Justice on Trial in Ethiopia after Public Confessions

Getachew Reda’s admission of crimes raises hard questions for fragile legal system.

On 11 May, Ethiopians across the country watched in disbelief as Getachew Reda—former interim president of Tigray and a key figure in both the TPLF and the current federal government—made a stunning confession on national TV.

In an hour-long interview aired on Fana Broadcasting, Getachew admitted to an astonishing list of crimes committed during the Tigray war.

He spoke of smuggling Eritrean soldiers across borders, coordinating an armed bank robbery worth over four billion birr, trafficking weapons and gold, and even ordering the extrajudicial killings of fellow TDF fighters. He didn’t stop there. Getachew said he worked with Eritrean officials to undermine Ethiopia’s government and helped set up a foreign-based organization to bankroll the war effort.

But perhaps the most explosive claim of all: he called the TPLF a “criminal enterprise”. Given his role in leading that very group, it was a bombshell that may come back to haunt him in court.

Legal Storm

These admissions weren’t made under pressure—or at least, there’s no evidence they were. Getachew is not only a seasoned politician but a trained lawyer who once taught law. That makes it unlikely he didn’t understand the legal risks of saying all this out loud.

In legal terms, his statements could be seen as voluntary and informed—potentially admissible in Ethiopian courts. If so, Getachew might have inadvertently opened himself up to prosecution under both national and international law, especially for atrocity crimes.

Some see his confession as a calculated move to discredit former TPLF leaders. But in trying to take them down, he may have also taken himself down with them.

Ethiopia’s Constitution protects people from being forced to confess to crimes, aligning with international human rights laws. But those protections don’t apply when someone confesses willingly and publicly—as Getachew seemingly did.

Contrary to popular belief, no amnesty law currently protects Getachew or others involved in the Tigray war. A 2018 law (Proclamation No. 1096/2018) offers amnesty for crimes committed before 7 June 2018—but that doesn’t cover actions taken during or after the Tigray war.

Importantly, international law says there can be no amnesty for crimes like genocide, torture, or extrajudicial killings. These are considered “peremptory norms”—in other words, untouchable by politics. Ethiopia is bound by this, even though it’s not a member of the International Criminal Court.

So when someone like Getachew confesses to involvement in these kinds of crimes, the law doesn’t allow us to just look the other way.

Regional Consequences

Ethiopia isn’t just wrestling with legal dilemmas. It’s also fighting to stay politically intact.

In the short term, bringing former rebels into government may seem like a smart way to keep the peace. But long-term reconciliation needs more than just backroom deals—it needs justice. Ethiopia’s history offers a warning: the failure to address grievances honestly helped pave the way for Eritrea’s independence. Tigray could follow a similar path if people lose faith in the idea of national unity.

That’s why the government must think carefully before it leans too heavily on figures like Getachew for public relations. His confession, while perhaps intended to settle old scores, might reopen wounds. And if those wounds aren’t treated with justice, they will fester—potentially fueling the next crisis.

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The dilemma is clear: going after top political figures for war crimes might shake Ethiopia’s fragile peace. But not going after them risks sending the message that power protects you from the law.

What Ethiopia needs is a careful, credible, and independent legal process—one that holds people accountable without playing political favorites. That might mean working with international institutions to ensure fairness, transparency, and legitimacy.

This is where the African Union and global partners come in. Their support will be vital in helping Ethiopia walk the tightrope between peace and justice.

No Escape

Getachew’s interview puts Ethiopia’s justice system on trial just as much as it puts him under scrutiny.

By speaking publicly and in detail, Getachew may have waived his right to remain silent, especially given his legal background. The courts may now be forced to act—and how they do so will tell us a lot about whether Ethiopia’s institutions can deliver justice without fear or favor.

Many TPLF leaders still haven’t received amnesty, and officials in Addis Ababa may believe they’re shielded by political status. But for crimes against humanity, there’s no such thing as a get-out-of-jail-free card. The Pretoria Agreement didn’t resolve this—it just delayed the reckoning.

That reckoning may be closer than ever.

In the end, Getachew’s dramatic confession might have been a gamble. Maybe he hoped to protect himself by flipping the script on his old comrades. But in doing so, he may have sealed his own fate.

What’s clear is this: justice delayed is justice denied—though this has not actually occurred yet. Ethiopia still has a chance to choose a different path. One that embraces the rule of law, even when it’s inconvenient. One that prioritizes real accountability over political expediency.

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While this commentary contains the author’s opinions, Ethiopia Insight will correct factual errors.

Main photo: From left, PM Advisor for East African Affairs Getachew Reda and Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos at a briefing of ambassadors regarding the situation in Tigray, EBC, 14 March 2025.

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