Ethiopia: Opposition leaders and activists rearrested March 25

Event

According to local media sources, security forces in Addis Ababa arrested 12 journalists, bloggers, and opposition leaders on Sunday, March 25, during a celebration organized for recently-released political prisoners. Officials reportedly arrested the group for violating the state of emergency. Under the ongoing state of emergency, large gatherings are prohibited without prior authorization. At least two of those arrested were among those only recently released from jail. As of March 26, Ethiopian officials had not released any information on the status of those detained on Sunday.

The heightened security presence is expected to continue in Addis Ababa and other Ethiopian cities amid the ongoing state of emergency. Despite the ban on protests, associated demonstrations and transportation disruptions are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Outbreaks of violence continue to plague the country, notably in the Oromia region. A heightened security presence is thus to be expected across Ethiopian cities while the state of emergency - declared in mid-February - remains in effect. Associated measures, implemented amid an increasingly tense security environment, include the ban on protests and on the production and distribution of publications deemed to incite violence.

Despite these restrictions, demonstrations against the state of emergency have taken place in recent weeks. During protests on March 11, soldiers reportedly killed nine civilians and wounded 12 others after mistaking them for rebels in the Moyale area of the Oromia region. A three-day shutdown strike was also conducted between March 5 and 7. In addition, activists in the Oromia region have been leading a fuel blockade since March 13, which aims to cut off fuel supplies to most of the country.

Advice

Individuals in Addis Ababa are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home government. All those present in areas affected by fuel shortages are advised to anticipate increased wait times at fuel stations, to replenish fuel supplies whenever possible, and to allow for additional time for travel.