Ethiopian Government Threatens to Revoke Licenses of Striking Healthcare Workers
Courts in Mekelle Suspend Operations Due to Intimidation
Ethiopian Human Rights Commission Reports Arrests and Intimidation of Healthcare Workers
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has reported multiple instances of arrests, intimidation, and forced eviction of healthcare professionals across hospitals and teaching institutions in the country, including in Addis Ababa. The commission noted that services, particularly in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), have been disrupted due to partial and full strikes by healthcare workers. Commissioner Berhanu Adelo emphasized the need for all legal and administrative measures to align with human rights standards, calling for dialogue and accountability to resolve the issue, and stressing that repression is not a viable solution.
Health Minister Threatens to Revoke Licenses of Striking Healthcare Workers
Ethiopia’s State Minister of Health, Dr. Dereje Diguma, warned healthcare workers who continue their strike that their professional licenses could be revoked. He criticized some physicians for abandoning their duties, especially in emergency, maternal, and infant wards. Dr. Diguma explained that most of the striking workers are resident physicians and interns. Meanwhile, nine healthcare professionals arrested in connection with the strike appeared in federal court in Addis Ababa on May 21, facing charges of inciting riots, collaborating with anti-peace forces, and causing patient deaths due to their strike. Several teaching hospitals have begun issuing vacancies to replace the striking workers.
Prime Minister’s Committee Selects Candidates for NEBE Board
A committee formed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to nominate new board members for the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has selected six candidates, including three high court judges and three women. The list will be presented to the Prime Minister, who will nominate three candidates for approval by the Federal Parliament. These nominees will replace the deputy chairman, Woubshet Ayele, and two board members whose terms will expire in June 2025. The Prime Minister is required by law to consult opposition political parties regarding the suitability of the nominees before seeking parliamentary approval.
Courts in Mekelle Suspend Operations Due to Intimidation
Courts in Tigray’s regional capital, Mekelle, have suspended operations following reports of harassment and intimidation against judges during a murder case hearing on May 16. The Interim Regional Administration (IRA) condemned the intimidations and pledged to investigate the incident. The suspension of court operations has raised concerns about the functioning of the judicial system in the region.
National Dialogue Commission Raises Concerns Over TPLF Legal Status Revocation
Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Commission has expressed concerns that the revocation of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) legal status may complicate the planned dialogue process. The commission has dispatched a delegation to Mekelle and held preliminary discussions with the Interim Regional Administration (IRA). The commission, which is preparing to launch the agenda-gathering process, has already gathered agenda items from eleven regions and two City Administrations, including Addis Ababa. Previously, the TPLF leadership responded positively to the launch of the process.
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