Ethiopia’s Oldest Political Prisoner: Tadios Tantu as a Symbol of Resistance

By Dr. Caleb T.

The Unyielding Spirit of Truth: Tadios Tantu, Ethiopia’s Oldest Political Prisoner and a Symbol of Defiance Against Authoritarianism Under Nobel Laureate Abiy Ahmed

Introduction

Tadios Tantu is a name that resonates with resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth in one of Africa’s most politically repressive environments—Ethiopia. Born during the era of the Derg regime, Tantu grew up under authoritarian rule that stifled dissent and maintained a tight grip on political and social freedom. His early life, marked by exposure to the violence and injustice of the Derg, planted the seeds for his eventual career as a journalist. What makes Tantu’s story particularly compelling is his continuous resistance against oppressive governments, even in the face of immense personal suffering.

At 86 years old, Tantu is recognized as the world’s oldest political prisoner. His imprisonment and enduring ordeal serve as a powerful symbol of the cost of truth-telling in an authoritarian state. Over decades, Tantu has been subjected to prolonged torture, unjust imprisonment, and forced isolation, yet he has never relinquished his commitment to expose government corruption, advocate for human rights, and challenge the ethnic divisions propagated by successive Ethiopian regimes. In fact, it is this defiance and resilience that have made Tantu an icon not only in Ethiopia but in the global struggle for press freedom.

Tantu’s work has had a profound influence on Ethiopian political discourse. His critical writings, such as The Revenger and The Struggle for Change in Ethiopia, have dissected Ethiopia’s political landscape with an incisive and fearless approach. The Revenger delves into the personal and political consequences of corruption and human rights violations, while The Struggle for Change in Ethiopia critiques the system of ethnic federalism that Tantu argues has contributed to division and unrest in the country. These works are not merely political critiques; they are an embodiment of Tantu’s deep-seated belief in a better Ethiopia—one characterized by democratic principles, national unity, and an equitable distribution of power.

Tantu’s exploration of Ethiopia’s system of ethnic federalism is particularly noteworthy. This system, introduced by the TPLF-led government in the 1990s, divided the country into ethnically based regions, ostensibly to provide autonomy to Ethiopia’s many ethnic groups. However, Tantu, among others, has consistently argued that ethnic federalism exacerbated divisions and entrenched ethnic identity politics, creating tensions and destabilizing the nation. In his works, he critiques the manipulation of ethnicity by political elites for power, illustrating how this system has contributed to the deepening political and social fragmentation in Ethiopia. This critique is central to understanding his role as an outspoken journalist, as he continually highlights the flaws of the Ethiopian political system and calls for reforms aimed at national reconciliation.

Despite the personal cost of his activism, which has included multiple imprisonments, Tantu’s commitment to truth-telling has remained unshaken. His journey has not been easy; his time in prisons like Shoa Robot, where he endured physical abuse and isolation, serves as a stark reminder of the risks that journalists and political dissidents face under repressive regimes. Yet, even in the darkest periods of his imprisonment, Tantu continued to write, to speak out, and to advocate for the freedoms that all Ethiopians deserve. His case highlights the broader struggle for press freedom in countries where authoritarian governments seek to silence opposition and stifle dissent.

The story of Tadios Tantu goes beyond the personal; it speaks to a larger global issue—the ongoing fight for press freedom and human rights. In many parts of the world, including Ethiopia, journalists face increasing threats, from imprisonment to violence, simply for doing their jobs. Tantu’s case is not unique but rather a reflection of a troubling global trend in which press freedom is under siege. Yet, it also represents the resilience of those who refuse to be silenced in the face of such adversity. His case has garnered international attention, with human rights organizations and press freedom advocates calling for his release and for broader reforms in Ethiopia’s political system.

This paper seeks to explore Tadios Tantu’s life and work in greater depth, examining the personal sacrifices he has made in his quest for truth and justice. It will also explore how his writings and activism offer critical insights into Ethiopia’s political dynamics and the challenges of promoting democracy and human rights in the country. Additionally, it will consider the global implications of his case, particularly in relation to press freedom, political repression, and the role of journalists in shaping political discourse. By examining Tantu’s story, this paper aims to provide a broader understanding of the harsh realities faced by journalists in repressive states and to underscore the importance of defending press freedom as a fundamental human right.

Early Life and Political Awakening

Tadios Tantu was born during the era of the Derg regime, a period marked by brutal authoritarian rule and widespread political violence. Growing up in Ethiopia’s politically charged environment, he was exposed early on to the deep-seated social and political injustices perpetuated by the government. His academic years in Shashemene, Nazareth, and Addis Ababa University significantly shaped his worldview, particularly through the influence of Pan-Africanism and social justice movements. During this time, Tantu began to criticize the Derg regime’s policies and human rights abuses, a sentiment that would eventually lead him to pursue a career in journalism as a means to combat authoritarianism and champion democratic reforms (Girma, 2020; Smith, 2015).

