 held a press conference today to address the high-profile case of decorated athlete Gelete Burka. Read.){kind=link}
Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF) held a press conference today to address the high-profile case of decorated athlete Gelete Burka, following her allegations of abuse and mistreatment by her husband, and to confront the wider issue of female athlete safety in the country.
Ethio FM reported that EAF President Commander Athlete Sileshi Sihine acknowledged the seriousness of Burka’s claims and affirmed the federation’s commitment to supporting her. “The Federation is working on all fronts to find a solution for Gelete Burka’s case,” he said. Sileshi further admitted that abuse is a widespread issue among female athletes in Ethiopia. “Gelete chose to speak out, but many other athletes who have made great sacrifices for their country are suffering in silence.”
Gelete Burka, a world indoor champion and Olympic finalist, recently accused her husband of long-term abuse, including physical violence and controlling behavior that affected her personal freedom and career. Her public statement sparked national and international concern, prompting the EAF to take public action.
Athlete Meseret Defar, Vice President of the EAF and herself a legendary runner, emphasized the importance of justice for Burka. “Gelete has faced extensive challenges since the start of her career. She made enormous sacrifices for Ethiopia’s reputation. She deserves justice,” Defar said.
Biniyam Miruts, Executive Committee Member and Chair of the Communications Sub-Committee, called on the media to play a proactive role. “We need the media to partner with us in protecting female athletes from abuse,” he stated.
Speaking on behalf of the Ethiopian Athletes Association, Lieutenant Colonel Athlete Yamane Tsegaye and Athlete Belaynesh Oljira condemned the treatment of athletes as mere financial assets, saying such attitudes worsen the problem. They urged all stakeholders—including the government—to intervene and offer substantial support.
Dr. Ayalew Tilhaun, a senior medical expert with the EAF, confirmed that efforts are underway to establish a robust athlete protection framework in Ethiopia. He added, “International regulations on athlete protection have been in effect since 2023, and we are working to align our national policies accordingly.”
Background Context:
Athlete Gelete Burka has come forward with claims that she lost all her property due to the actions of her husband, Gebremedhin Gebremariam. In an emotional interview on the Gemedashow TV program, Gelete disclosed that the assets she had accumulated over 20 years of her athletic career were sold without her consent.
She revealed that ten plots of land, including her residence and government-allotted properties, were sold by her husband over time. The legal process to evict her from her current home is already underway, she said.
Additionally, Gelete claimed that four out of her five cars were sold by her husband. Due to the distress caused by these events, she stated she had not left her house for over a year and lived in fear.
She further expressed frustration with the court system, stating that all judgments have gone against her and that the courts are not fairly considering her side of the story.
“I feel unheard. At this point, the only hope I have left is the Prime Minister. Before I collapse completely, I want the people’s voice to be my support,” she said.
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