Ethiopian Health Professionals Resume Striking
- Health professionals across Ethiopia are planning to resume strikes on September 15th, escalating a dispute over wages and working conditions.
- The EHPM, wich represents a broad coalition of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, initiated the May strike citing a multitude of grievances.
- The strike in May significantly impacted non-emergency healthcare services nationwide.
Ethiopian Health Workers Prepare to Resume Strikes Amidst Government Crackdown
What’s Happening?
Health professionals across Ethiopia are planning to resume strikes on September 15th, escalating a dispute over wages and working conditions. This marks the second major strike wave this year, following a nationwide walkout in May organized by the Ethiopian Health Professionals Movement (EHPM).
The Roots of the Dispute
The EHPM, wich represents a broad coalition of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers, initiated the May strike citing a multitude of grievances. These included demands for improved salaries – with some nurses reportedly earning as little as $80 per month – comprehensive health insurance, affordable housing, and reliable transportation. A recent survey conducted by the EHPM revealed that 78% of health workers reported experiencing financial hardship,and 62% considered leaving the profession due to unsustainable working conditions.
The strike in May significantly impacted non-emergency healthcare services nationwide. According to reports from the Ministry of Health, approximately 60% of public health facilities experienced reduced staffing levels, leading to appointment cancellations and delays in treatment. The EHPM estimates that over 80,000 health workers participated in the initial strike.
Government Response and Repression
Instead of engaging in constructive dialog, the Ethiopian government responded with a crackdown on striking health workers. Human Rights Watch documented the detention of dozens of doctors and other medical personnel. The government alleges that the strike caused disruptions leading to preventable deaths,a claim disputed by the EHPM.
Dr. Daniel Fentaneh, a prominent leader within the EHPM, was arrested on July 7th and charged with “inciting, mobilizing, and organizing a strike.” He spent 27 days in detention. His arrest has been widely condemned by international human rights organizations, who view it as a deliberate attempt to stifle dissent and suppress the rights of health workers. the Ethiopian government has a history of restricting freedom of assembly and expression, as noted in reports by Amnesty International and the U.S. State Department.
| Key Arrests & Actions (2025) |
|---|
| May: nationwide strike begins. |
| June 25: Dozens of health workers detained. |
| July 7: Dr. Daniel Fentaneh arrested. |
| July 27: Dr. Fentaneh released after 27 days in detention. |
| September 15: Planned resumption of strikes. |
Legal and Political Context
Ethiopian law places limitations on the right to strike, notably in essential services like healthcare. Though,international labor standards,as outlined by the International Labour Organization (ILO),recognize the right of workers to collective bargaining and strike action as fundamental rights. The government’s heavy-handed response raises concerns about its commitment to upholding these standards.
The current situation also reflects broader political tensions within Ethiopia. The country is still navigating a fragile peace