In Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, government security forces have apprehended Dessalegn Chanie, an opposition lawmaker, according to his family members.
Despite his family’s inquiries, no official reason has been provided for Mr. Dessalegn’s detention. Having secured a federal parliamentary seat in 2021, representing the National Movement of the Amhara (Nama), Dessalegn Chanie enjoys parliamentary immunity from prosecution. Conventionally, parliamentary sessions are expected to convene and decide on the revocation of this immunity before an arrest can be made, a process that, in this case, has not been initiated.
This marks the second arrest of an opposition legislator in the wake of last year’s commencement of hostilities in the Amhara region. Christian Tadele, a Nama MP, was arrested in August and remains in custody.
Both Chanie and Tadele were known for their outspoken criticism of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration. These arrests unfold against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict between local militias and the army in Amhara.
Prime Minister Abiy declared a six-month state of emergency in early August to quell the escalating clashes. However, reports of continued fighting persist in certain areas of Amhara. Media outlets affiliated with the militias allege that government forces have killed unarmed civilians in the town of Merawi, situated 35 kilometres south of the regional capital, Bahirdar.