Nairobi – Amnesty International Sounds the Alarm: Mass Detentions in Ethiopia Demand Global Attention

In a world that often feels like it’s spinning too fast to catch up, where crises come and go like a thief in the night, Amnesty International has hit the pause button to shine a much-needed spotlight on a dire situation unfolding in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. Picture this: it’s been four months since the Ethiopian government launched a sweeping campaign of arrests—thousands of individuals upended from their daily lives, vanished into four mass detention centers with nary an explanation to their name.

The calendar reads September 28, 2024, when Ethiopian federal forces, flanked by Amhara regional security, swept in like whispering shadows, detaining swaths of people in what can only be described as a chilling display of power. Those caught in the dragnet weren’t just the usual suspects; among them were respected figures from the judiciary—judges, prosecutors, and even academics found themselves behind bars.

In the global arena, Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, didn’t mince words: “Silence is golden, they say, but in this context, it’s absolutely shameful!” his voice a clarion call cutting through the silence. It’s not just about Ethiopia anymore. “The world can’t afford to turn a blind eye to this human rights fiasco,” insisted Chagutah, cleverly painting the picture of a world that, all too often, chooses comfort over confrontation.

Sure, there have been glimmers of sunshine piercing through the storm clouds—four judiciary workers found freedom in October 2024. More recently, January 2025 witnessed the release of hundreds, including three resilient judges, as well as women, elderly folks, and individuals with chronic health battles. Yet, for many, freedom remains an elusive dream as the months roll on without charge or trial.

Meanwhile, against this turbulent backdrop, the Ethiopian military and Amhara armed groups continue their ongoing skirmishes, adding fuel to the already roaring fire.

Amnesty International wasted no time pulling out the stops, labeling these detentions as nothing short of a “travesty of justice.” The allure of such powerful language isn’t lost—justice is not blind here, it seems to have taken leave altogether. “Holding thousands in legal limbo is a slap in the face to human rights,” Chagutah thundered. The demand? A clear directive to Ethiopian authorities to either release the detained or charge them with crimes recognized on the global stage.

The saga doesn’t end there. Amnesty International has raised the red flag over what it sees as an aggressive clampdown on civic space by the government. Adding another layer to this unfolding drama, the shutdown of four prominent human rights groups—one a stalwart with a presence spanning over three decades—sends a strong message to those fighting for freedom and justice.

As the situation in Ethiopia continues to unravel, Amnesty International reiterates the urgent need for a united international front. The call is not just for restoration, but for something greater—a world that remembers its shared humanity.

So, dare we ask: Will the international community rise to the occasion? Or will this call for action, like so many before it, simply be drowned out by the relentless march of time and history?

Report By Axadle.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring