Ethiopian Public Diplomacy Network (EPDN HQ)

'Ethiopian public Diplomacy Network' (EPDN) Letter to the Secretary General of the @UN (@antonioguterres) RE: Crises in #Ethiopia "The dire circumstances in Ethiopia needs immediate attention" CC @JoeBiden, @MikeHammerUSA, @_AfricanUnion, @EUCouncil, @SenatorRisch, @SecBlinken

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. 👇👇🔗🖇️ facebook.com/share/1DpdB2FG… @WhiteHouse @StateDept @USEmbassyAddis @UAEthio @UNOSAPG @VP @realDonaldTrump @TheIRD, @StateDRL, @AsstSecStateAF, @richghazal, @markdtooley, @OrthodoxyNews, @MikeHammerUSA, @USEmbassyAddis @indefchristians,@RepJohnJames,@housegop, @Repsarajacobs, @YoungKimCA, @RepJimBaird, @CongressmanKean,@RepMillsPress, @RepGaramendi,@jakejsullivan, @IMFNews, @SecBlinken, @StateDept, @JusticeOfficeUS, @WorldBank, @WorldBankAfrica, @StateIRF, @USCIRF, @IrfSecretariat, @Sean_ADFIntl,@michaelgwaltz,@RepMarkWalker,@RepRileyMoore,@TomColeOk04,@HouseAppropsGOP

@AmericaEthiopia x.com/chr_humanright…

When Music Becomes a Crime: Fear, Repression, and a Hollow Election When an election is widely understood to lack credibility, yet is used to intimidate innocent civilians, it ceases to be democratic—it becomes an instrument of control. Recent reports indicate that the Ethiopian government is using music as a pretext to detain young people in Addis Ababa and other areas under its control. This is unfolding against the backdrop of ongoing peaceful civilian demonstrations, a government-initiated war in the Amhara region, and continuing conflicts in Tigray and Oromia regions, conditions that continue to destabilize much of the country. Teddy Afro’s new album EthioRika has generated over 45 million views within just 48 hours of its release. Its standout track, Das Tale,, surpassed 9 million views in the same period—an extraordinary response that reflects its deep resonance with the public. Yet this cultural moment has been met with repression. Local media report that a 12th-grade student—who had never spent a night away from home—was detained simply for listening to the album and is now being labeled an extremist associate. In addition, more than 100 students have reportedly been jailed, with their images publicly circulated, accused of opposing the election merely for engaging with the music. This is not just overreach—it is revealing. When a government criminalizes art, it signals not strength, but fear of its own people and of the truths their voices carry. Ultimately, it is the Ethiopian people who must determine their future. A nation with a history spanning millennia deserves governance rooted in unity, dignity, and genuine democratic legitimacy. In an interconnected world, such actions should concern all who value freedom and the rule of law. Silence in the face of repression is not neutrality—it is complicity. 👇🔗🔗 x.com/meseretmedia/s… x.com/meseretmedia/s… @WhiteHouse @StateDept @USEmbassyAddis @UAEthio @UNOSAPG @VP @realDonaldTrump @TheIRD, @StateDRL, @AsstSecStateAF, @richghazal, @markdtooley, @OrthodoxyNews,@MikeHammerUSA, @USEmbassyAddis,@indefchristians,@RepJohnJames,@housegop, @Repsarajacobs, @YoungKimCA, @RepJimBaird, @CongressmanKean,@RepMillsPress, @RepGaramendi,@jakejsullivan, @IMFNews, @SecBlinken, @StateDept, @JusticeOfficeUS, @WorldBank, @WorldBankAfrica,@StateIRF, @USCIRF, @IrfSecretariat, @Sean_ADFIntl, @michaelgwaltz,@RepMarkWalker,@RepRileyMoore,@TomColeOk04,@HouseAppropsGOP

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: chr.up.ac.za/press-statemen…

