Arbitrary Arrests of Tigrayans Escalate in Ethiopia's Capital, Addis Ababa

UMD Media, February 12, 2025

UMD Media sources report ongoing mass arrests targeting Tigrayan residents in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. Arbitrary detentions, a persistent concern for human rights advocates, have intensified, particularly in neighborhoods like Goro, Mercato, Lebu, Bole, Wollo Sefer, and Fiyel Bet.

Eyewitnesses and families of detainees say the arrests took place on multiple dates—January 20, February 2, 5, and 10—primarily targeting young Tigrayan men. While some have been released after paying large sums, others remain in detention without clear legal recourse.

Detentions and Extortionate Release Fees

Detainees who lack an Addis Ababa ID have been asked to pay between 15,000 and 22,000 Ethiopian Birr for their release. This sum is equivalent to the gross monthly salary of a full university professor in Ethiopia, making it an insurmountable burden for many families. An estimated 102 individuals remain detained.

Even those with Addis Ababa IDs have not been spared. Victims recount that security forces have resorted to questioning individuals based on their ethnicity, with little regard for legal documentation.

Personal Accounts of Victims

Alem*, a young professional, was stopped at a traffic light while walking home from work. Police officers asked for his ID and inquired about his ethnicity before forcing him into a police vehicle. He was only allowed to contact his family after two days, after which his relatives managed to secure his release by paying 20,000 Birr.

Berhane, a driver for Ride, Ethiopia’s equivalent of Uber, was dining at a local restaurant when police conducted a raid, demanding identification from patrons. His accent revealed his Tigrayan heritage, leading to his detention for a day. He was released after paying 22,000 Birr. Meanwhile, his car, which he had been unable to secure at the time of his arrest, was later discovered stolen.

Cherqos, a resident of one of the affected areas, was taken during a raid in his village. He remains in detention, as his family cannot afford to pay for his release. This is his second time being arrested; in January, he had to pay 10,000 Birr to be freed.

Growing Concerns Over Ethnic Targeting

The latest wave of detentions has drawn concern from Tigrayans in and outside Tigray. The arbitrary arrests, detentions without due process, and financial extortion of detainees highlight ongoing ethnic discrimination in Ethiopia’s capital.

The Ethiopian government has yet to provide an official explanation for the detentions, while families of those still held are urging immediate intervention and an end to the unlawful targeting of Tigrayans in Addis Ababa.

This is not the first instance of mass arrests. Similar incidents have previously been reported by UMD Media. Concerns over the systematic targeting of Tigrayans in Addis Ababa have intensified, especially following a recent open letter from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed to Tigrayans, which echoed rhetoric from before the November 2020 war.

*names have been changed to protect the security of the families and detainees.