Ethiopia’s former State Minister for Peace, Taye Dendea, has been arrested, his wife has told the BBC.
She said more than ten police officers came to their home on Monday and took him away, saying he was wanted by the federal police for questioning.
The officers reportedly told her he was being taken to the Federal Police Office in the capital, Addis Ababa. However, his current whereabouts remain unclear.

Taye Dendea, who had previously been released on bail following a prolonged detention, appeared in court today for a scheduled hearing. During the session, the court reinstated charges that had earlier been dropped, including allegations that he was involved in plotting a coup against the government.

Taye was arrested in December 2023 after posting comments critical of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his government. Following his post, he was initially charged with collaborating with groups seeking to destabilize Ethiopia and with using social media platforms to endorse violence. However, a judge at the Federal High Court found him not guilty of these two charges but ordered him to defend against a third charge related to the illegal possession of firearms.

Ethiopia’s Supreme Court initially rejected his request for bail. However, after a lengthy hearing, the Federal Appeals Court ruled in December 2024 that Taye should be released on bail of 20,000 birr, pending the outcome of his gun charge case.