Ethiopia’s government faces mounting criticism for systematically silencing teachers, health professionals, journalists, and workers across multiple sectors who courageously demand basic rights and fair treatment. Instead of engaging with these legitimate concerns, authorities resort to intimidation, arrests, and baseless accusations of fomenting instability by collaborating with so-called internal and external enemies.
Teachers and other essential workers have long struggled with low pay, poor working conditions, and lack of resources. Despite these hardships, many are afraid to speak out openly due to fear of government reprisals. Peaceful demonstrations calling for improvements in wages, workplace safety, and freedom of expression are often met with heavy-handed crackdowns rather than dialogue.
Journalists who report on these issues face censorship, harassment, and detention, further shrinking the space for public discourse. Health professionals, critical to the nation’s wellbeing, have also protested for better support and protections, only to be labeled as agents of chaos.
Human rights organizations warn that the government’s tactic of blaming protestors and workers for national instability and accusing them of links to “enemies of Ethiopia” is a dangerous diversion from addressing systemic problems. This repression not only violates fundamental human rights but also undermines trust in public institutions and deepens societal divisions.
“The government’s refusal to listen to teachers, health workers, journalists, and other peaceful advocates signals a serious crisis in Ethiopia’s democracy,” said an international rights observer. “Respecting the rights of these essential groups is vital for the country’s stability and progress.”
Calls are growing for the Ethiopian government to end the cycle of fear and repression, respect freedom of expression, and create safe channels for dialogue with all sectors of society. Until this happens, the voices of those who build and sustain the nation will remain unjustly silenced, to the detriment of Ethiopia’s future.
