JUSTICE DELAYED: American Tech Entrepreneur Dawit in Birhanu Languishes in Ethiopian Prison
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By Ethiopian Tribune Editorial Board
May 7, 2025
In a case that has sent shockwaves through Ethiopia’s emerging technology sector and raised serious concerns about the country’s commitment to fair judicial proceedings, American citizen and tech entrepreneur Dawit Birhanu continues to be held in a high-security Ethiopian prison since his detention in December 2024.
Bridging the Digital Divide: A Dream Deferred
Bhernu, a former Cisco employee who returned to his birth country with dreams of technological advancement, founded West Springs, Ethiopia’s first private internet service provider. His mission was clear: to bridge the digital divide that has long hampered Ethiopia’s development and connect thousands of our citizens to the global digital economy.
“Dwit saw potential where others saw challenges,” explains Ken Gray, a former colleague from Cisco. “His vision was to transform Ethiopia’s connectivity landscape and bring affordable, reliable internet to communities that had been left behind.”
That vision is now in jeopardy. With Birhanu behind bars and West Springs’ assets frozen by authorities, thousands of Ethiopian citizens and businesses face the prospect of losing their internet connections—a devastating blow to a country striving to participate in the digital age.
Justice System Under Scrutiny
The charges against Birhanu—tax evasion, customs violations, and money laundering—stem from what legal experts describe as an incomplete investigation lacking substantial evidence. Despite these procedural concerns, Birhanu has been denied bail and continues to be held in harsh conditions that have reportedly affected his health.
“The way this case has been handled raises serious questions about the commitment to due process in our legal system,” notes a legal analyst who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the case. “When entrepreneurs face such treatment, it sends a chilling message to both local and foreign investors considering Ethiopia as a destination.”
Solomon Birhanu, Dwit’s brother, describes the family’s anguish: “We have limited communication with Dwit, and when we do speak with him, we’re deeply concerned about his health. He requires medical attention that he’s not receiving.”
A Matter of National Interest
The Ethiopian Tribune believes this case transcends one individual’s plight—it strikes at the heart of Ethiopia’s aspirations for economic development and technological advancement.
When entrepreneurs who invest in our country’s future face arbitrary detention and asset seizure, we must ask: What message are we sending to the world? How can we expect to attract the investment and expertise needed to build a digital economy when those who answer that call face such treatment?
The freezing of West Springs’ assets threatens not only the company’s operations but also the connectivity of thousands of Ethiopian citizens who depend on its services for education, healthcare information, and business operations.
Call for Action
The Ethiopian Tribune joins growing voices in the tech community and civil society calling for:
- Immediate review of Dawit Birhanu’s case by independent judicial authorities
- Proper medical attention for Birhanu while in detention
- Unfreezing of West Springs’ assets to allow the company to continue providing essential services
- Commitment to transparent legal proceedings that adhere to both Ethiopian law and international standards of justice
Ethiopia stands at a crossroads. Our handling of this case will signal to the world whether we truly welcome innovation and investment, or whether entrepreneurs face unpredictable risks when bringing their expertise to our nation.
As a country with ambitious development goals, we cannot afford to undermine the very forces that can help us achieve them—entrepreneurship, technological advancement, and the rule of law.
The Ethiopian Tribune calls on authorities to demonstrate their commitment to justice and due process in this case, recognizing that fair treatment of Dawit Birhanu is not merely about one man’s freedom—it is about our nation’s future.
For updates on this developing story and ways to support the call for justice, follow Ethiopian Tribune’s continuing coverage.
