Ethiopia: Addis Abeba Islamic Council Secures Reinstatement for Muslim College students Suspended Over Spiritual Apparel

Addis Abeba — The Addis Abeba Islamic Affairs Supreme Council has announced that an agreement has been reached permitting Muslim college students, who had been suspended from four secondary colleges for carrying religious attire, to reach to their experiences.

This selection follows a wave of public difficulty referring to the medication of these college students, who had been barred from entering colleges for carrying the niqab–a face-masking garment former by some Muslim females.

The Council previously reported that college students confronted “pressure and harassment” in obvious colleges due to the their attire. It condemned the actions of college authorities, labeling them as “irresponsible” and questioning the lawful basis for such attire-basically basically based completely restrictions.

The Council asserted that these restrictions “lack legal backing” and warned that they disrupt college students’ education whereas fostering “tension between the Muslim community and the government.”

In a statement released on 31 October 2024, the Council disclosed that, “An agreement has been reached to reinstate these students and ensure they can continue their studies peacefully.” The Council reported that discussions had been held with city officers to handle the recurring challenges Muslim college students face referring to costume code regulations.

The Council extra reported that top-stage talks appealing officers from the Addis Abeba Peace and Security Bureau, the city Police, and the Training Bureau had reportedly taken region. Fixed with the Council, these conferences resulted in an scheme allowing affected college students to rejoin their classes starting up this month.

In a parliamentary session the day old to this, MP Kamil Shemsu raised these concerns with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, noting that “certain institutions seem to be undermining the government’s commitment to participation and inclusivity.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged the “shortcomings” linked to costume codes and faith, emphasizing the need to study institutional practices to be obvious inclusivity for all college students.