Ethiopian Citizens at Risk of Execution in Saudi Arabia: Government’s Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts Amid Rights Concerns BODY: ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – At least 58 Ethiopian migrants in Saudi Arabia face the imminent threat of execution, as reported by an international rights group.
The Ethiopian government is actively pursuing diplomatic and consular efforts to alleviate the situation and assist these citizens.
In 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, resulting in a significant rise in the use of the death penalty. Ethiopians, disproportionately affected in drug-related cases, accounted for a substantial number of the executions recorded. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has noted that several Ethiopian detainees were not informed of the charges against them, denied legal representation, and were often coerced into signing documents they did not understand.
The Ethiopian Foreign Ministry has expressed ongoing communication and constructive engagement with Saudi authorities to seek humanitarian consideration for the affected citizens, ensure access to consular support, and pursue appropriate remedies. This comes after the recent royal amnesty granted to 1,971 Ethiopian nationals in Saudi Arabia, a gesture that reflects the government’s cooperation between the two nations. Despite these efforts, HRW has stated that there is no indication that the 58 prisoners currently facing execution have received effective assistance from the Ethiopian government.
The organization has called for urgent action to prevent further executions and highlighted the inadequate legal processes faced by the prisoners.
As the Ethiopian government continues its diplomatic efforts, international attention remains focused on the plight of the Ethiopian prisoners in Saudi Arabia.
The government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad is part of a broader strategy that includes signing new agreements with South Africa and Saudi Arabia to improve the safety and welfare of Ethiopian nationals overseas.
The unfolding situation underscores the challenges faced by African nations in securing the rights of their citizens abroad, particularly in regions with complex legal and social systems.
As the Ethiopian government seeks to resolve this critical issue, the international community watches with anticipation for the next developments.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: rfi
Source: RFI
