Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has dismissed Taye Dendea from his role as State Minister of Peace, effective immediately. The decision was announced in a letter dated December 11, 2023, and posted on Taye Dendea’s verified Facebook page. The letter thanked Taye for his service since his appointment on October 8, 2021, but did not provide any specific reasons for the sudden termination.
Taye’s dismissal comes after a series of highly publicized media engagements and social media posts in which he openly criticized the government, particularly for its handling of peace negotiations with the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). On December 6, 2023, Taye criticized the government for the failure of peace talks held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. In a subsequent Facebook post on December 10, he condemned the government for preventing a planned protest rally in the capital, which led to the arrest of over 95 individuals.
In response to his termination, Taye Dendea reacted sharply, describing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as a “barbarian who plays with human blood.” His comments reflect the growing tensions within the Ethiopian government, particularly regarding the administration of the Oromia regional state, where Taye was a member of the regional parliament.
The day after his dismissal, Taye was arrested by security forces. He was charged with participating in terrorist activities during his tenure as State Minister. Federal prosecutors have accused him of supporting anti-peace forces through propaganda and of possessing unauthorized firearms, which were allegedly found at his residence during a search. Taye has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining his innocence.
In a court hearing on August 6, 2024, the Federal High Court in Lideta acquitted Taye of the first two charges, ruling that his social media posts and a BBC Afaan Oromoo interview were protected by his constitutional right to free expression. However, the court upheld the charge of illegal firearm possession, requiring Taye to prepare a defense. His request for bail was denied due to concerns about the potential severity of the sentence and the risk that he might not appear in court.
Taye’s legal troubles have continued to escalate. On September 4, 2024, the Supreme Court rejected his appeal for bail, citing the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence ranging from 8 to 25 years. The court emphasized the seriousness of the charge and the potential risk of flight if Taye were released. He is scheduled to present his defense on October 18, 2024.
This high-profile case has drawn significant attention both domestically and internationally, highlighting the deepening political rifts within Ethiopia. The outcome of Taye Dendea’s trial could have far-reaching implications for the country’s political landscape and its ongoing struggle with internal dissent.
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