Addis Ababa: Ethiopian opposition politician has requested asylum in the United States amid fears for his life and family security, Western media reported on Monday.
Bekele Gerba told media that he had resigned as vice-president of the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) as the conditions in Africa’s second most populous country are worsening.
An opponent of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the politician said he would not return back to his country and has already requested the US government to give him asylum.
Bekele Gerba had spent 18 months in jail on charges of terrorism and incitement to violence, in connection with clashes that followed the killing of a singer Hachalu Hundessa in June 2020.
Subsequently, the politician was freed in January 2022 and has been staying in the US since June last year.
Political situation worsening in Ethiopia
He said the political situation in Ethiopia has been worsening with the rise of mass killings and arrests all over the country. He added that the country’s political situation is not conducive for a peaceful struggle leaving no reason for him to return back to Ethiopia.
Bekele has been arrested twice under Ethiopia’s previous coalition government headed by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front.
He said that he fears for his life in Ethiopia adding that his family is not safe in the country.
Another opposition leader of Ethiopia, Jawar Mohammed also left the country after he was released from prison last year.
