UMD Media, February 10, 2025
Prominent Ethiopian opposition leader Lidetu Ayalew, who had traveled to the United States for medical treatment, was unexpectedly denied boarding at Atlanta International Airport as he attempted to return to Ethiopia. Lidetu, a vocal advocate for political reform, recently called for the establishment of a transitional government in Ethiopia, a proposal that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has publicly and repeatedly rejected in speeches delivered at public meetings and in parliament.
Lidetu, who was scheduled to fly back to Ethiopia on February 10 aboard Ethiopian Airlines, was informed by airline officials that he could not board the flight without special clearance from the Ethiopian Embassy in the United States. Ato Teshome Gebreselassie, an Ethiopian Airlines representative in Atlanta, explained that this clearance was mandatory despite Lidetu having both a valid Ethiopian passport and a confirmed travel ticket. This unexpected obstacle forced Lidetu to abandon his travel plans.
The incident is viewed by many as part of an ongoing pattern of political suppression by the Ethiopian government. Lidetu had announced his return to Ethiopia weeks earlier, despite concerns raised by those close to him, who feared for his safety due to potential threats from both state and non-state actors. These fears have now been exacerbated by the denial of his right to travel home, raising serious questions about the political climate in the country.
Lidetu described the situation as deeply alarming and legally unjustifiable. He emphasized that governments have the authority to detain or investigate citizens suspected of crimes but not to prevent them from entering their own country.
“This is shocking. If the Ethiopian government suspects me of any crime, they have the legal authority to arrest or detain me upon arrival. However, preventing me from entering my own country is beyond comprehension,” Lidetu explained. “There is no legal framework allowing a government to deny entry to one of its citizens who holds a valid passport.”
He also noted that Ethiopian officials reportedly contacted Interpol regarding his case, although he has not been arrested or formally investigated in the United States.
This is not the first time the Ethiopian government has resorted to punitive measures against political dissent. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has a history of taking strong action against former allies and political opponents alike. One notable case is that of Lemma Megerssa, a former close ally of the Prime Minister and once a powerful figure within the ruling coalition. Lemma, who even relinquished his party chairmanship of the now defunct Oromo People’s Democratic Organization to pave the way for Abiy Ahmed’s ascension to power, became a target of the government after falling out with the Prime Minister. Ethiopian authorities recently sent both the Police Commissioner and the Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces to Rome to request Lemma’s extradition on allegations that he is supporting the Oromo Liberation Army, a group engaged in armed resistance against the government.
Despite these challenges, Lidetu remains resolute in his determination to return to Ethiopia. He announced that he will seek alternative travel arrangements and criticized the Ethiopian government for taking actions that undermine both his legal rights and the rights of other citizens.
“I will continue my efforts to return to my country despite these obstacles,” he affirmed.
The Ethiopian government has not yet issued an official statement regarding this matter. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about the treatment of opposition figures and the broader suppression of political dissent in the country.
In April 2024 , prominent Oromo opposition leader Bate Urgessa was murdered, his body discovered with his hands bound. The investigation, led by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, was reportedly obstructed by government officials.
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