The Controversy around Birtukan Temesgen's Story: Ethnic Violence, Media Fallout, and Government Response in Ethiopia

The case of Birtukan Temesgen, an Amhara Ethiopian woman who experienced ethnic-based sexual violence, has recently garnered significant media attention, highlighting the complex interplay of ethnic conflict, sexual violence, and media narratives in Ethiopia. Her story, particularly her recent appearance on the Ethiopian Broadcasting Service (EBS) and the subsequent repercussions, has ignited public discourse and drawn scrutiny towards the Ethiopian government's response to such incidents and the broader issues of ethnic tensions and violence within the nation. This research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Birtukan Temesgen's story, the events surrounding her EBS appearance, the reactions from various stakeholders, and the wider context of ethnic and sexual violence in Ethiopia.

The broader context of sexual and ethnic based violence in Ethiopia

Due to the scarcity of information, this research offers limited specifics regarding the sexual violence experienced by Birtukan Temesgen, including the alleged perpetrators, location, and time. However, it is evident from several sources that Birtukan Temesgen, identified as a university student, was a victim of abduction and rape ¹. One source specifies that she was a pharmacy student at Dambi Dollo University ³ along with multiple other observes but the claim linking her to Dambi dolo University is not stated in her interview on EBS where her story originally emerged. This connection of Birtukan's story to the ethnically motivated abductions of Amhara students in Dambi Dolo brings these tragic events to the forefront, shedding light on the ongoing struggles faced by the community.

She was once a pharmacy student at Dembi Dolo University, and she and more than a dozen other young women and a few men were kidnapped by ethnic extremists in the Oromia region - Jeff Pearce

It is crucial to understand Birtukan Temesgen's experience within the alarming context of sexual violence prevalence in Ethiopia. Studies indicate a high rate of sexual violence among female college students, with one study in Bahir Dar city revealing a prevalence of 37.3% 4. Another study in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda found that 45% of high school female students experienced child sexual abuse 4. Furthermore, research on young women aged 15-24 across nine countries, including Ethiopia, showed that 65.7% had experienced physical and/or sexual violence 4. These statistics underscore that Birtukan Temesgen's experience, while deeply personal and tragic, occurs within a broader societal issue of significant concern in Ethiopia. Birtukan Temesgen's story unfolds against a backdrop of significant ethnic and sexual violence in Ethiopia, particularly affecting the Amhara community. The Amhara region has been embroiled in an ongoing armed conflict between the Fano militia and the Ethiopian government, which began in April 2023 ^{19 20}. This conflict has led to widespread reports of human rights abuses, including mass arrests and detentions of Amhara civilians, and allegations of ethnic cleansing 1. International organizations have expressed alarm about increasing attacks against Amhara civilians and have called for independent investigations ²⁴. The conflict has deep-rooted causes, including political exclusion and marginalization of the Amhara population, and ethnic-based killings and displacements spanning over decades ²⁴. The issue of sexual violence is also prevalent in Ethiopia, with studies indicating high rates among various populations, including college students ⁴ and in conflict zones ²⁸. The Northern War, for instance, saw widespread reports of war-related sexual and gender-based violence in Tigray ²⁸ and Amhara ³³ regions. More recent reports ³⁴ indicate the continuation of widespread sexual violence, including conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), in the Amhara Region during the 12 months following the State of Emergency declared on August 4, 2023. It highlights severe human rights violations, such as gang rape and sodomization, with brutal attacks on women and children. Notably, over 43 girls were reportedly gang-raped in Kimir Dingaye town under the direct command of an ENDF colonel. The use of sexual violence as a weapon of war underscores the gravity of atrocities committed in the region.

Birtukan Temesgen's experience, therefore, must be understood within this larger context of ethnic strife and the prevalence of sexual violence in Ethiopia.

