Washington Update
Attacks on religious freedom in Ethiopia
June 5, 2025

Mesfin Mekonen Briefs International Religious Freedom Roundtable on Ethiopia

There is growing alarm among international advocates as Ethiopia’s religious freedom faces unprecedented threats. Recent events highlight a troubling trend, particularly concerning the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Reports of government meddling in church affairs and the unlawful detention of religious figures are sparking concern. The Ethiopian government’s actions raise serious questions about the erosion of not only religious autonomy but also broader human rights protections.

Mesfin Mekonen’s presentation at the International Religious Freedom Roundtable shed light on these escalating issues, emphasizing the urgent need for international diplomatic dialogue. The Ethiopian American community echoes this urgency, calling for immediate action to uphold religious liberty and ensure the protection of fundamental human rights in Ethiopia. If these matters remain unaddressed, they risk inflicting lasting damage on one of the world’s oldest Christian traditions and the nation’s commitment to freedom and justice.

Government Interference in Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) faces increasing challenges due to government interference, threatening its leadership and long-standing traditions.

Impact on Ecclesiastical Leadership

Politically Motivated Manipulation

Government influence over the EOTC has led to politically motivated manipulation within its leadership structures. This interference threatens the Church’s autonomy by exploiting internal divisions to install politically favorable leaders. This strategy not only undermines the Church’s spiritual authority but also exacerbates existing tensions within the religious community. The government’s motivations appear to be driven by a desire to control the narrative and align the Church’s activities more closely with its political agenda, which detracts from the Church’s core mission of serving its congregation.

Challenges to Autonomy and Tradition

The Holy Synod and other ecclesiastical bodies have been vocal about the challenges to their autonomy and tradition posed by external interference. There is a growing sentiment among the clergy and lay members that the government’s actions are eroding the Church’s centuries-old tradition of self-governance. This erosion is seen not just in leadership disputes but also in the broader practices and rituals that define the Church’s unique identity. By compromising these traditions, the government jeopardizes the Church’s role as a cornerstone of Ethiopian culture and spirituality.

Violent Crackdowns and Arrests

The EOTC has not only faced political manipulation but also violent crackdowns that have resulted in arrests and human rights violations.

Clergy and Faithful Targeted

Both clergy members and the faithful have become targets of state crackdowns, often facing harassment, arrest, and in certain cases, violence. Reports have documented instances where clergy have been detained without clear charges, raising alarms about the respect for due process and religious freedoms in the country. These actions communicate a disturbing message to other religious communities in Ethiopia about their safety and security under the current political climate.

Incidents of Violence and Suppression

Isolated incidents have spilled into broader violence and suppression, witnessing clashes between security forces and congregants. Such situations underline a heavy-handed approach by the state to suppress dissent and control religious gatherings. The suppression of religious expression has led to fatalities and the erosion of trust between the Church and the government. The international community continues to voice concerns over these acts, urging for accountability and a re-evaluation of policies affecting religious practices in Ethiopia.

2023 Church Crisis and Broader Threats

State Overreach and Religious Symbols Ban

Public Display Restrictions

The 2023 Church crisis marked a significant shift in how religious expressions are perceived and controlled in Ethiopia. The ban on the public display of religious symbols sent shockwaves through religious communities, signaling a level of state overreach that was unprecedented. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church was highly affected, as symbols such as crosses and other sacred emblems were restricted from being displayed publicly. These restrictions were not merely administrative decisions but seemed designed to marginalize religious identities and reduce the influence of traditional religious practices in public life. This move by the government has drawn criticism from national and international observers who see it as an infringement on religious freedom and expression.

Examples of State Intervention

In instances of state intervention, there have been reports of government officials actively dismantling church-owned properties that displayed religious symbols prominently. Places that were long considered sacred spaces have faced abrupt closures and restrictions. Additionally, this intervention extended to media, with religious broadcasts being monitored or outright censored under claims of promoting political dissent. These examples of state intervention reflect a broader policy aimed at curbing the cultural and societal influence wielded by religious institutions, raising tensions within communities and between the church and the state.

Call for Constitutional Reform

Ethnic Federalism’s Role

The calls for constitutional reform echo louder in response to these religious restrictions. At the heart of the debate is Ethiopia’s system of ethnic federalism, which has been criticized for exacerbating divisions among different ethnic groups and contributing to political instability. Critics argue that this system has been leveraged to deepen control over religious institutions by tying religious representation to ethnic lines, thereby weakening the unified voice of religious communities such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. This role of ethnic federalism in religious affairs has sparked intense discussions about the need to reform the constitution to ensure that it promotes unity and protects religious liberties across all ethnic and cultural divisions.

