Ethiopia to free jailed political prisoners: PM

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The Ethiopian government has said that it will release and pardon jailed dissidents and opponents in a move to “foster national reconciliation.”

The announcement on Wednesday by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn marks an unexpected shift in policy by a government that is routinely accused by rights groups of using security concerns to stifle opposition.

Rights group Amnesty International hailed the decision, saying it could signal the “end of an era of bloody repression.”

"Politicians currently under prosecution and those previously sentenced will either have their cases annulled or be pardoned,” Hailemariam told domestic news outlets in the capital. He did not give further details.

The prime minister, whose government has denied imposing political restrictions, made his announcement after the ruling EPRDF coalition concluded a weeks-long meeting meant to thrash out policies to address grievances.

There have been recent protests over land rights and repression and ethnic clashes, and takes place amid a political crisis that has seen some senior officials submit resignations from the ruling party.

Ethiopia has been wracked by violence for almost three years, with protests first breaking out in its Oromiya Province over allegations of land grabs.

Several dissident politicians have since been jailed having been charged with involvement in terrorism and collusion with the secessionist Oromo Liberation Front, which the government has branded a terrorist group.

Demonstrators chant slogans while flashing the Oromo protest gesture during Irreecha, the thanksgiving festival of the Oromo people, in Bishoftu town, Oromia region, Ethiopia, Oct. 2, 2016. /Reuters Photo‍

Nearly 700 people died in one bout of unrest during months of protests in 2015 and 2016, according to a parliament-mandated investigation.

Rallies over land rights then broadened into demonstrations over political restrictions and perceived rights abuses, including the incarceration of Merera Gudina and Bekele Gerba – leaders of the opposition group the Oromo Federalist Congress.

Ethnic clashes

In recent months, a spate of ethnic clashes has also taken place. Dozens of people were killed in several bouts of violence between ethnic Oromos and Somalis in the Oromiya region last year.

The unrest had triggered growing friction within the party. Two high-ranking members subsequently submitted their resignation, while officials have openly squabbled with each other over the cause of clashes.

Ethiopia, sandwiched between volatile Somalia and Sudan, is often accused by rights groups of regularly using security concerns as an excuse to stifle dissent and media freedoms. It denies the charge.

In a statement after the pardoning announcement, Fisseha Tekle, Amnesty International's researcher on Ethiopia, said, "A new chapter for human rights will only be possible if all allegations of torture and other ill-treatment are effectively investigated and those responsible brought to justice.”

The Ethiopian 547-seat parliament does not have a single opposition politician in it, and opposition groups accuse the government of constant harassment and intimidation.

Hailemariam said a detention facility known as “Makelawi”, where rights groups have alleged that torture has taken place, would also be closed down and turned into a museum.

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Source(s): Reuters