Ethiopia’s prime minister stunned the country Wednesday by announcing plans to release imprisoned politicians and close a notorious detention center as he seeks to promote political dialogue. The opposition has long demanded the closure of the prison while also calling for the release of prominent opposition figures held in detention. The government has been holding a dialogue with opposition parties. Previously, government policy seemed aimed at tightening control rather than allowing more political voices, said Beyene Petros, chairman of the Medrek coalition of opposition parties. “We have been pushing for this as a confidence-building measure that they should release prominent political prisoners.

Source: Ethiopian News January 03, 2018 14:06 UTC