the Ethiopian government’s military actions and political stability. The article critiques the government’s efforts to manipulate religious groups for political gain, the ethical implications of such alliances, and how these relationships impact Ethiopia’s internal conflicts. It also highlights how evangelical leaders have become part of the regime’s international lobbying efforts, focusing on their roles as spiritual and political actors.

 IntroductionEthiopia has long been known for its rich religious diversity, with Christianity, Islam, and traditional beliefs coexisting peacefully. The Ethiopian Constitution recognizes the separation of religion and state, but under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, these boundaries have blurred. The regime has co-opted religious groups, particularly evangelical Christians, to help consolidate power and influence both domestic and international political landscapes. Among the most notable international figures supporting this strategy have been U.S. evangelical leaders, such as Franklin Graham and former Senator Jim Inhofe. Their involvement in Ethiopia’s internal politics—through public advocacy and political lobbying—demonstrates the convergence of religion and politics in a way that raises questions about the ethical and moral ramifications of such alliances. This article examines the role of evangelical pastors, generals, and international political figures in supporting Abiy Ahmed’s government and how their actions intersect with the political, military, and religious contexts of Ethiopia’s ongoing crises.

 Evangelical Influence in the Political Sphere

Evangelical Christians have become a powerful political force in Ethiopia, particularly during Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s tenure. The Ethiopian government has strategically employed evangelical leaders, positioning them as allies in its quest for both political legitimacy and military success. Evangelical leaders, including pastors and bishops, have been publicly supportive of the government’s military actions, especially during conflicts such as the war in Tigray. These religious leaders, who have publicly endorsed the government’s actions, have framed the military operations as part of a divine mandate to protect the country and preserve its sovereignty.

The government’s engagement with evangelical Christian groups is not limited to domestic political manipulation; it extends to the international stage as well. The Ethiopian regime has actively worked with foreign evangelical leaders to lobby international governments, particularly the United States, for support. This strategy has been exemplified by the involvement of high-profile figures such as Franklin Graham and the late Senator Jim Inhofe.

 

Senator Jim Inhofe: Evangelical Advocate and Lobbyist for Abiy AhmedOne of the most prominent figures involved in lobbying for the Ethiopian government was the late U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe. Inhofe, who served as a member of the U.S. Senate for several decades, became a vocal supporter of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his administration. As an evangelical Christian, Inhofe was deeply involved in promoting the interests of the Ethiopian government, particularly by advocating for Abiy Ahmed on the international stage.

During a speech about Abiy Ahmed, Inhofe praised the Prime Minister’s credentials and leadership qualities, presenting him as an exceptional leader with a strong background in education. Inhofe said:

“A new prime minister, and who is this, his name is Abiy Ahmed, a doctor, a medical doctor. In fact, it’s interesting, if you think about his credentials, just listen to this, Mr. President. Abiy received his first degree—Bachelor’s Degree: Computer Engineering. Abiy earned a post-graduate certificate in cryptology degree in South Africa.”

Inhofe’s rhetoric was part of a broader effort to promote Abiy Ahmed’s government as a modern, capable, and progressive administration, despite the increasing instability and criticism surrounding Ethiopia’s military conflicts. This praise was designed to align Abiy’s leadership with the values of the U.S. political and evangelical communities, casting him as an ally in the global fight against extremism.

Senator Inhofe’s support of Abiy Ahmed extended beyond just public speeches; he also worked to influence U.S. foreign policy, positioning Ethiopia as a key partner in the Horn of Africa. His evangelical credentials played a pivotal role in shaping his approach, framing the Ethiopian government’s actions as aligned with a broader Christian ethos.

 Franklin Graham: Current Lobbyist and Evangelical Advocate for Abiy AhmedFollowing Senator Inhofe’s death, Franklin Graham, the prominent evangelical pastor and son of the late Billy Graham, became one of the most significant figures in supporting the Ethiopian government through his public advocacy and international lobbying efforts. Graham, who is known for his close ties to conservative U.S. politics, particularly the administration of former President Donald Trump, has played a key role in framing Ethiopia’s political and military struggles in a way that aligns with evangelical Christian values.

Franklin Graham’s visit to Ethiopia in March 2025, which was ostensibly for spiritual purposes, was in fact a politically charged mission. His visit included meetings with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other key government officials, where Graham expressed his support for the regime. He publicly stated that he would lobby U.S. President Donald Trump to continue supporting the Ethiopian government despite the ongoing civil war and human rights abuses. Graham’s narrative framed the conflict in Ethiopia as a fight against extremism and terrorism, aligning the government’s military actions with the broader global fight against radical ideologies.