Protecting Religious and Civic Rights

The protection of religious and civic rights is at the forefront of the political conversation in Ethiopia. Many advocates see the escalation of the church crisis as a glaring indicator of the urgent need to enshrine religious freedoms more robustly within the legal framework. It is emphasized that constitutional reform should aim to eliminate ambiguities that allow for political misuse of ethnic categorizations in religious domains. This would involve crafting policies that explicitly safeguard religious expression, ensure equal treatment of all faiths, and bolster civic rights, facilitating a more harmonious coexistence among Ethiopia’s diverse populations.

International Religious Freedom Advocates’ Concerns

Alarming Developments and Trends

Pressures on the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church

Pressures on the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church have reached alarming levels, drawing international concern. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC), one of the world’s oldest Christian institutions, has faced escalating interference and manipulation. Reports reveal that the government has been attempting to influence Church leadership and governance, a move viewed as an undermining of the Church’s autonomy and longstanding traditions.

These pressures are not only problematic due to the religious implications but also because they threaten the freedom of the clergy and lay members to practice their faith without government intrusion. Violent crackdowns on Church members, along with politically motivated detentions, further exacerbate the vulnerability of the EOTC in Ethiopia’s already tense political climate.

Broader Human Rights Implications

The Broader Human Rights Implications of the pressures on the EOTC extend beyond religious freedom. They signal a troubling trend of enhanced state control over civil and political rights across Ethiopia. This situation reflects larger issues regarding freedom of expression and assembly, impacting various aspects of civic life and governance.

Human rights advocates warn that the shrinking space for dissent, coupled with religious and political targeting, endangers Ethiopia’s democratic progress. These developments have resulted in a chilling effect, discouraging advocacy and collective action essential for democratic discourse and accountability.

Urgent Diplomatic Engagement Needed

High-Level Discussions and International Monitoring

The need for High-Level Discussions and International Monitoring is critical. To mitigate the risks posed by religious and political oppression, coordinated international efforts must be amplified. Diplomatic engagements should prioritize open dialogues centered on restoring autonomy to the EOTC and ensuring protection for religious and political actors facing persecution.

International monitoring bodies can play an instrumental role in documenting abuses and pressuring Ethiopian authorities to adhere to internationally recognized human rights standards. This will also create pathways for accountability and reinforce the global community’s commitment to safeguarding religious freedoms.

Dialogue with Ethiopian Government and Civil Society

Dialogue with the Ethiopian Government and Civil Society is essential for comprehensive resolution. Encouraging open communication channels between the Ethiopian government, religious leaders, and civil society organizations is key to addressing the root causes of these conflicts. This collaborative approach can lead to sustainable solutions that respect religious autonomy and protect human rights.

In conclusion, the international community’s involvement and proactive dialogue strategies are crucial for de-escalating tensions and ensuring Ethiopia can thrive as a nation respecting diverse rights and freedoms.

Political Detentions and Human Rights Violations

Political detentions and human rights violations in Ethiopia have become a pressing concern for both local and international communities. These actions undermine the country’s commitment to democratic principles and legal frameworks.

Reports of Harassment and Arbitrary Detention

Targeting Clergy and Political Activists

Harassment and arbitrary detention have been widespread, with disturbing reports of clergy and political activists facing undue persecution. Members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, along with various political dissenters, have been targeted based on their perceived opposition to governmental policies.

Credible sources reveal instances of harassment directed at religious leaders who express critiques against the government, leading to their arbitrary detention. Political activists advocating for civil rights are also subjected to threats and imprisonment without clear cause.

Implications for Due Process and Rights

The broader implications for due process and rights are severe. Detaining individuals without due process not only infringes on their personal freedoms but also contravenes international human rights standards that Ethiopia is obligated to uphold.

Reports indicate a pattern of prolonged detentions without charges, denying individuals access to legal representation. This reflects a breakdown in judicial independence and basic legal principles meant to protect citizens from unjustified state control.

Strategic Importance of Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s strategic position in the Horn of Africa, alongside its historical and political significance, highlights the urgency of addressing these issues.

Deep Ties and Diplomatic Concerns

Deep ties and diplomatic concerns between Ethiopia and other nations amplify the importance of these unfolding human rights issues. Ethiopia is a key partner for many countries in terms of trade, regional security, and development initiatives.

Diplomatic channels are increasingly focusing on pressing Ethiopia to adhere to international norms. This includes negotiating the safe release of detainees and preventing further political repression.

International Obligations to Address Violations

Ethiopia’s international obligations demand a response to these violations. As a signatory to various international treaties protecting human rights, Ethiopia is expected to ensure its policies and practices do not contravene established standards.

The international community is urged to engage robustly and consistently to encourage Ethiopia to reform its practices, safeguard freedom, and ensure that human rights violations do not escalate further.