Briefing the International Religious Freedom Roundtable on Ethiopia
On June 3, I was was invited to deliver a presentation to the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable, addressing the escalating threats to religious freedom in Ethiopia. The gathering brought together religious freedom advocates, policy experts, and representatives from civil society organizations from around the world.
Highlights of the presentation:
I conveyed the deep concern of the Ethiopian American community over increasing violations of religious liberty in Ethiopia—particularly targeting the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). He detailed government interference in church affairs, politically motivated manipulation of ecclesiastical leadership, and violent crackdowns on clergy and faithful, which have resulted in deaths, unlawful arrests, and the suppression of religious expression.
Key events cited included the 2023 Church crisis and official bans on the public display of religious symbols, reflecting a broader and troubling pattern of state overreach. Ethiopia’s system of ethnic federalism was identified as a structural driver of division and instability, prompting renewed calls for constitutional reform to safeguard both religious and civic rights.
The presentation concluded with a call for urgent, high-level diplomatic engagement, enhanced international monitoring, and coordinated dialogue between the Ethiopian government, religious leaders, and civil society to uphold fundamental freedoms and human dignity.
Advocates working on International Religious Freedom (IRF) are increasingly alarmed by recent developments in Ethiopia that threaten both religious liberty and broader human rights protections. Of particular concern are ongoing pressures facing the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) and the detention of individuals for their political or religious beliefs.
As of May 2025, the EOTC continues to face substantial challenges, notably regarding government interference in its internal affairs and questions surrounding the legitimacy of its leadership structures. The Holy Synod of the EOTC has raised serious concerns about what it describes as the Ethiopian government’s persistent and unwarranted involvement in church governance. The Synod views these actions as violations of religious autonomy and an erosion of the Church’s long-standing self-governing tradition.
This trend not only threatens the integrity and independence of one of the oldest Christian institutions in the world but also raises broader alarms about the shrinking space for religious expression and political dissent in Ethiopia.
Urgent Concerns Regarding Religious Freedom and Political Detentions in Ethiopia
Recent reports point to escalating tensions between the Ethiopian government and members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Credible allegations have emerged of harassment, arbitrary detention, and, in some cases, violence targeting clergy and lay members. These incidents appear linked to internal church disputes and perceived political affiliations.
In parallel, civil society organizations and human rights defenders have consistently reported the detention of political activists and religious figures under conditions that may fall short of international due process and religious freedom standards. The imprisonment of individuals solely for the peaceful expression of their religious or political beliefs is a clear violation of Ethiopia’s constitutional protections and international human rights obligations.
Given Ethiopia’s strategic importance and the deep ties shared between our nations, we strongly urge that these concerns be raised at the highest levels of diplomatic engagement.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has faced significant challenges and persecution in recent years, particularly during the 2023 crisis. This period was marked by violent confrontations, government interference, and widespread unrest, leading to numerous casualties and arrests among clergy and laypeople.
2023 Church Crisis:
- The government supported a breakaway synod in the Oromia region.
- Violence in Shashamane led to the deaths of Orthodox Christians.
- The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission confirmed fatalities and abuses.
Mariam Church Shooting (Jan 2022):
- The Oromia police fired on Orthodox procession, killing three and injuring 10
Social Media Ban (Feb 2023):
- Facebook, TikTok, Telegram, and others were blocked during the church unrest.
- It is seen as an effort to silence dissent and prevent protests.
Ban on Black Clothing:
-
- The government banned black attire in offices after the Church called for mourning and solidarity, seen as a repression of symbolic resistance.
Arson Attacks (April 2022):
- Churches in the Silte region were attacked and burned.
- Radical groups blamed; church leaders requested protection.
Impact on Clergy:
- Clergy and deacons are subjected to arbitrary arrests, detentions, and lack of due process.
- Religious leaders, especially from the Orthodox Church, were targeted during government crackdowns.
- The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has faced systemic persecution, especially since 2023.
- Government complicity in violence, censorship, and repression demands international attention.
- Appeal for U.S. action to uphold religious freedom and human rights as a core part of policy toward Ethiopia.
Recommendations:
- Urge U.S. diplomatic pressure on Ethiopia to release those detained for peaceful religious or political expression.
- Increase monitoring and reporting on religious freedom in Ethiopia.
- Encourage the U.S. State Department to engage both government officials and religious leaders in dialogue.
- Request clarification on the May 23rd U.S. Embassy statement condemning drone strikes — later retracted — which raises concerns about U.S. policy consistency.
- Advocate for the amendment of Ethiopia’s ethnic-based constitution, seen as a root cause of civil conflict, discrimination, and mass displacement.
Mesfin Mekonen
Mesfin Mekonen is the author of Washington Update, a bulletin about Ethiopia’s struggle for freedom and prosperity, and founder of MM Management.
