Ethiopia set to release more ‘high-profile’ opposition politicians

ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian government has announced its intention to release more high-profile political figures as an expression of its gesture to achieve peace with the rebellious Tigray people’s Liberation Front (TPLF), according to the ministry of foreign affairs.

In January, the Ethiopian government announced that it had pardoned a number of political prisoners including members of the TPLF, as the government said it would begin dialogue with political opponents after 14 months of war when thousands of people have been arrested.

In a brief statement posted on its Facebook page on Tuesday, the Ethiopian ministry of foreign affairs said its embassy in France met members of the French parliamentarian foreign relations committee and disclosed the Ethiopian government’s intention to release more prisoners.

“The Embassy in France had the opportunity to brief French Senators, Members of Foreign Relations Committee, about the current developments in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Government is committed to peace with the establishment of the National Dialogue Commission and the release of high political figures from prison,” the foreign ministry statement added.

It accused the Tigray People’s Liberation Front of renewing attacks, despite disclosure last week by the group’s leader, Debretsion Gebremichael that his leadership has been in an informal talk with the government of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed to fine ground for a ceasefire.

“TPLF’s renewed attacks in adjacent Afar and Amhara regions are thwarting peace efforts and delivery of humanitarian assistance. Ethiopia appreciates France’s readiness to support Ethiopia’s rehabilitation efforts and the proposed national dialogue,” the statement said.