Ethiopian security forces arrest former peace minister over participation in terrorist activities

By Mohamed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - Ethiopian security forces announced Tuesday that former State Minister for Peace Taye Dendea has been arrested for taking part in terrorist activities during his tenure in the government.

A statement issued by the Ethiopian Federal Police said Dendea, whose work was to maintain peace in the country, has been “collaborating with anti-peace forces that are trying to destroy Ethiopia.”

It alleged that Dendea acted in a manner inconsistent with his responsibilities.

The federal police said he actively collaborated with groups with an aim to destabilize the security of the country and he also criticized the government while endorsing violence on social media.

“A search conducted inside his house found nine mobiles, four laptops, three iPods, many flashlights, two front and back different plates and various electronic devices, Kalashnikov rifles and guns with bullets,” the statement added.

Dendea was accused of involvement in activities targeting innocent citizens in various parts of the country, particularly in relation to kidnappings.

His arrest comes a day after he was fired from his position by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The police linked Dendea to the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) -- a rebel group that has been waging war against the government in Ethiopia’s Oromia region.

A second round of peace talks between the Ethiopian government and members of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) ended without an agreement late last month.

The talks are aimed at ending the more than five-year-old conflict in the Oromia region.