Arrests of Amhara Political Figures Spark Concern - Ethio Eyewitness News

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Arrests of Amhara Political Figures Spark Concern

In a significant development in Ethiopian politics, two prominent figures from the Amhara region were arrested on Tuesday, October 1, according to their families and colleagues. Zemene Hailu, a Member of Parliament (MP) representing the opposition The National Movement of Amhara (NAMA) and Melkamu Teshome, a representative of the Prosperity Party in the Amhara Regional Council, were taken into custody by security forces in Bahir Dar, the capital of the Amhara region.

Both men are reportedly being held at the Ninth Police Station in Bahir Dar, though the specific reasons for their arrest remain unclear. Zemene Hailu was elected to Parliament in the 2013 national election, representing the Tis Abai Zenzelma constituency, a position he has held while also working with the Organization for Rehabilitation and Development in Amhara (ORDA).

Zemene’s family shared with Ethiopia Insider that he was taken from his office by security forces, including members of the defense forces, the Amhara regional strike force, and local militias. Prior to his arrest, the family stated that a search was conducted at his residence without his presence and without a court order, raising concerns about due process.

Melkamu Teshome, a key representative of the ruling Prosperity Party in the Amhara Regional Council, was also arrested under similar circumstances, though details about his detainment are still emerging.

The arrests have sparked anxiety within political and civil society circles in the Amhara region, which has experienced heightened tensions over the past year. The Prosperity Party, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has faced growing criticism from opposition groups, particularly in regions like Amhara, where political divisions have deepened in recent months.

The lack of a court order during the search and arrest process has drawn attention to possible legal irregularities. Families and colleagues of the detained officials are calling for transparency and for the legal process to be respected.

As more information emerges, the situation will likely continue to draw attention, both within Ethiopia and from the international community, as concerns over political freedoms and rule of law continue to be debated in the country’s evolving political landscape.

This development comes at a time when Ethiopia is navigating delicate regional issues, with heightened calls for greater autonomy and political representation from various ethnic groups, including the Amhara. The arrest of political representatives from both the opposition and ruling party highlights the growing complexity of governance and security in one of the country’s most populous regions.

It remains to be seen what the legal outcomes will be for Zemene Hailu and Melkamu Teshome, but their detentions have already stirred discussions about the political climate in Ethiopia, with many questioning whether this marks an intensification of government crackdowns on dissent.

The story is ongoing, and further updates are expected as the legal process unfolds.

The key points about the National Movement of Amhara (NAMA):
The National Movement of Amhara (NAMA)

The National Movement of Amhara (NAMA), also known as Amhara National Movement, is a political party in Ethiopia that represents the interests of the Amhara people, one of the country’s largest ethnic groups. Established in 2018, NAMA quickly gained traction among Amhara nationalists, advocating for the protection of Amhara rights, greater autonomy for the Amhara region, and a focus on addressing historical grievances, such as land disputes and ethnic violence against Amhara communities in other parts of the country.

NAMA emerged in response to growing frustration over perceived marginalization of the Amhara people in the political and economic landscape of Ethiopia, especially in the context of ethnic federalism. The party positions itself as a defender of the Amhara identity, culture, and territory, while calling for a more equitable share of power and resources within the federal system.

Since its formation, NAMA has become one of the major opposition parties in Ethiopia, participating in national elections and advocating for changes to the federal system, which it argues has led to ethnic-based violence and displacements. While NAMA has garnered significant support within the Amhara region, it has also faced challenges, including accusations of fueling ethnic nationalism and tensions with other groups, as well as clashes with the ruling Prosperity Party.

NAMA has also been active in addressing security concerns in the region, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia, including the war in Tigray, which has heavily impacted neighboring Amhara. Its leaders have called for stronger measures to protect Amhara communities and have been vocal in their criticism of the federal government’s handling of regional security issues.

In recent years, NAMA has emerged as a key player in the political landscape, but it continues to face challenges from both the ruling party and other ethnic-based political movements. The arrest of NAMA figures, like Zemene Hailu, underscores the ongoing tensions between opposition groups and the federal government, highlighting the delicate and often volatile nature of Ethiopian politics.

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