Former Ethiopian State Minister for Peace, Taye Dendea, was arrested on Monday, according to a report by BBC Amharic. His wife, Sentayehu Alemayehu, confirmed the arrest.
Taye was previously released from prison in December 2024 on bail of 20,000 birr. His earlier arrest occurred in December 2023, just one day after he strongly criticized Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, calling him “a ruthless man who plays with the blood of innocent humans.” He also condemned the government’s failure to negotiate with the Oromo Liberation Army.
Now, Taye’s previously dropped court case has been reactivated. He is once again facing two charges that were dismissed in December: “inciting violence” and “supporting anti-peace forces.” Additionally, he has been accused of violating firearm possession regulations.
Since his release, Taye has continued to speak out against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, voicing criticism over the government’s handling of internal conflicts and its response to Ethiopian medical professionals demanding a living wage.
According to Sentayehu, the arrest took place around 4 p.m. on Monday. More than ten uniformed officers reportedly entered their residence, informing Taye that he was wanted for questioning by the Federal Police. Taye told the officers that he is a member of the Oromia regional parliament.
While Sentayehu was told her husband would be taken to the Federal Police Office in Addis Ababa, she said she had no information about his whereabouts as of Monday evening.
Taye’s re-arrest comes amid growing concern from local and international human rights organizations over widespread abuses in Ethiopia. The country has been grappling with multiple armed conflicts and a deteriorating human rights landscape, particularly since the outbreak of the Tigray War in 2020. Reports by groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented grave violations by various parties to the conflicts, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, and sexual violence.
In Oromia, civilians have continued to bear the brunt of the violence between federal forces and the OLA, with frequent reports of massacres, house burnings, mass detentions, and communication blackouts. Human rights defenders and journalists operating in the region have also faced increasing harassment and threats.
The Ethiopian government has consistently rejected many of the allegations, accusing critics of spreading disinformation and undermining national unity. However, analysts warn that the government’s crackdown on dissent and the re-arrest of high-profile critics like Taye Dendea may signal a further closing of political space in a country that once held promise for democratic transition under Abiy Ahmed’s early premiership.
Taye’s case is expected to draw sharp criticism from opposition parties, diaspora communities, and international observers who are increasingly alarmed by the trend of silencing dissenting voices under the pretext of maintaining public order.
As of now, no hearing date has been announced, and his legal team is reportedly seeking information on his location and conditions of detention.
