Reports indicate that Dr. Yemane Gebremariam, Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Adigrat University, was detained while traveling to Mekelle ahead of an academic conference in Addis Ababa.
According to a statement circulated by colleagues and institutional representatives, Dr. Yemane was en route to finalize travel arrangements to attend the Consortium of Medical Schools in Africa (COMS A) conference, which is scheduled to begin on July 5, 2026, in Addis Ababa. The statement notes that he had been officially invited to represent Adigrat University at the event.
The conference is described by participating institutions as a regional academic gathering aimed at strengthening collaboration among medical schools across Africa. Health science colleges from universities in the Tigray region are reportedly participating collectively.
As of the time of reporting, no official confirmation or detailed statement has been issued by authorities regarding the circumstances of the detention or any charges related to the case.
Colleagues of Dr. Yemane describe him as a senior academic administrator and have called for a review of the situation and clarification from relevant authorities. They have also requested that, if applicable, he be allowed to continue his professional engagement and attend the conference in Addis Ababa.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available from official sources.
