Amid growing tensions in Ethiopia, travelers from the Amhara region are reporting that they are being prevented from entering the capital, Addis Ababa. Passengers traveling from different areas of the Amhara region via Wolo and Gojam routes have been stopped and turned away at the city of Sheno in the Oromia region. The travelers have claimed that security forces from the Oromia region are separating and preventing them from passing through Sheno city, and no reason has been given for the ban. Many public transport vehicles, including those carrying government employees, have been parked in Sheno city, causing significant disruption and delays. Some people have attempted to cross on foot, but it remains unclear if they have succeeded.
The ban reportedly started on February 10, 2022, and appears to have affected those with Amhara Region ID cards. This has drawn comparisons to the persecution of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, which has also been targeted by authorities for their religious beliefs and subject to human rights abuses. The use of disproportionate force and the arrest of individuals without due process are common threads that run through both instances of persecution.
Despite attempts to contact authorities in the Oromia and Amhara regions for clarification, no response has been received. This is not the first time that passengers on these routes have been singled out and denied entry to Addis Ababa due to their ID card’s location. During the ongoing war in northern Ethiopia, travelers were also prohibited from entering Addis Ababa due to security concerns.
The situation highlights growing divisions in Ethiopia, with tensions running high between different regions and ethnic groups. As the country navigates these challenges, it is critical that authorities ensure the protection of citizens’ human rights and work to promote greater understanding and unity between different communities.