Government crackdown and freedom of press

Birtukan Temesgen's story gained national prominence following her recent appearance on EBS. During this interview, she reportedly stated that she was gang-raped ⁶. Accounts suggest that her testimony was emotionally charged, with her crying on camera and receiving comfort from two of the presenters ³. This public disclosure brought her personal tragedy and the larger issue of violence against Amhara students to the forefront of national consciousness ³. The widespread discussion and controversy that ensued ¹⁰ highlight the significant impact of her televised account. The airing of Birtukan Temesgen's initial account on EBS resulted in significant repercussions for the network. Days after her appearance, EBS CEO Aman Fisahatsion issued a public apology, admitting that some team members had acted unprofessionally and violated journalistic ethics in the production of a documentary about her case 6. He regretted that the documentary was produced and aired without proper fact-checking and that the evidence presented was not thoroughly verified ⁶. The CEO blamed the journalists involved for failing to properly investigate background checks before broadcasting ⁶. Adding to the fallout, employees of EBS, including program director Tariku Haile, assistant editor Winia, and video editor Habtamu, were reportedly abducted and arrested ¹. Authorities accuse the journalists of inciting conflict and conspiring with extremist groups, but press advocates argue that the case should be handled under media law, not terrorism charges ⁵⁶. Following these incidents, EBS reportedly interrupted its regular broadcasts on all three of its Ethio Sat channels ¹. These events indicate a significant and forceful response to the initial broadcast, raising questions about media freedom and the pressures faced by journalists in Ethiopia. Furthermore, it was reported that Birtukan Temesgen herself confessed to lying about being gang-raped ⁶. The Ethiopian government's reaction to Birtukan Temesgen's case and her EBS appearance has been notable. Following her initial broadcast and subsequent reported confession of lying, Birtukan Temesgen was herself arrested by the Ethiopian Federal Police ¹. Additionally, government media, specifically Fana TV, produced a counter-documentary titled "The Truth of Birtukan Temesgen," which was also aired on EBS ⁷. This documentary reportedly showed Birtukan contradicting the statements she had previously made on EBS television ¹⁰. Additionally, Minister of Women and Children, Ergoge Tesfaye, few days later, made accusation on EBC National TV against Birtukan Temesgen and the EBS, claiming that the story is a “fiction” aimed at “ensuing unwanted social chaos. These actions suggest a concerted effort by the government to control the narrative surrounding Birtukan Temesgen's allegations and to potentially discredit her initial claims of sexual violence. The swift production and broadcast of the counter-documentary, coupled with her arrest, indicate a strong reaction aimed at managing public perception and potentially downplaying the issue of sexual and ethnic violence against Amhara.

The underlying issue of ethnic violence against Amhara in Oromia

Birtukan Temesgen is an Amhara Ethiopian woman. Her personal story became public after she appeared on EBS to recount her experience of sexual violence ³. This occurred within a context where reports of violence against Amhara students at Dambi Dollo University had previously surfaced, including a reported kidnapping incident in 2019 ¹. Her EBS appearance brought significant attention to these issues of ethnic based attacks against Amharas in Ethiopia and particularly in Oromia. A considerable public discussion and advocacy surrounding Birtukan Temesgen's case, particularly concerning the broader issue of violence against the Amhara community ¹ followed the initial airing of her story. The legal developments mentioned primarily concerning her arrest and detention of EBS crew by the Ethiopian Federal Police following her EBS appearance and the subsequent retraction ¹, followed by the government counter narrative have further complicated her story particularly in the eyes of any international entity. The reactions and discussions surrounding Birtukan Temesgen's case have been varied and intense. Dozens of politicians reportedly accused the EBS documentary of aiming to create chaos ⁶. Social media platforms were abuzz with discussions following the broadcast of both her initial interview and the government's counter-documentary ¹⁰. Some perspectives, particularly from non-government affiliated outlets like Borkena and The Habesha, are highly critical of the Ethiopian government, viewing Birtukan's case as a reflection of the government's failure to protect Amhara citizens and even suggesting complicity in ethnic violence ¹. These sources frame her initial account as a truthful depiction of the suffering of Amhara students and view the subsequent retraction and government counter-narrative with suspicion. Given EBS network has produced similar stories using similar production techniques and quality in the past without repercussion, its CEO acknowledgement of mistakes in its journalistic process and apology in recognition of potential issues in the broadcast ⁶ was viewed by many as result of the seriousness of the government crackdown. The government reaction to Birtukan’s story, compared to prior similar events, highlights the heightened politically charged atmosphere in Ethiopia at this time in which Birtukans story was told.

