Ethiopian security forces are carrying out a huge operation across the country that has resulted in the arrest of over 4,500 persons in just one location. The “law enforcement operation” targeting journalists, activists, and others went into action on May 20 after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration stated the need to “defend citizens and ensure the nation’s survival.”
Security officials in the northeastern Amhara region announced the arrests of over 4,500 persons on Monday morning. The arrests were conducted “to uphold law and order, deal with criminal activities, and get rid of outside adversaries,” according to Desalegn Tassew, the region’s chief of peace and security.
Human rights organizations are alarmed. Tigist Shumye, a sister of famed Ethiopian journalist Solomon Shumye, said he was arrested at his house on May 20 by persons dressed in civilian clothes. “They refused to reveal their identities to us.” “They even detained me for two hours because I am a journalist’s sister,” she claimed.
Ethiopia’s government has been accused by several political parties and media outlets of performing “abductions,” a practice that some activists describe a new tactic. According to some Amhara activists, the Fano armed organization, which has been accused of atrocities during the country’s Tigray war, is also being targeted.
Some journalists are fleeing the nation due to online and offline threats and intimidation from the government and non-state entities. Ethiopian officials recently suspended the license of a journalist who worked for The Economist.
The Ethiopian Mass Media Professionals Association had earlier in May called on the government to stop imprisoning journalists, noting an increase in arbitrary arrests. “Government security forces’ never-ending onslaught on the media… may temporarily traumatize the business, but such behavior will eventually cost the government,” it said in a statement.
Ethiopia’s deadly war has slowed in recent months after the government declared a humanitarian cease-fire, which was acknowledged by Tigray forces. However, slayings, human rights violations, and mass arrests have been recorded across the country, particularly in the Oromia and Amhara regions.
The US State Department said on May 20 that its delegation on Atrocity Prevention and Response will travel to The Hague from May 22 to 25 to “conduct high-level consultations with allies and partners regarding our responses to atrocities perpetrated in Ukraine, Burma, Ethiopia, and other violent areas.”
