A recording published by Kello Media in the United States, which purportedly had Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed swearing to rather die than hand over power has been debunked by the Prime Minister’s office in an official statement. The Prime Minister was allegedly recorded as saying:
“I can tell you this and there’s no doubt or mystery about it – we have won the election.
“No one will be able to form a government in the coming 10 years. I would rather die than hand over power to them.”
Transcript of Recording
The government claims that the several speeches of the PM had been recompiled to arrive at the misleading audio file. In addition, citizens were warned to be wary of such future gimmicks.
Read the statement below:
“The supposed leaked audio of the prime minister during Prosperity Party meeting of last week is a fake audio compilation which has been put together by drawing on different remarks made by the prime minister and editing it into one compilation.”
The office also urged Ethiopians “to be vigilant about such types of disinformation campaigns”.
Kello Media however remains adamant on the veracity of the audio recording, on grounds that a painstaking editorial process was adhered to.
Ethiopia’s longstanding election, which was postponed due to the pandemic admist other concerns is now scheduled to hold for June 21.