Career Beginnings and the Role of Journalism

Tadios Tantu’s journalistic career began during the tumultuous final years of the Derg regime, a time when Ethiopia’s media landscape was heavily censored and controlled by the state. The Derg, an authoritarian military government, suppressed any form of dissent, including critical journalism. Despite these harsh conditions, Tantu emerged as a fearless voice, Undeterred by the risks, Tantu contributed to Tatek (ታጠቅ), a publication committed to exposing the rampant government corruption and human rights violations of the regime. Through this work, Tantu demonstrated an unwavering commitment to truth-telling, risking his safety to challenge the political establishment.

Following the fall of the Derg in 1991 and the rise of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)-led Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) government, Tantu did not cease his critical role in Ethiopian journalism. He continued his work with publications such as Yezareitu Ethiopia and Ethiopis, where his investigative reporting and incisive political analyses garnered both acclaim and controversy. Tantu’s fearless exploration of corruption, political mismanagement, and ethnic divisions under the TPLF administration made him a well-known figure in Ethiopian political discourse, but it also led to personal risks. His bold journalistic style, which sought to uncover uncomfortable truths, often put him at odds with the ruling political elites, making him a prime target for political retaliation (Johnson, 2017).

Tantu’s work as a journalist has had a profound impact on the political landscape of Ethiopia, providing invaluable insight into the complexities of governance, power, and the struggle for democracy. His unrelenting approach to exposing the political realities of the country solidified his place as an important figure in the ongoing discourse surrounding Ethiopia’s future, while also illustrating the precarious position of journalists who challenge authoritarian regimes.

Persecution and Imprisonment

Tadios Tantu’s relentless criticism of Ethiopia’s political elite and his exposes on government corruption and mismanagement made him a target for successive Ethiopian regimes. During the rule of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), his article Juda’s Choice (ወግድ ይሁዳ), which exposed the government’s deep-seated corruption and its mishandling of national crises, led to severe repercussions. In 2001, Tantu was arrested and sentenced to 15 years in prison, facing brutal conditions at Shoa Robot Prison. His time behind bars was marked by extreme torture, physical and psychological isolation, and the systematic violation of his basic human rights (Girma, 2020).

Despite the unimaginable hardship, Tantu’s resilience became a symbol of the broader dangers that journalists in Ethiopia face when challenging political authority. His imprisonment underlined the risks journalists take to expose truth in an environment where dissent is swiftly and harshly punished. Throughout his ordeal, Tantu remained defiant, continuing to write, reflect on political developments, and speak out against government abuses. His ability to persist in the face of such adversity reaffirmed his commitment to the ideals of justice, transparency, and democracy.

In the years following his release, Tantu’s literary contributions, such as The Revenger (ደም መላሽ) and The Struggle for Change in Ethiopia (የለውጥ ምጥ በኢትዮጵያ), continued to critique the Ethiopian political system, especially focusing on corruption within the ruling elites. Moreover, his writings took aim at the ethnic federalism promoted by the TPLF-led government, which Tantu argued had exacerbated divisions in the country rather than fostering unity. His insights into the political system’s structural flaws and his call for democratic reform contributed significantly to the understanding of Ethiopia’s political landscape, marking him as both a dissident and a beacon of resistance against authoritarianism (Mekonnen, 2021).

The Regime of Abiy Ahmed Ali

The ascent of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2018, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019,  initially promised national reconciliation and a new era of political liberalization. However, despite these initial efforts, his leadership has been marked by the exploitation of ethnic identities to consolidate political power and manage growing ethnic competition (Lavers, 2021). Abiy’s tenure has been marred by the reemergence of authoritarian practices, including the suppression of press freedom and the targeting of journalists and political dissidents. Tadios Tantu’s imprisonment under Abiy’s regime in 2022 illustrates this paradox. After criticizing the government’s policies during an interview with an Ethiopian-based YouTube channel, Tantu was arrested and charged with “disseminating hate speech” and “inciting violence” (Smith, 2015). These charges, frequently used by the government to silence critics, reflect the growing authoritarian tendencies within Abiy’s leadership.

Tantu’s incarceration in Makelawi, a notorious prison known for its inhumane conditions, its brutal treatment of detainees, highlights the increasingly repressive environment of authoritarianism under Abiy’s leadership in Ethiopia. Despite his advanced age, Tantu has been kept in solitary confinement, subjected to both physical and psychological torture. This mistreatment has drawn international condemnation from human rights organizations, which decry the growing dangers to press freedom and the use of the legal system to punish dissenters (Hansen, 2019).

