By Ambassador Media | June 2025
While Ethiopia faces unprecedented economic challenges—with inflation soaring, basic goods unaffordable, and millions of citizens struggling to survive—the government seems to have found a new source of income: penalizing the very people it has failed to protect.
In recent months, harsh penalties and cash fines have been levied on ordinary citizens for using plastic bags, improperly disposing of waste, or even minor “environmental violations.” While environmental protection is undoubtedly important, the method and timing of these actions raise serious ethical and humanitarian concerns.
🔍 A War on the Poor, Not on Plastic
Instead of investing in public education, community clean-up initiatives, or accessible recycling programs, the government has chosen the path of punishment over awareness. With fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of birr, working-class families are now forced to choose between food on the table and avoiding government-issued penalties.
This is not an environmental policy—it is financial exploitation disguised as environmental concern.
📉 A Nation Struggling to Breathe
The price of teff, bread, and cooking oil has skyrocketed.
Transportation costs have doubled due to fuel shortages.
Youth unemployment is at a historic high.
Access to healthcare and clean water remains a daily challenge for millions.
And now, carrying a plastic bag or disposing of waste without a government-approved method can cost a family their week’s wages.
Is this justice? Or is it oppression?
🗣️ Where Is the Awareness?
Sustainable environmental change starts with:
Education, not punishment.
Incentives, not intimidation.
Community solutions, not cash collection schemes.
Why hasn’t the government invested in:
Free workshops on proper waste management?
Affordable alternatives to plastic?
Incentive-based recycling programs?
💬 Voices Silenced by Fear
Many citizens fear speaking out, knowing that doing so could bring them more trouble. But we at Ambassador Media will not remain silent when injustice wears the mask of policy. Environmental change should uplift people—not push them deeper into poverty.
✊🏽 Call to Action
We demand that the Ethiopian government:
Immediately suspend punitive fines related to plastic and waste usage.
Redirect funds toward nationwide public awareness campaigns.
Work with communities instead of punishing them.
Change must start with compassion. Environmental justice is only meaningful when it includes social justice.