Ethiopia: Arbitrary Detentions in Amhara Raise Serious Concerns Over Rule of Law - Ethio Eyewitness News

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Ethiopia: Arbitrary Detentions in Amhara Raise Serious Concerns Over Rule of Law

Amid escalating tensions in Ethiopia, mass arbitrary detentions have surged across the Amhara region, with authorities detaining hundreds of civilians, including members of the academic community. The detentions, which began on September 28, 2024, have drawn significant condemnation from human rights organizations, including Amnesty International.

According to reports, Ethiopian police and military forces conducted sweeping arrests without obtaining legal warrants. Many detainees were not presented before a court within the 48-hour period mandated by Ethiopia’s laws and constitution. This surge of detentions has intensified fears that the Ethiopian government is disregarding legal norms, with Amnesty International warning that these actions signal a dangerous erosion of the rule of law.

Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, criticized the actions, stating, “The Ethiopian army and police’s ongoing campaign of arbitrary mass detentions in Amhara region is yet more evidence of the government’s total disregard for the rule of law.” Chagutah called on authorities to either charge those detained or release them immediately, condemning the use of arbitrary detention as a tool of repression.

A Threat to Free Expression and Civil Society

The detentions are particularly alarming as they include members of the academic community and civil servants from federal universities in Amhara. These arrests are part of a broader crackdown that has targeted journalists, human rights defenders, and critical voices, driving many into exile in recent months. This exodus has resulted in diminished documentation of human rights abuses, further shielding the government from scrutiny​.

The crackdown against civil society and independent media began escalating earlier in 2024. Human rights organizations have faced harassment and threats from Ethiopian security forces, with many journalists arrested and human rights defenders forced to flee the country. This shrinking space for civic engagement has intensified since the declaration of a state of emergency in Amhara in August 2023, leading to increased censorship and restrictions on internet access​.

Growing International Concern

Amnesty International has called on the Ethiopian government to end the arbitrary arrests and respect the country’s legal framework. The organization has also urged international and regional partners to hold Ethiopia accountable for its human rights obligations. These include the protections enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights​.

With the situation in Amhara deteriorating, there are growing fears that the government’s repressive tactics could further destabilize the region, potentially deepening the ongoing conflict. As the international community monitors these developments, calls for the Ethiopian government to uphold the rule of law and protect freedom of expression are likely to intensify.

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Habtamu Alemu

Habtamu Alemu is a seasoned journalist and the editor-in-chief of Ethio Eyewitness News.

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