Dr. Daniel Fentaneh, a gynecology and obstetrics resident at Bahir Dar University and a leading figure in Ethiopia’s growing healthcare workers’ movement, has been detained by security forces in Bahir Dar, capital of the Amhara region,
A source close to the matter confirmed that Dr. Daniel was arrested around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday and is currently being held at the 13th Police Station in Bahir Dar. “He is under tight security, and there are reports that authorities may transfer him to Addis Ababa at any time,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.
Dr. Daniel’s detention comes amid escalating tensions between the Ethiopian government and the country’s healthcare workforce, which launched a nationwide strike on May 13. The strike emerged after months of online mobilization by health professionals demanding fair pay, improved working conditions, and legal protections against harassment and political intimidation. Hashtags such as #HealthWorkersMatter and #ProtectHealthcareWorkers have gained traction on platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), galvanizing a previously fragmented professional community into coordinated civil action.
Dr. Daniel played a significant role in organizing and publicizing the strike through Team Debol, a Facebook-based platform known for sharing health-related content, professional grievances, and calls to action. The page, which he co-administers under the alias Dr. Debol, has become a central hub for healthcare workers voicing their demands and documenting challenges faced in Ethiopia’s public health sector.
Healthcare professionals across the country, particularly in public hospitals and health centers, have cited poor wages, overwhelming workloads, limited protective equipment, and the lack of institutional support as primary reasons for the strike. Many report working under extreme pressure with little compensation, often risking their own well-being to provide care in under-resourced settings.
The government’s response has grown increasingly confrontational. On June 10, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed the issue in a televised discussion with healthcare workers, accusing elements within the movement of political manipulation. He claimed that the strike had been “hijacked by political opportunists” and suggested that “those with no medical service experience” were now controlling the narrative. “The path to a solution has been taken away,” he said, adding, “This is no longer in your hands.”
While acknowledging that some concerns raised by healthcare professionals were legitimate, the Prime Minister dismissed key strike leaders as “politicians in white coats,” accusing them of using medical attire as a tool for political influence. His remarks have been widely criticized by advocacy groups and professional associations, who argue they downplay the systemic issues within the health sector.
Dr. Daniel is not the first health professional to be detained in connection with the protests. On May 4, Yonatan Dagnaw, president of the Healthcare Professionals’ Association, was arrested. He was later released, though the conditions of his release remain unclear. Similarly, Dr. Mahlet Guush, another active supporter of the strike, was detained for over three weeks before being released on bail on June 12.
The arrests have sparked concerns among international human rights observers and professional unions, who warn that the government’s approach may further exacerbate an already strained healthcare system. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have previously documented cases of professional suppression in Ethiopia, particularly in politically sensitive contexts.
As of now, the strike remains ongoing in many parts of the country, although participation has fluctuated due to pressure from authorities. Healthcare workers in multiple regions report surveillance, administrative threats, and disciplinary actions aimed at discouraging protest.
Dr. Daniel’s detention, given his prominent role in the movement, marks a critical moment in the ongoing struggle between Ethiopia’s healthcare professionals and the state. His colleagues and supporters continue to call for his immediate release, emphasizing that the demand for better health services and labor rights should not be criminalized.
