Ethiopia Pardons 600 Prisoners, Including Prominent Figures, in Major New Year Move for Peace, Forgiveness and National Consensus

Addis Ababa, September 10, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has released 600 prisoners, including prominent figures such as Christian Tadele, as part of a major New Year move that the government says advances peace, forgiveness and national consensus.

The prisoners were released on the eve of the Ethiopian New Year and have reunited with their families, marking a significant development as the country enters 2019 E.C. with a renewed emphasis on resolving differences through dialogue, understanding and peaceful means.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it worked for five months to help make the release process effective after receiving requests concerning prisoners held through various legal processes. The Commission subsequently engaged with the government and undertook broad efforts to facilitate solutions.