“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. trib.al/eCnvWTp

Ethiopia’s Election Illusion Exposed According to a report by The Economist titled “Abiy Ahmed is throttling free expression in Ethiopia,” the country is facing serious democratic backsliding under Abiy Ahmed. Once praised as a reformer, his government now suppresses opposition, restricts independent media like Addis Standard, and targets journalists with arrests, intimidation, and disappearances—undermining claims of a free and fair election. These developments raise urgent concerns for U.S. policymakers regarding human rights, rule of law, and stability in a key Horn of Africa partner. Congress should act by passing H.Res. 937 and urging the State Department to press for the protection of civil liberties, release of detained journalists, and credible democratic processes. AEPAC recognizes that the ultimate resolution of Ethiopia’s challenges rests with the Ethiopian people. However, the U.S. Congress can play a constructive role in supporting Africa’s second most populous nation by advancing principled legislation and reinforcing democratic norms. 👇🔗🖇️ economist.com/middle-east-an… @WhiteHouse @StateDept @USEmbassyAddis @UAEthio @UNOSAPG @VP @realDonaldTrump @TheIRD, @StateDRL, @AsstSecStateAF, @richghazal, @markdtooley, @OrthodoxyNews, @USEmbassyAddis @indefchristians, @RepJohnJames, @housegop, @Repsarajacobs, @YoungKimCA, @RepJimBaird, @CongressmanKean, @RepMillsPress, @RepGaramendi, @jakejsullivan, @IMFNews, @SecBlinken, @StateDept, @JusticeOfficeUS, @WorldBank, @WorldBankAfrica, @StateIRF, @USCIRF, @IrfSecretariat, @Sean_ADFIntl, @michaelgwaltz,@RepMarkWalker,@RepRileyMoore,@TomColeOk04,@HouseAppropsGOP

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 economist.com/middle-east-an…

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. youtube.com/watch?v=WGpdl3…

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.

Flying between African cities forces many travelers to transit outside the continent, through London, Paris or Dubai. But a $12.5 billion airport under construction in Ethiopia could help change that. cnn.it/4mLS4Bj

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

@TheEconomist Very ironic don’t you think! I mean they guy imprisoned and cripplied all of this opposition party even individual now it’s “free”

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!

Concern Regarding Treatment of Ethiopian Artist Teddy Afro and Associates Dear Secretary Marco Rubio, @SecRubio I am writing to express serious concern about recent developments in Ethiopia involving the well-known artist Teddy Afro (Tewodros Kassahun). According to multiple reports, there has been increasing pressure and harassment directed toward him. This situation has escalated with the arrest of individuals close to him, including his spokesperson and deputy manager, reportedly without clear charges. Most concerning is the reported forced entry into his private studio by individuals said to be in federal police uniform, where equipment and unreleased creative work were taken. If accurate, these actions raise serious questions about respect for rule of law, due process, and the protection of freedom of expression. Targeting artists or those around them for their work or viewpoints can have a chilling effect on creativity and public discourse. As someone who believes in the importance of human rights, artistic freedom, and democratic values, I respectfully ask that the U.S. Department of State monitor this situation closely and engage where appropriate to encourage transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law. Ethiopia has a rich cultural heritage, and voices like Teddy Afro’s play an important role in shaping dialogue and unity. It is important that such voices are protected, not suppressed. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, #Ethiopia #Eritrea #Ethiopian #Teddyafro #Ethiopianmusic @NeaminZeleke @TiborPNagyJr @mamamesay @iyoba4u @Chu62845022 @MogesTeshome10 @SenaitSenay @MeazaMohammed @ethiopianlions @DanielsonKassa1 @AddisZeybe @GurageFirst @MuhabaMuale @ethiopianlions @EthioJourney @DanielsonKassa1 @AltayeEthiopia @EliasMeseret @addisstandard @Addis_Media @MeseretMedia @Jawar_Mohammed @addisstandard @AsayeDerbie @reyotmedia @dawitawramba @StalinTeklu @DrTedros @meazaG_ @reda_getachew @GetachewAssefa_ @Alula_Solomon @Alula_Solomn @reda_getachew @RedwanHussien @AbiyAhmedAli @US_SrAdvisorAF @SecRubio @PMEthiopia @HabtamuAyalew21 @martinplaut @NobelPrize @EritreanPress @ifa_ethiopia @UN_HRC @HornReview @hrw

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