Ethiopia's Council of Ministers Backs Reintegrating Formerly Outlawed Political Groups

In a significant move aimed at promoting political reconciliation, Ethiopia's Council of Ministers has endorsed a proclamation to reintegrate formerly outlawed political groups, including the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). This endorsement paves the way for these groups to re-register as legal political parties, pending parliamentary approval.

The decision comes amid ongoing concerns over the detention of leaders from the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), who have been held by government security forces despite multiple court orders for their release. The OLF has accused the government of violating national laws by detaining its leaders in life-threatening conditions.

This move has significant implications for Ethiopia's political environment and reconciliation efforts. The reintegration of formerly outlawed groups could lead to a more inclusive and stable political environment, but it also raises concerns about the balance between reconciliation and justice.

On April 14, 2024, the OLF wrote to the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) highlighting the continued detention of its leaders, including Abdi Regasa, Mikael Boran, Kenessa Ayana, Lammi Begna, Dr. Geda Gebisa, Dawit Abdata, and Girma Tiruneh. The party has called for an impartial investigation into the killing of Batte Urgessa, a political officer of the party, who was found dead by the roadside in his hometown of Meki, Oromia region.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), along with international entities including the United States and the European Union, have urged for a thorough investigation into Urgessa's killing. However, the EHRC has suspended its investigation, citing concerns over the involvement of government security forces.

The OLF leaders have been held by the Oromia police since 2020 and 2021, despite multiple court orders for their release. Their detention locations have been frequently changed, with some being held at a former poultry farm outside Awash Melkassa, utilized by the Oromia Special Forces.

This latest proclamation by the Council of Ministers is part of Ethiopia's broader national dialogue efforts, which aim to address historical and contemporary issues, heal divisions, and reach consensus on critical national matters. The nationwide dialogue, running from May 29 to June 4, 2024, involves over 2500 representatives from various community groups, including farmers, pastoralists, and community leaders, convening at the Adwa Museum in Addis Ababa.

The Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, established on December 29, 2021, is overseeing these efforts. Chief Commissioner Professor Mesfin Arya emphasized the importance of inclusive and open-minded dialogue, stating, "Ethiopia will address its age-old contradictions through participatory, inclusive, and open-minded dialogue and be exemplary in this regard for the rest of Africa."

As Ethiopia traverses these complex political dynamics, the reintegration of formerly outlawed groups like the TPLF and the ongoing detention of OLF leaders highlight the intricate balance between reconciliation and justice. The outcomes of these efforts will significantly shape the nation's political terrain in the years to come.

Key Takeaways

• Ethiopia's Council of Ministers endorses proclamation to reintegrate formerly outlawed political groups, including TPLF.
• OLF leaders remain detained despite court orders, sparking concerns over national laws and human rights.
• Reintegration of outlawed groups could lead to a more inclusive and stable political environment.
• National dialogue efforts aim to address historical and contemporary issues, heal divisions, and reach consensus.
• Balance between reconciliation and justice remains a concern in Ethiopia's complex political dynamics.