Tadios Tantu as the World’s Oldest Political Prisoner

At 86 years old, Tadios Tantu holds the distinction of being the oldest known political prisoner in Ethiopia, embodying the unyielding cost of truth-telling in a politically repressive environment. His imprisonment has become a powerful symbol of the risks faced by journalists and activists who dare to challenge entrenched power structures. Despite the severe toll his prolonged incarceration has taken on his health, Tantu remains an unwavering advocate for free speech, democratic reforms, and human rights. His continued suffering underscores the extreme lengths to which authoritarian regimes will go to silence dissent and prevent those who expose government abuses from speaking out (Girma, 2020).

Global Ramifications and International Response

The international community has been vocal in its condemnation of Tadios Tantu’s imprisonment. Organizations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Human Rights Watch have called for his immediate release, citing the violation of his fundamental rights to freedom of expression and protection from torture. Tadios’s case has highlighted the increasingly precarious situation for journalists in Ethiopia and has reinforced global efforts to advocate for press freedom, particularly in authoritarian regimes. As such, his case has not only brought attention to Ethiopia’s domestic political challenges but has also contributed to global discussions on the protection of journalists and human rights activists (Hansen, 2019).

Legacy and Impact

Tadios Tantu’s legacy is a testament to the power of resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to truth. Throughout his decades-long career, despite the significant challenges he has faced—including imprisonment, torture, and exile—Tantu has consistently upheld the values of free expression, political accountability, and social justice. His investigative reporting and incisive political analyses have become crucial tools for understanding Ethiopia’s complex political dynamics, particularly in the context of the country’s ethnic federalism, authoritarian practices, and the exploitation of press freedom by successive regimes.

Tantu’s work has not only influenced generations of journalists in Ethiopia but has also served as an inspiration for activists and human rights defenders across the globe. His defiance in the face of political repression highlights the importance of journalism as a force for democratic accountability. In an era when authoritarianism is on the rise and the global media landscape faces unprecedented challenges, Tantu’s life offers a beacon of hope for those who continue to fight for truth and justice.

As calls for his release gain momentum from both domestic and international human rights organizations, Tadios Tantu’s case has become emblematic of the broader global struggle for press freedom. His imprisonment under the current Ethiopian government serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by journalists and the growing trend of state-sponsored silencing of dissent. His unwavering stance against oppression and his refusal to be silenced, even at great personal cost, position him as a symbol of the enduring fight for human rights, democracy, and the free press.

Tantu’s legacy underscores the critical role that journalists play in shaping political discourse, fostering transparency, and holding governments accountable. By continuing his work despite immense personal sacrifice, he has shown that truth remains a formidable force, even in the darkest times. His example is a call to action for those who believe in the power of the pen and the importance of protecting the freedoms that make democracy possible (Mekonnen, 2021).

Conclusion

Tadios Tantu’s life and career embody the indomitable spirit of resistance in the face of political repression, offering a powerful symbol of the unyielding fight for truth and freedom of expression. As the world’s oldest political prisoner, Tantu’s ongoing suffering under the Ethiopian government exemplifies the severe challenges faced by journalists in authoritarian regimes. His decades-long commitment to exposing corruption, advocating for political reform, and defending human rights underscores the immense personal sacrifices made by those who dare to challenge oppressive systems.

Tantu’s case is not only a reminder of the dangers faced by journalists but also a call to action for the global community to protect press freedom and defend the rights of political prisoners. His suffering highlights the critical need for international solidarity in the fight against authoritarianism and the suppression of free expression. Tantu’s courage, despite enduring unimaginable hardship, continues to inspire those fighting for justice, human rights, and the fundamental freedoms that underpin democratic societies.

Tadios Tantu’s legacy will resonate far beyond Ethiopia’s borders, serving as a beacon of hope for journalists, human rights defenders, and all those who strive to make the truth known, even in the face of repression. His life’s work will continue to inspire and guide the ongoing struggle for justice and the protection of fundamental human rights across the world.

References

Girma, A. (2020). Tadios Tantu and Ethiopian Democracy: A Study of Political Activism and Journalism. Addis Ababa University Press.
Hansen, L. (2019). Journalism under fire: The persecution of Ethiopian journalists. International Journal of Press Freedom, 25(3), 89-110.
Johnson, D. (2017). The Politics of Truth: Journalism and Authoritarianism in Ethiopia. Oxford University Press.
Mekonnen, F. (2021). The struggle for change in Ethiopia: Tadios Tantu’s contribution to political discourse. Horn of Africa Studies, 34(2), 52-74.
Smith, M. (2015). Revolutionaries of Ethiopia: The Role of the Media in Political Change. Cambridge University Press.