Conclusion

Birtukan Temesgen's story represents a deeply intricate and sensitive matter that reflects the broader challenges of ethnic conflict and sexual violence in Ethiopia. Her initial account of ethnic-based sexual violence on EBS shed light on the plight of Amhara students and the escalating ethnic tensions in the country, drawing significant national attention. However, the subsequent developments—including her reported confession of fabrication, the EBS network's apology, the reported arrest of its staff, and the Ethiopian government's assertive response through her own detention and a counter-documentary—highlight the state's active role in shaping and contesting the narrative. Birtukan Temesgen’s ongoing reported detention underscores the precarious information landscape in Ethiopia, where government influence appears to play a pivotal role in controlling public discourse around sensitive issues. The international community and impartial observers are urged to critically examine the facts and narratives presented, recognizing the potential for suppression of information and manipulation of public sentiment. Her case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in reporting and addressing ethnic violence and sexual assault in contexts where government intervention shapes the accessibility and credibility of information

Citation

1. The Complicity of “Dr.” Abiy Ahmed in the Suffering of Birtukan and Amhara Students, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://borkena.com/2025/03/25/birtukan-temesgen-the-complicity-of-dr-abiy-ahmed-in-the-suffering-of-birtukan-and-amhara-students/
2. Rick Worland Sign-Posts Up Ahead: The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, and TV Political Fantasy 1959-1965, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.depauw.edu/sfs/backissues/68/worland68.html
3. My Speech to the Save Ethiopia Forum | by Jeff Pearce | Mar, 2025 - Medium, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://medium.com/@jeffpearce/my-speech-to-the-save-ethiopia-forum-4d4cbda1cdd2
4. Prevalence and associated factors of sexual violence among private college female students in Bahir Dar city, North Western Ethiopia - ResearchGate, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276493154_Prevalence_and_associated_factors_of_sexual_violence_among_private_college_female_students_in_Bahir_Dar_city_North_Western_Ethiopia
5. Birtukan's now removed EBS documentary on MulugetaAnberbr, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://x.com/MulugetaAnberbr/status/1904144634810339587
6. EBS CEO Owns Up to Staff's Mistake, Publicly Seeks Forgiveness - EBC News:አማርኛ, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://ebc.et/newsdetails.aspx?newsid=10587
7. Birtukan's now removed EBS documentary on AmharaBCenter, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://x.com/AmharaBCenter/status/1904218596852559883
8. birtukan temesgen #dagi_ye_haymi_lij #dagiyehaymilij - TikTok, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.tiktok.com/@dagi_ye_haymi_lij/video/7486596873650801975
9. 2010 Human Rights Reports: Ethiopia - State.gov, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/2010/af/154346.htm
10. ፖለቲከኞቹ ብርቱካን ላይ ተጫወቱባት…| Ethiopia | Birtukan Temesgen - YouTube, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXRTk7r1z3Y
11. Alarming Truth: Abiy Ahmed's Criminal Activities in Ethiopia - The ..., accessed on March 29, 2025, https://thehabesha.com/alarming-truth-abiy-ahmeds-criminal-activities-in-ethiopia/
12. ኢቢኤስ እና የፌደራል ፖሊስ በብርቱካን ተመስገን ጉዳይ የጡት መግለጫና ..., accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av0cAllTaQo
13. Ethiopia : ብርቱካን አድራሻዋ ጠፋ! ሉላገዙ ከባድ ችግር ውስጥ ገባች! | lula gezu | ebs | birtukan temesgen interview - YouTube, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og2dVyFVyk0
14. Epidemics of kidnapping and killing against ethnic Amharas in Ethiopia - Martin Plaut, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://martinplaut.com/2025/03/25/epidemics-of-kidnapping-and-killing-against-ethnic-amharas-in-ethiopia/
15. 2010 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - Ethiopia - Refworld, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.refworld.org/reference/annualreport/usdos/2011/en/78839
