June 3, 2025 — Ethiopian American advocate Mesfin Mekonen delivered a critical briefing to the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable, drawing global attention to the growing threats to religious freedom in Ethiopia. The event brought together religious liberty advocates, policy experts, and civil society leaders from around the worl
Focus on the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC)
Mekonen voiced the deepening concern of the Ethiopian American community over increasing violations of religious freedom, particularly against the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). He highlighted alarming patterns of government interference in church governance, political manipulation of church leadership, and violent repression of clergy and worshippers. These actions have reportedly led to deaths, arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on religious expression.
Citing Alarming Incidents
Mekonen referenced several major incidents, including:
- 2023 Church Crisis: Government-backed support for a breakaway synod in Oromia sparked violence, particularly in Shashamane, where Orthodox Christians were killed. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission confirmed fatalities and rights abuses.
- Mariam Church Shooting (January 2022): Oromia police opened fire on an Orthodox religious procession, killing three and injuring ten.
- Social Media Ban (February 2023): The government blocked platforms such as Facebook, Telegram, and TikTok during church unrest, widely seen as an attempt to stifle dissent.
- Ban on Mourning Symbols: Following calls from the Church for national mourning, the government prohibited black clothing in public offices—interpreted as suppression of symbolic protest.
- Arson Attacks (April 2022): Churches in the Silte region were set ablaze. Though radical groups were blamed, church leaders say protection was lacking.
Clergy and deacons have faced repeated arrests and detentions without due process, reinforcing concerns about targeted repression of religious figures.
Broader Concerns Over Religious and Civic Freedoms
As of May 2025, the EOTC continues to struggle with serious challenges, including what the Church’s Holy Synod describes as persistent and unjustified interference by the Ethiopian government in its internal affairs. These interventions threaten the autonomy of one of the world’s oldest Christian institutions and signify a broader erosion of space for religious practice and political expression.
Civil society groups have also reported the detention of activists and religious leaders based solely on their peaceful political or religious beliefs—violations of Ethiopia’s own constitution and its international human rights obligations.
Call to Action
Mekonen urged the international community to take immediate steps:
- Apply diplomatic pressure on Ethiopia to release individuals imprisoned for peaceful religious or political expression.
- Expand monitoring and reporting on religious freedom conditions in the country.
- Encourage direct engagement between U.S. officials, the Ethiopian government, and religious leaders.
- Clarify inconsistencies in U.S. policy, including the May 23rd U.S. Embassy statement on drone strikes, which was later retracted.
- Advocate for constitutional reform, particularly of Ethiopia’s ethnic federalist structure, which many view as a key driver of religious and civil strife.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church, long a cornerstone of Ethiopian identity and heritage, now faces systemic threats. Mekonen’s presentation served as a stark reminder that religious freedom is a fundamental human right—and one increasingly at risk in Ethiopia.
