Ethiopia releases prisoners to advance dialogue
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In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered the release of more than 600 prisoners on the eve of the country’s New Year as a first step in acting on recommendations from the National Dialogue.
The Prime Minister announced the releases as a demonstration of forgiveness and a commitment to peaceful political engagement, responding to calls from dialogue participants to free people imprisoned for past actions.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) had spent five months reviewing cases and coordinating with the government to make the releases possible. The EHRC clarified that the process involved both pardons for those already convicted and the conditional release of defendants whose trials were ongoing, emphasizing adherence to legal procedures.
The Commission views the releases as a contribution to peace, national consensus, and democracy, while also stating the importance of continued monitoring to ensure inclusivity, respect for human rights, and accountability. The government hopes the released prisoners will contribute to peace and democracy, and is urging communities to support their reintegration into society.
The EHRC also called on those released to peacefully participate in nation-building and avoid actions that could threaten stability, and asked local organizations to help them rebuild their lives. Ultimately, the success of this measure will depend on whether it leads to reduced political antagonism and a stronger commitment to peaceful engagement within Ethiopia.