16. Coalition for Unity and Democracy - Wikipedia, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coalition_for_Unity_and_Democracy
17. Ending child marriage by empowering girls - Ethiopia - UNICEF.org, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.unicef.org/ethiopia/stories/ending-child-marriage-empowering-girls
18. Birtukan's Documentary: A Smokescreen for the Amhara Genocide? - Borkena, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://borkena.com/2025/03/27/birtukan-s-documentary-a-smokescreen-for-the-amhara-genocide/
19. Ethiopia: Human rights bodies failure to act as justice continues to elude victims of atrocities, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/08/it-is-long-overdue-for-the-african-and-global-human-rights-bodies-to-bring-ethiopia-back-to-their-agenda-including-setting-up-public-and-private-engagements-on-the-situation-in-the-amhara-region/
20. Ethiopia's Ominous New War in Amhara - Crisis Group, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-africa/ethiopia/b194-ethiopias-ominous-new-war-amhara
21. War in Amhara - Wikipedia, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Amhara
22. Conflict in Ethiopia | Global Conflict Tracker - Council on Foreign Relations, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/conflict-ethiopia
23. Ethiopia accuses Amhara militia of seeking to overthrow government | News - Al Jazeera, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/7/ethiopia-accuses-amhara-militia-of-seeking-to-overthrow-government
24. Expert Roundtable: Ethiopia's Amhara conflict - Public International Law & Policy Group, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.publicinternationallawandpolicygroup.org/expert-roundtable-ethiopias-amhara-conflict
25. Ethiopia: Military Executes Dozens in Amhara Region - Human Rights Watch, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/04/04/ethiopia-military-executes-dozens-amhara-region
26. Persecution of Amhara people - Wikipedia, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Amhara_people
27. Ethiopia's Invisible Ethnic Cleansing | Human Rights Watch, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/06/16/ethiopias-invisible-ethnic-cleansing
28. War-related sexual and gender-based violence in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: a community-based study - ReliefWeb, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/war-related-sexual-and-gender-based-violence-tigray-northern-ethiopia-community-based-study
29. "እኔ ያለቀስኩት ለሉላ ገዙ ነው" - "የብርቱካን እውነት" ዶክመንታሪ ፊልሙ እንዴት ነበር? #Zehabesha - TikTok, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.tiktok.com/@henok_zehabesha/video/7486622146676968746
30. Magnitude of Gender-Based Violence and Its Associated Factors among Female Night Students in Bahir Dar City, Amhara Region, Ethiopia - ResearchGate, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350864646_Magnitude_of_Gender-Based_Violence_and_Its_Associated_Factors_among_Female_Night_Students_in_Bahir_Dar_City_Amhara_Region_Ethiopia
31. Sexual violence among female high school students in Debark, North west Ethiopia, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11079472_Sexual_violence_among_female_high_school_students_in_Debark_North_west_Ethiopia
32. (PDF) Prevalence of sexual violence in Ethiopian workplaces: systematic review and meta-analysis - ResearchGate, accessed on March 29, 2025, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346790607_Prevalence_of_sexual_violence_in_Ethiopian_workplaces_systematic_review_and_meta-analysis
33. Ethiopia: Tigrayan forces murder, rape and pillage in attacks on civilians in Amhara towns, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/02/ethiopia-tigrayan-forces-murder-rape-and-pillage-in-attacks-on-civilians-in-amhara-towns/
34. Report on Gross Human Rights Violations and Violations of International Humanitarian Law in Amhara Region and Surrounding Areas of Ethiopia| For the 12 Month Period Since the Declaration of the State of Emergency (August 4, 2023 to August 4, 2024) , https://www.amharaamerica.org/_files/ugd/e494ca_6dc816df63bd43c5a98dddf9953819f2.pdf
35. CPJ| At least 7 journalists detained in Ethiopia on terror allegations, accessed on April 20, 2025, https://cpj.org/2025/04/at-least-7-journalists-detained-in-ethiopia-on-terror-allegations/