Ethiopian opposition MP arrested as tensions sour in Amhara region

Dessalegn Chanie, an Ethiopian opposition lawmaker representing the National Movement of the Amhara (Nama), has been arrested by government security forces in the capital, Addis Ababa. Family members disclosed to the BBC that no official reason has been provided for his detention.

Dessalegn Chanie, who secured a federal parliamentary seat in 2021, is entitled to immunity from prosecution as a Member of Parliament. However, customary parliamentary procedures, such as convening to revoke immunity before an arrest, have not been observed in this case.

This marks the second arrest of an opposition legislator since the onset of the conflict in the Amhara region last year. Christian Tadele, another Nama MP, was arrested in August and remains in custody. Both lawmakers were known for their vocal criticisms of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration.

The ongoing conflict between local militias and the army in Amhara has escalated tensions in the region. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared a six-month state of emergency in August to address the clashes, yet fighting persists in certain areas of Amhara.

Media outlets affiliated with the militias allege that government forces have engaged in the killing of unarmed civilians in Merawi, a town located 35 km south of the regional capital Bahirdar. However, these accusations have not been independently verified by the BBC, and authorities have yet to respond to the allegations.

As the situation unfolds, concerns grow regarding the broader implications for political dissent and the state of security in Ethiopia.