Overview
The 2018 election of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed initially set off a transitional period. Abiy pledged to reform Ethiopia’s authoritarian state, undertook legislative reforms, held elections, and implemented some liberalization policies. However, Ethiopia remains beset by internal conflicts and intercommunal violence; abuses by security forces and violations of due process are common, many reformed laws have yet to be implemented meaningfully; and many restrictive laws remain in force. Armed conflicts in the Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray Regions in recent years have caused widespread displacement, and credible allegations of atrocity crimes have emerged.
Key Developments in 2024
- Armed conflict in Amhara and Oromia intensified during the year. Civilians were killed in clashes between government forces and regional militias, and instances of destruction and looting of property, mass arbitrary arrests, restrictions on movement, and internal displacement were reported. From January through November, the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data group (ACLED) recorded over 9,000 fatalities from the ongoing conflicts.
- Media outlets and other monitors described a sharp increase in the number of kidnappings for ransom in Amhara and Oromia throughout the year. Criminal groups, militias, and members of the security forces were implicated.
- Thousands of homes and businesses were demolished as in Addis Ababa as part of the government’s Corridor Development Project. Thousands of citizens were displaced, many of whom received little advance notice or compensation.
- Journalists and civil society groups came under increasing pressure. In September, the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center condemned “escalating pressure on journalists, including arbitrary arrests, intimidation, threats, and forced self-censorship.” Several prominent nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) were suspended during the year. Read more…