What’s behind the mass arrests of Ethiopian doctors?

July 15, 2025

Ethiopian medical professionals staged a nationwide strike in May due to unresolved grievances about poor pay, working conditions, and safety concerns, leading to hospital shutdowns across the country. The government responded with a crackdown, arresting at least 149 medical professionals, including Dr. Daniel Fentaneh, who was detained on June 25 for allegedly organizing the strike. While officials claim the strikes are illegal and endanger patients, organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned the arrests as violations of constitutional rights to freedom of expression and assembly.

Who is affected

Medical professionals across Ethiopia, particularly doctors who participated in the strike
Patients in the numerous hospitals that were shut down during the month-long strike
Specifically named individuals like Dr. Daniel Fentaneh, Dr. Mahlet Guesh, and doctors in war-torn regions
Ethiopian citizens who depend on the healthcare system
Medical residents and employees of affected hospitals
Healthcare workers in regions affected by ongoing conflicts (Tigray, Oromia, Amhara)

What action is being taken

The Ethiopian government is arresting and detaining medical professionals involved in the strike
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are denouncing the government's actions against the doctors
The Ethiopian Health Professionals Movement (EHPM) is documenting police intimidation and maintaining an online database of arrested medical professionals
Health Ministry officials are issuing threatening ultimatums to striking employees and attempting to hire replacements
Government officials claim they are engaging in dialogue with doctors to resolve grievances

Why it matters

Ethiopian doctors earn extremely low wages (as little as $56 USD monthly) compared to neighboring countries, especially following currency devaluation
The healthcare sector is struggling with significant resource shortages while the government funds expensive vanity projects
The crackdown represents what Amnesty International calls "rapidly growing patterns of authoritarian practices in Ethiopia"
The conflict highlights tensions between constitutional rights and government authority
Public health is at risk due to understaffing, poor working conditions, and safety concerns
IMF-linked budget cuts have reportedly devastated Ethiopia's health sector, with 95% of surveyed health workers reporting worsening shortages

What's next

The EHPM has warned that a second phase of strikes could follow if reforms aren't implemented by September 15, 2025
The government claims it is working on solving remaining issues through dialogue
Health Minister Dr. Mekdes Daba states they are addressing doctor grievances and meeting with them and the community

Read full article from source: Global Voices