The United States is facing a challenge from China's growing military and economic influence in the Horn of Africa, which is compounded by the threat of terrorism. China has been engaging in debt diplomacy and expanding its influence over strategic resources and trade routes. The U.S. can counteract this by promoting human rights and democracy, particularly in Ethiopia, where Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government has been accused of human rights abuses by Amnesty International. The U.S. has the means to pressure Ethiopia through aid and sanctions to adhere to human rights standards. The article suggests that supporting the Oromo people's rights in Ethiopia aligns with U.S. interests and could serve as a strategic partnership against China's influence in the region.

Dr. Abiy Ahmed's election as Ethiopia's first Oromo Prime Minister has sparked celebrations and cautious optimism among Oromos and other Ethiopians. However, skepticism remains due to the ongoing state of emergency, political prisoners, and internal displacement. Abiy, representing the Oromo Peoples’ Democratic Organization (OPDO), faces significant challenges from both within and outside his party, particularly from the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The Oromo youth demand immediate and tangible changes, while the Oromo diaspora's activism continues to play a crucial role. The text emphasizes the need for sustainable organizations and proactive planning to ensure accountability and genuine democratic reform.