He is Ethiopia’s answer to Michael Jackson. He’s an icon and a hero for the youth, spreading love and unity; but on the other hand, he’s accused of the hit and run homicide of an 18-year old man. Ethiopian superstar artist Teddy Afro has caused uproars through the whole country. Opinions are divided. While some believe Teddy is guilty, other see his captivity as politically motivated, since his songs are critical towards the regime.

“It was common talk, not only in Ethiopia but even here in Sweden that Teddy Afro should leave the country; otherwise the government would in one way or another throw him in prison,” says Ahmed Ali, who lives in Stockholm. He works as an economist but he is also chairman of Ethiopian Association in Sweden, and is chief editor of the Ethiopian radio in Sweden. For him, this situation has many angles. But Ahmed is sure of one thing. Teddy Afro is innocent.

On 3rd November 2006, Tewodros Kassahun, better known as Teddy Afro, was suspected of a hit and run, leaving 18-year-old Degu Yibelete, a homeless man who later died of his injuries. Teddy was arrested by the Addis Abeba Police Commission, but after being in custody for a day, he was released on bail. The evidence against Teddy Afro was the testimony of an anonymous taxi driver, who tipped the police as to the license number of Teddy’s BMW. The car was also found later in a ditch on the road near where Teddy lives.

For Ahmed Ali, this evidence is not enough. For him there is only one reason why Teddy Afro’s name is connected with the homicide. And that is purely that the government wanting to silence him. “Teddy Afro is an icon and he is a very special person,” said Ahmed Ali. “Many people look up to him as a hero and love him and his songs. He sings about unity, love and forgiveness, and that we all are the same people. And that is exactly what this government does not like. They are against anything that has to do with love and unity. This government is the worst ever.”

Ahmed continued, telling me that in Ethiopia there are around 70 nations and nationalities. The ethnic group which has the power now is the Tigray, and for them the best ways to continue staying in power is through the old fashion method of divide and conquer.