During his visit, Graham made a statement that underscored his political mission, separate from the spiritual reasons for his visit. As he prepared to return to the United States, Graham shared:

“The statement said that when I return to the United States, I will tell President Trump how Addis Ababa has changed and explain what is happening in Ethiopia, not the spiritual reason they were originally told, but the political mission they were told in secret.”

Graham also emphasized his belief in the future return of U.S. aid to Ethiopia, while framing it within a narrative of love for the nation and support for the government:“I do believe USAID will come back, we love this nation, and I will be sure to tell Mr. President Trump what I have seen, what happened this week.”

Upon his return to the United States, Graham did not report to President Trump on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia, which included widespread displacement, violent military campaigns, and the effects of IMF loans that have caused division and disintegration among the Ethiopian people. Instead, he reframed the situation, omitting details about the wars in Amhara, Oromia, and other parts of Ethiopia and the potential destabilizing effects of further conflict with neighboring countries.

In stark contrast to the humanitarian reality, Graham’s mission was focused on lobbying for the continuation of U.S. support for Abiy Ahmed’s government, reinforcing the narrative of a fight against extremism, and avoiding the real political and social challenges facing the nation.

 

The Role of Lobbying and Justifying War: The Ethiopian Government’s Agenda

It has been seen before that the Ethiopian government’s lobbying efforts are not aimed at preserving the country’s national interest but instead at justifying the wars it is waging and condoning war crimes. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s call to the diaspora to hire lobbyists was a significant moment, underscoring the regime’s priorities.

Prime Minister Abiy’s words were clear:

“Ethiopians who love Ethiopia are doing a great job, but without the diaspora suffering, if one hundred thousand diaspora donate in person one birr, one dollar, two dollars, the total will be two hundred thousand dollars, they can hire a lobbyist here.” This statement highlights the strategy of relying on the diaspora’s financial contributions to secure political influence,

”ኢትዮጵያን የሚወዱ ዲያስፖራዎች ሰፌ ስራ አየሰሩ ነው ነገር ግን ዲያስፖራዎች  ሳይሰቃዩ በጁንታው መንገድ አንዳንድ ብር አንዳንድ ዶላር ሁለት  ሁለት  ዶላር  መቶ  ሺ ሰው ቢያዋጣ ሁለት መቶ ሺህ ዶላር ነው  በዚህ ሎቢስት መቅጠር ይችላሉ::”

The diaspora was not asked to contribute money to build factories, hospitals, or infrastructure in Ethiopia, but instead was urged to donate money to “embellish” the war being waged to preserve the government’s power. This call reveals the true nature of the government’s lobbying efforts, which were not focused on national development or reconciliation but on securing international support for a government embroiled in war.

At a time when Ethiopia faced immense political and economic challenges, including the failure to operate enterprises and projects initiated by foreign leaders such as the President of the UAE, the government turned to lobbyists to prevent its complete collapse. The Prime Minister’s rhetoric about transforming Addis Ababa into a city with lights, fountains, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes was echoed during international lobbying missions. Yet, these promises are increasingly seen as empty, with no tangible benefits for the Ethiopian people, especially as the conflict rages on, displacing countless individuals and creating a nation on the brink of further destabilization.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s stated purpose for his so-called divine journey was, from the outset, lobbying—though he framed it as a fight with divine guidance. In a conversation with evangelical leaders, he declared:

“I am fighting this war because Jesus told me to win. My God, you will win and he has given me a reason. I do not want to disappoint my Creator by doubting and I will continue the fight.”

This rhetoric, which combines religious conviction with political ambition, encapsulates the dangerous intertwining of faith and warfare under Abiy’s leadership. The rhetoric around divine approval for military actions continues, while those in the country suffering under war and displacement are left voiceless.

 

ConclusionThe blending of religion and politics in Ethiopia under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership raises serious ethical and moral concerns. The involvement of evangelical Christian leaders, both from within Ethiopia and abroad, in lobbying efforts to support the government’s military and political actions demonstrates the powerful role that religion can play in modern geopolitics. Figures such as U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe and Franklin Graham have used their influence to frame Ethiopia’s internal conflicts in terms that align with evangelical Christian values, often at the cost of addressing the humanitarian crises and human rights violations taking place in the country. As Ethiopia continues to grapple with internal strife, the role of religion in politics will likely remain a central issue, requiring further scrutiny and dialogue within both Ethiopian society and the international community.