Escalating Repression in Ethiopia: The Targeting of Tewodros Kassahun (Teddy Afro) the Erosion of Civic Space
The Ethiopian American Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) expresses deep concern over the continued deterioration of civic and public space in Ethiopia, marked by widespread detentions, pressure on religious institutions, and recent actions affecting prominent cultural figures.
Credible reports from human rights organizations indicate that more than 300 elected officials—including parliamentarians, journalists, and civil servants—have remained imprisoned for over two years, raising serious concerns about due process and the rule of law. Concurrently, there is increasing evidence of pressure on longstanding religious institutions, including the Ethiopian Orthodox Church—one of the world’s oldest Christian traditions—further signaling a contraction of fundamental freedoms and institutional independence.
Recent developments involving Tewodros Kassahun (Teddy Afro), one of Ethiopia’s most influential cultural voices, further underscore these concerns. Since the release of his album Etorika, reports indicate that his studio has been looted and individuals associated with his organization have been detained. According to Deutsche Welle, several individuals connected to his team, including a close associate and marketing manager, are reportedly in custody.
These developments come at a time when the government is preparing to conduct national elections. Observers have raised serious concerns about whether such conditions—marked by arrests, restrictions, reported intimidation, and ongoing armed conflict across several regions—can support a credible democratic process. International assessments, including global press freedom and civil liberties reports, continue to rank Ethiopia among countries facing significant challenges in these areas.
AEPAC recognizes that the long-term resolution to Ethiopia’s complex political and social challenges ultimately rests with the Ethiopian people through inclusive and constructive dialogue. At the same time, international partners who are invested in regional stability should consider the following:
Democratic legitimacy requires conditions of freedom — Elections conducted amid mass detentions, intimidation, and restricted civic space risk undermining credibility and public trust.
Allegations of large-scale financial misconduct demand scrutiny — As reported by Addis Reporter, an estimated 100 billion birr has reportedly been diverted from government coffers through coordinated schemes. If substantiated, this represents a profound breach of public trust and a direct loss of resources intended to serve the Ethiopian people.
Entrenched high-level corruption undermines governance — Systemic corruption at the highest levels erodes institutional integrity, weakens the rule of law, and diminishes public confidence in government.
Accountability is essential for stability — Sustained governance without accountability erodes institutions, fuels long-term instability, and ultimately compromises national cohesion.
Protection of civil society and cultural voices matters — Actions affecting artists, journalists, and religious institutions signal broader constraints on freedom of expression.
Advancing business interests cannot occur in a vacuum — Economic engagement is sustainable only when grounded in stability, rule of law, and accountable leadership —not in environments marked by ongoing abuses without consequence.
Policy alignment is critical — Western nations seeking regional stability should prioritize policies that reinforce transparency, human rights, and responsible governance.
As part of this broader engagement, AEPAC encourages the U.S. Congress to consider measures such as House Resolution 937 as one avenue to express its position and support democratic principles, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights in Ethiopia.
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Press Statement
The Centre for Human Rights is gravely concerned by reports of harassment and arrests linked to Ethiopian artist Teddy Afro following the release of his album Etorika.
Artistic freedom must be protected. Read the full statement: https://t.co/rEwC70YLQW
Press Statement
The Centre for Human Rights is gravely concerned by reports of harassment and arrests linked to Ethiopian artist Teddy Afro following the release of his album Etorika.
Artistic freedom must be protected. Read the full statement: https://t.co/rEwC70YLQW
“He (Abiy Ahmed) is telling the world the 2026 elections will become the most democratic in history but @TheEconomist is right it's a total sham. Let me tell you what they didn’t include in their explanation.”
Source: የስጦታው አድናቂ
The European Union should adopt clear enforceable human rights benchmarks in its engagement with Ethiopia, so recent diplomatic and financial normalization doesn't undermine accountability efforts regarding abuses in the Tigray, Oromia, and Amhara regions. https://t.co/czqEV7qap5
Ethiopia: reports suggest that a majority of citizens refused to register for the coming election, arguing that participation would legitimise a sham. The regime nevertheless denied them basic services while recording their names from official archives to inflate participation
Ethiopia’s prime minister says the next election will be the most open and democratic in the country’s history. In reality it will be a sham. Discover the full story: register to read for free https://t.co/tuiCbgfPOU
My interview on @GlobalPowerShifts with @JimStenman divided in two parts. This one addresses Horn of Africa dynamics - Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somaliland, etc. While world focuses elsewhere, trouble is brewing in this critically important region.
https://t.co/Q4RndEHNA7
Have you notice, @addisstandard did not say a word, despite the clear violations of free expression and artistic freedom on Teddy Afro. His songs have made shockwaves across Ethiopia even for BBC World to give him coverage.
More that this the Ethiopian government should be focused on rehabilitation its citizens who have been suffering war and conflict for the last 8 years instead of trying to build lavish airport that none of citizens could use. The regime leader thinks he will be in power for the next 100 years as she has shared in my meetings.
Building a $12.5B mega airport in Ethiopia won’t fix intra-African air travel. The issue isn’t terminal capacity. It’s weak route networks, restrictive bilateral agreements, low frequencies, and poor airline coordination.
Africans don’t transit via Dubai or Europe because African airports are small. They do so because those hubs offer better connectivity, frequency, and reliability.
Until we fully implement open skies (SAATM) and strengthen inter-African airline networks, even the biggest airport won’t change how Africa flies.
The #Ethiopian government is engaging in oppressive actions against individuals utilizing their artistic expression to voice the pressing issues faced by the nation. #TeddyAfro ‘s recently released song serves as a powerful call for unity among the Ethiopian people. It highlights the severe impacts of ongoing conflicts and internal displacement that have plagued Ethiopia for the past eight years.
The song's poignant lyrics, reflecting frustration and underline the betrayal and silencing of voices, depicting the nation as crumbling under deceit and turmoil. Despite these challenges, there is a resolute call to continue cherishing and raising the national flag, reflecting an undying allegiance to Ethiopia's heritage and future.
In a troubling escalation, Teddy Afro's private studio was raided by federal police during a violent nighttime intrusion. This illegal act, occurring around 9:00 PM local time, involved the severe beating of the building's security guard to gain access, bypassing legal protocols and raising serious concerns about the integrity of the country’s justice system. The intruders confiscated vital equipment, including two laptops and music production tools, posing a grave threat to Afro's unreleased intellectual property. Furthermore, his manager and a close friend have been imprisoned, with his house reportedly surrounded, aiming to instill fear and psychological distress.
The systematic suppression of free speech, exemplified by the detention of journalists and opposition figures, starkly contradicts the democratic facade the government attempts to present, especially in light of upcoming #elections. Despite these transgressions, the international community, including human rights organizations, remains largely silent on the violations orchestrated by the Ethiopian authorities, a situation that demands urgent and unwavering condemnation. @UNOSAPG@UN@UN_Spokesperson@marcorubio@StateDept@TheDemocrats@AsstSecStateAF@antonioguterres@hrcoethio@hrw@AmnestyEARO@amnestyusa@amnesty@AngeliqueKidjo
Wallpaper the Internet with this image. Shove it in the feeds of all the Abiy regime diplomatic and ministerial accounts. Make them choke on it.😠
And as I suggested before, go PLAY DAS TAL OUTSIDE ETHIOPIAN EMBASSIES & CONSULATES. Make it a song of freedom.
AND PLAY IT LOUD!