Coalition For Ethiopia Calls For Release Of Three Detained Politicians

August 8, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Coalition for Ethiopia has called for the release of three politicians detained in recent days, warning that restrictions on peaceful political activity could further narrow Ethiopia’s political space. The coalition said the arrests of Abebe Akalu, Yishak Woldai and lawyer Abera Nigus had caused concern because the three politicians had advocated peaceful political struggle as a means of bringing political change.

In a statement on current affairs, the group said the detentions could have a negative impact on political participation and questioned whether the government was creating conditions that could discourage peaceful political activity. The coalition cited Article 29 of the Ethiopian Constitution, which protects freedom of expression, including the right to communicate and disseminate information and ideas through speech, writing, print, artistic expression and other means.

It argued that the detention of politicians advocating peaceful political change was inconsistent with the constitutional protection of freedom of expression. The group also questioned whether restrictions on opposition voices could contribute to the growth of political forces that favour alternatives to peaceful political engagement.

"Is there a force working tirelessly to close all doors to peaceful struggle and open the doors to war?" the coalition said, framing its concern over the direction of the political environment. Coalition for Ethiopia urged the government to protect what it described as the remaining space for peaceful political activity and called for the unconditional release of the detained politicians. It also called on the government to respect their right to bail.

Source: FSX Business News