By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Accept
Okay.ngOkay.ngOkay.ng
Font ResizerAa
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Reading: Ethiopia Frees Opposition Leader Merera Gudina Jailed Since 2015
Share
Font ResizerAa
Okay.ngOkay.ng
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Search
  • News
    • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Business & Economy
  • Sport
  • Tech
Follow US
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2022 - All rights reserved
News

Ethiopia Frees Opposition Leader Merera Gudina Jailed Since 2015

Farouk Mohammed
By Farouk Mohammed
Published: January 18, 2018
Share
2 Min Read
SHARE

Prominent Ethiopian opposition leader Merera Gudina was on Wednesday freed from jail after all charges against him were dropped by the government.

Merera, the first high-profile dissident to be freed since Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn announced Ethiopia would release an unspecified number of jailed politicians, expressed his intention to continue to be active in the nation’s political space.

Speaking after his release, he urged the Ethiopian government to hold “honest negotiations” with the country’s many opposition parties.

“It would be good if the government conducts honest negotiations with political forces which have widespread support, in order to create a democratic Ethiopia that incorporates everyone equally,” he told the state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate after his release from a prison outside the capital Addis Ababa.

- Advertisement -

He later told journalists gathered at his residence that he was “very happy” to be freed and asked the government to continue releasing prisoners.

“We will continue our struggle for our people in a peaceful and a lawful manner,” Merera said.

Merera, chairman of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), became a rallying call for members of the Oromo ethnic group after his detention by the government.

They carried out months of anti-government demonstrations that spread across Ethiopia, leaving hundreds dead and prompting parliament to declare a nationwide state of emergency.

- Advertisement -

The OFC chairman, upon his return home, was met by a crowd numbering more than a thousand, an AFP videographer reported.

Some of the spectators chanted slogans calling for other jailed Oromo politicians to be freed.

Merera, 61, is among 528 people whose charges were dropped by Ethiopia’s attorney general this week.

Most of the others were accused of involvement in ethnic clashes in the country’s south.

Fana BC said Merera was among 115 federal prisoners released on Wednesday, although it remains unclear if the hundreds of others promised release were actually freed.

Stay Updated on the Go with Our Latest News—Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
TAGGED:EthiopiaMerera GudinaWorld
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram Email Copy Link Print
ByFarouk Mohammed
Publisher
Follow:
Farouk Mohammed is a Head Editor at Okay Nigeria (Okay.ng). He has been publishing for 10 years and focused more on Local/World News on Okay.ng
Previous Article Alexis Sanchez Agrees £14m-A-Year Manchester United Deal
Next Article Fire Guts Yola Town Market

Connect with Okay on Social

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
TelegramFollow

Dollar/Naira Rates

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate

Okay.ng Logo
Buy Rate ₦1,560.00
Sell Rate ₦1,570.00

Last updated: 1 day ago (June 28, 2025 10:51 am)

Displayed rates are for informational purposes only and are subject to change.

USD/NGN Converter

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Recent Posts

VIDEO: NDLEA Issues Strong Advisory to Travellers Against Carrying Unknown Bags
Crime Video
SERAP Demands Transparency from Nigeria’s Governors on Security Vote Spending
News
Security Situation Improving, CDS Urges Continued Support from Nigerians
News Security
David Mark to Lead Anti-Tinubu Coalition Under African Democratic Congress Platform
Politics Top stories
FG to Plant 20 Billion Trees Next Rainy Season in National Reforestation Drive, Says VP Shettima
International News
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You May Also Like

NewsTop stories

Federal Government to Overhaul Civil Servants’ Healthcare Policy Amid Rising Concerns

Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
Oluwadara Akingbohungbe
June 28, 2025
Sport

Paul Pogba Joins AS Monaco on Free Transfer After Doping Ban

Yusuf Abubakar
Yusuf Abubakar
June 28, 2025
Aminu Alhassan Dantata
News

Dantata Family Confirms Burial Plans for Late Aminu Dantata

Muhammad A. Aliyu
Muhammad A. Aliyu
June 28, 2025
Okay.ngOkay.ng
Follow US
© OKN MEDIA PUBLISHING 2025 - All rights reserved
  • About Okay.ng
  • Advertising on Okay.ng
  • Contact Okay.ng
  • Careers
  • Meet the Team behind Okay.ng
  • Ownership and Funding of Okay.ng
  • Editorial Principles at Okay.ng
adbanner
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?