More Than 600 Ethiopians Released Following EHRC Peacebuilding Initiative

By Mintesinot Nigussie  |  September 14, 2026

More than 600 people convicted or prosecuted for serious crimes in Ethiopia have been released following a request by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission for special review of their cases, in what the Commission described as a major step towards peace and national reconciliation.

The EHRC said it had submitted requests to the government after receiving voluntary applications from citizens convicted of attempts to forcefully subvert the constitutional order, terrorism and other serious offences, as well as individuals whose cases were still before the courts.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed accepted the Commission’s request and directed relevant government institutions to implement the initiative through established legal procedures, according to the EHRC. Regional chief executives also took corresponding decisions in cases under regional jurisdiction.

The Commission said the process resulted in clemency being granted to individuals convicted of various crimes, while prosecutions against some defendants were conditionally terminated, enabling their release. Measures were also taken to restore legally restricted rights and support their reintegration into society.

The releases followed roughly five months of engagement between the EHRC, government institutions and other stakeholders, according to the Commission.

The EHRC welcomed the government’s decision, describing the outcome as having “immense national value” and as a potential model for resolving political and security-related disputes through legal and peaceful means.

The Commission linked the initiative to wider government efforts including the National Dialogue, disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programmes, regional peace initiatives and public consultations.

While welcoming the releases, the EHRC said it would monitor the implementation of the measures to assess whether the processes remain inclusive and respect human rights, while contributing to peace, justice and accountability.

The Commission also called on those released to return home and participate peacefully and lawfully in national peacebuilding and development, while urging regional administrations, civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations to support their reintegration.

The EHRC renewed its appeal to groups seeking to resolve Ethiopia’s political and other disputes through armed conflict to instead pursue peace and negotiations.

It also cautioned political actors against using the releases to advance political agendas or create public disorder.

The Commission said it would continue engaging with the government and other stakeholders on similar initiatives, maintaining that lasting peace is essential to the enjoyment and protection of human rights.

Source: FSX Business News