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| The moment of release of the detained teachers’ coordinators, greeted by fellow teachers awaiting their return. Photo: Provided by the writer |
In 2022, Ethiopian university lecturers launched a year-long social media campaign and subsequent threat for indefinite strike demanding, among others, salary raise, promotions, housing, life insurance, credit mechanism and improved working conditions. Despite their efforts, the movement concluded without achieving tangible results. This experience offers critical lessons for health professionals now mobilizing for similar demands.
University lecturers in Ethiopia face dire economic conditions. Most earn less than 100 USD per month, with no additional income sources. Their demands included access to land for constructing housing through associations in the cities where they work – primarily regional or zonal towns where rent is very expensive. Since universities are administered at the federal level, local authorities often refuse to allocate land for this purpose, citing a lack of jurisdiction or authority. As a result, lecturers live in poverty, unable to afford basic necessities like clothing or shoes. Corruption, systemic mismanagement, and institutional neglect drove them to launch the campaign and strike.
Unfortunately, their efforts ended with little to show. Instead of increasing salaries meaningfully, the government raised housing allowances for senior university officials from 3,000 to 12,000 ETB, while ordinary lecturers received a mere 500 ETB.
Below are the key reasons the strike failed – insights that health professionals should consider as they prepare their own movement.
Lack of solidarity
While many lecturers across universities participated in the strike, a significant number refused, choosing instead to continue teaching. Pro-government lecturers and university administrators took measures to sustain normal operations. Some used the situation to curry favor with officials, hoping to gain promotions or other benefits. In some cases, administrators offered allowances to lecturers willing to distance themselves from the strike. This fragmentation undermined unity and weakened the movement’s momentum. A similar lack of solidarity could undermine the health professionals’ campaign if not addressed early.
Political manipulation
The strike was politicized by pro-government activists, who linked it to the ongoing conflict in the Amhara region. Just a day before the strike, civilians were killed in Wollega Zone of Oromia region, and the government narrative sought to associate the killings with Fano militants – subsequently framing the lecturers’ strike as part of a broader plan to destabilize the state.
In some universities, Oromo students organized protests, citing the perceived connection between the strike and Fano militants which further complicated the situation
This narrative led many lecturers in the Oromia region to withdraw from the strike. The movement remained most active in the Amhara region and was disproportionately covered by pro-Fano media, further fueling claims of political motivation. In some universities, Oromo students organized protests, citing the perceived connection between the strike and Fano militants, which further complicated the situation.
Moreover, local staff – those ethnically affiliated with the host regions – were reportedly recruited to pressure lecturers from other regions to abandon the strike. These staff members allegedly spread misinformation within local communities, claiming that lecturers from outside the region were attempting to destabilize the city and disrupt the peace of the university. They warned that such actions could prompt the government to cut the university’s budget or even close it entirely. These narratives appeared to be deliberately designed to incite local communities against the striking lecturers.
Additionally, the coordinators of the Lecturers’ Union at Arba Minch University were arrested after the university reported to the police that they had attempted to “incite civil and ethnic conflict.” The allegations included insulting senior university officials and making ethnically charged remarks. Eventually, the coordinators were released from police custody.
Administrative staff at universities criticized the lecturers’ protest, comparing their own salaries to those of the lecturers and questioning the legitimacy of the strike
This form of identity and political manipulation proved effective in undermining cohesion among academic staff. Similar tactics could easily be used again to divide health professionals.
Poor timing
The lecturers’ strike occurred shortly after the end of the two-year brutal war in the Tigray region and during the onset of the ongoing conflict in Amhara. The timing was considered inappropriate by many, particularly by communities fatigued by war. Administrative staff at universities criticized the lecturers’ protest, comparing their own salaries to those of the lecturers and questioning the legitimacy of the strike; many asked: “Why are you protesting when we remain silent while earning less than half your salary?”
There were concerns that this could lead to tensions or even conflict between administrative and academic staff. Government supporters framed the strike as irresponsible, given the country’s fragile security. This narrative reduced public sympathy and further isolated the lecturers.
With ongoing conflicts in Amhara and Oromia regions, along with continued tensions involving the TPLF and the federal government, health professionals could face similar public backlash if the timing of their strike is perceived as insensitive or opportunistic. Moreover, the broader public is currently grappling with a severe economic crisis resulting from recent “economic reforms.” This crisis affects all sectors of society, and as a result, the demands of health professionals might be dismissed by the public or potentially spark wider protests.
Economic vulnerability
Lecturers’ economic vulnerability severely undermined the strike. Many lacked internet access at home and returned to their offices during the strike to access news and emails. Some didn’t even own smartphones. Their dependence on university infrastructure made them susceptible to administrative pressure.
Numerous lecturers accepted allowances and other incentives from administrators in exchange for continuing classes and documenting teaching activities for media coverage. This strategic co-opting exploited their financial hardship and successfully weakened the strike. Health professionals facing similar economic constraints must anticipate this tactic and prepare accordingly.
Lack of consistency and coordination
The lecturers’ strike lacked continuity. Sustained pressure and long-term commitment are essential for such movements, but in this case, the campaign ended prematurely. The strike was initially planned to continue indefinitely, beginning on 04 December 2022, until the government officially responded to the demands. Unfortunately, it lasted no more than three days. Some members of the organizing committee declared an end to the strike without broad consultation, even as media interest – both local and international – was gaining momentum.
build unity, avoid political entanglement, choose timing wisely, account for economic pressures, and maintain long-term consistency
As a member of the communication team, I had interviews scheduled with major outlets when the announcement was abruptly made. The committee justified their decision by citing potential government efforts to discredit the strike and undermine public sympathy for the lecturers. Whether due to internal compromise or external pressure, the sudden conclusion demoralized many participants. Most gave up and began seeking alternative careers rather than continuing the struggle for their rights.
Conclusion
The university lecturers’ strike serves as a cautionary tale. Health professionals now advocating for better conditions must learn from these missteps: build unity, avoid political entanglement, choose timing wisely, account for economic pressures, and maintain long-term consistency. Without these, even the most justifiable demands risk being dismissed, derailed, or defeated. AS
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Editor’s Note: The writer is a former lecturer at Arba Minch University, where they also served as the Campus President of the Lecturers’ Association and member of the organizing committee and communication team during the 2022 university lecturers’ strike. Following the strike’s conclusion, they resigned from academia and transitioned to a new professional path. Their name is withheld upon request.
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