By GEBREHIWOT HAILESLASE
Taye Dendea, a well-known Ethiopian politician and former State Minister of Peace, has been arrested once again by security forces in the capital, Addis Ababa, his wife confirmed to the press on Monday.
The arrest comes amid renewed legal proceedings after a court ordered a retrial on charges for which he had previously been acquitted.
Mr. Taye, a member of the ruling Prosperity Party and the Oromia Regional State Council, was reportedly detained at his residence on Monday afternoon, hours after appearing in court for a scheduled hearing.
His wife, Ms. Sentayehu Alemayehu, told the BBC that he was taken by police and that the family has not been informed of his current whereabouts.
Earlier in the day, the court ordered a retrial on two charges related to his previous detention, sparking concerns among rights groups and political observers about the state of judicial independence and political freedoms in Ethiopia.
Taye Dendea was released on bail in November 2024 after spending several months in detention following his removal from office.
He had been actively challenging the circumstances of his previous imprisonment and had accused elements within the security apparatus of politically motivated targeting.
Since his release, Mr. Taye had been vocal on social media and in interviews, calling for political reforms, judicial transparency, and greater autonomy for regional states, particularly Oromia.
His public stance has often placed him at odds with powerful figures within the federal and regional governments.
As a former senior official at the Ministry of Peace, Mr. Taye played a key role in national dialogue efforts and was once considered a rising star in the Prosperity Party.
However, his political trajectory shifted after he began criticizing certain government policies, especially concerning the treatment of political detainees and the state’s response to unrest in Oromia.
Human rights organizations and opposition figures have previously raised alarms about Taye’s treatment, describing his legal troubles as emblematic of a broader crackdown on dissent.
His latest arrest is expected to intensify scrutiny of Ethiopia’s political and judicial systems.
As of Monday evening, authorities have not released an official statement regarding the reason for his arrest or where he is being held.
Family members and supporters are urging the government to respect due process and allow Mr. Taye access to legal representation and medical care.
Background:
Taye Dendea rose to national prominence as a reform-minded intellectual within the Prosperity Party, especially during the early years of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration.
He served as State Minister of Peace, where he worked on federal reforms and conflict resolution initiatives.
Over time, his growing criticism of the party’s internal dynamics and its handling of regional issues made him a controversial figure within government circles.