Ethiopia arrests Oromo opposition leader, Gambia bans internet during polls

Prominent Ethiopian opposition leader Merera Gudina was arrested on Wednesday at the airport in the capital Addis Ababa, upon his arrival from Brussels (see earlier post).

The authorities have not divulged the reason for his arrest.

But he has previously criticised the arrest of hundreds of people from the Oromo and Amhara communities, saying the state of emergency could not eclipse nearly a year of anti-government protests.

The meeting at the European Union attracted high-profile opposition figures, including Berhanu Nega, the leader of an outlawed group who is now in exile.

Also in attendance was Feyisa Lilesa, the Olympic marathon silver medallist, who brought months of protests to global attention in August when he raised his arms above his head in solidarity with Oromo activists.

Mr Merera is no stranger to controversy and has previously served seven years in prison for opposing the former government of Mengistu Haile Mariam.

He also took part in the overthrow of Ethiopia’s last emperor, Haile Selassie.