- Officials at the Ministry of Revenues allege regional administrations facilitate illegal checkpoints.
- A total of 237 illegal checkpoints have been identified operating across Ethiopia.
- These checkpoints impose tolls that harm domestic and international trade.
- Contraband goods valued at 19 billion Birr have been seized in 11 months.
- A call for more enforcement power to prosecute offenders has been made.
Regional Officials Are Complicit in Illegal Checkpoints
Regional Officials Are Complicit in Illegal Checkpoints Senior officials from the Ministry of Revenues and Customs Commission recently revealed shocking insights about the rampant operation of illegal checkpoints throughout Ethiopia. During a briefing to the Planning, Budget, and Finance Committee, Aynalem Nigussie, the Revenues Minister, emphasized that these checkpoints are allegedly established and maintained by regional administrations. He urged lawmakers to recognize that they are being used as channels for unlawful income and job creation, primarily affecting both domestic and international trade.
The Impact of Checkpoints on Trade and Economy
The Impact of Checkpoints on Trade and Economy Azezew Chanie, the deputy head of the Customs Commission, provided a striking statistic, claiming that at least 237 illegal checkpoints have been documented across Ethiopia. Most of these, he noted, are under the direction of regional police and various militias. His testimony highlighted a troubling situation where some local governments have organized task forces specifically to oversee these checkpoints, misinterpreting them as opportunities for youth employment. Azezew warned that these tolls imposed at illegal points are exacerbating the economic situation, creating an alarming rise in commodity prices.
Call for Enhanced Enforcement on Contraband Trade
Call for Enhanced Enforcement on Contraband Trade Within the 11 months leading up to this presentation, officials reported seizing contraband goods worth an estimated 19 billion Birr, with over 1,400 individuals arrested in connection to this illegal trade. However, Azezew did caution that there remain significant enforcement gaps. He implored Parliament to consider granting the Commission with the authority to initiate its own investigations and prosecutions against those found guilty of such practices. The Ministry’s financial figures from the same period reflected a remarkable collection of 815 billion Birr, indicating that domestic taxes alone contributed over half of this total, alongside an impressive 378 billion Birr generated through duties.
The Ministry of Revenues and Customs Commission has brought serious allegations against regional administrations regarding the operation of illegal security checkpoints in Ethiopia. These checkpoints not only serve as a source of income for local authorities but also severely affect trade and contribute to price increases. Enhanced enforcement is needed to manage the situation effectively and clamp down on illegal practices to protect the economy.
