Lidetu Ayalew

Senior Ethiopian Politician Lidetu Ayalew to Return to Ethiopia

Senior Ethiopian Politician Lidetu Ayalew has decided to return to Ethiopia. Since 2021, he has been staying in the US. Born in 1969 in Lalibela Amhara region, he has been active in Ethiopian politics for three decades. He founded and led Ethiopian Democratic Party (EDP).

In a letter released on weekend, the seasoned Ethiopian politician announced that, despite facing health problems, he has decided to return home. Vowing to resume political activities, he expressed concerns about his safety on return to Ethiopia. “Due to unlawful measures that might be taken by the government, it is possible that I may be temporarily or permanently removed from the field of struggle. I cannot predict the outcome with certainty. Whatever happens, we will witness it together in the future as the outcome will be decided by the Ethiopian “king” who says ‘My word is my signature!,” he said.

During EPRDF era, Lidetu was one of the most prominent opposition politicians. He worked with current Ethiopian government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed as an advisor. However he developed differences and soon distanced himself from the PP government. In 2021, he went abroad on medical grounds. He was denied travel abroad several times by the Ethiopian government until he managed to leave the country to seek “medical assistance” in the US.

Lidetu Ayalew is likely to resume political activities on his return to Ethiopia. He says that he could reorganize EDP, work with other political parties or struggle as an individual politician.

At the start of 2026, General Election is expected to held in Ethiopia. The election held in 2021 was boycotted by main opposition political parties. It seems that politicians like Lidetu Ayalew and Jawar Mohammed want to start early to ensure that the next election is inclusive, fair and transparent. Jawar Mohammed is from the Oromia region while Lidetu Ayalew hails from the Amhara region. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is known for denying political space to opposition political parties. Lidetu Ayalew, Jawar Mohammed and other Ethiopian politicians could form a strong opposition to stand up to ruling Prosperity Party.

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