Ethiopian Airline Denies Boarding to Politician Lidetu Ayalew

Ethiopian Airline has reportedly denied boarding to Lidetu Ayalew, an opposition politician. Lidetu has been in exile for over 2 years. Last month he announced to return to Ethiopia.

According to a statement issued by Lidetu Ayalew, he bought an Ethiopian Airline ticket to return to Ethiopia from the US. But at Atlanta airport, Ethiopian Airline officials did not allow him to board the flight for Addis Ababa. He said that he had all the travel documents but still he was not allowed to board the flight. The airline officials told him he could be arrested if he boards the flight and lands in Addis Ababa.

Jawar Mohammed, another Ethiopian opposition politician, condemned this act by the Ethiopian airline. He demanded clarification from the airline. Jawar is also based abroad.

Lidetu Ayalew was denied travel abroad by Ethiopian government in 2021. Back then, he wanted to travel to seek medical assistance abroad. After several attempts, he managed to depart Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is known for denying political space to opposition politicians. Political activities by opposition parties are not allowed and their offices have been closed for years.

Ethiopia is almost a year away from the next General Election. In the last 2021 General Election, ruling Prosperity Party led by PM Abiy Ahmed ran almost unopposed. Opposition politicians like Jawar Mohammed, Bekele Gerba etc were in prison. TPLF was involved in an armed conflict against the federal government. ONLF, OLF, OFC and several parties boycotted that election.

Lidetu Ayalew is one of the seasoned Ethiopian opposition politicians. For years, he worked as opposition leader challenging late EPRDF Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s government. Last month when he announced his return to Ethiopia, he said he will resume political activities in Ethiopia. It seems that the Ethiopian government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is not interested in providing level playing field to opposition politicians and political parties.

So far Ethiopian airline has issued no statement in this regard.

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