Ethiopia is set to establish a dedicated institute aimed at protecting its sports stars from abuse. This pivotal announcement by the Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF) comes as regional and international media continue to highlight severe cases of violence targeting female athletes, including a recent, harrowing public appeal for help from Ethiopian marathon champion Gelete Burka.
The urgent need for such protective measures is underscored by a series of tragic events. Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, who was slated to compete in the Paris 2024 marathon, recently died following an attack by her male partner. This follows the horrific deaths of Kenyan athletes Damaris Muthee and Agnes Tirop, both reportedly at the hands of their partners, and another 33-year-old Paris-bound Ugandan marathoner who was tragically burned to death. Within Ethiopia, the recent ordeal of athlete Gelete Burka at the hands of her husband further highlights this alarming trend.
The Ethiopian Athletics Federation has openly expressed its profound concern over the "alarming" maltreatment of athletes, especially women, in the region. "The various forms of attacks against athletes in East Africa, particularly the abuse endured by female athletes, are deeply concerning," an EAF official stated.
Gelete Burka's Heartbreaking Public Appeal
Adding a powerful voice to this crisis, Ethiopian marathon star Gelete Burka recently made a public appeal for assistance, detailing a deeply distressing personal situation. "I went public so my people would know about my difficult situation and come to my aid," Gelete shared in a poignant interview on ETV Afaan Oromo Television's "Gemeda Show." Her voice, typically celebrated for its power on the track, now conveyed deep anguish as she spoke of her crumbling marriage. "My marriage is falling apart without me even knowing why."
Burka explained that her troubles began when she attempted to invest money earned from her athletic career. She recounted her husband's sudden disappearance from their home in 2016/17 (2009 E.C.). After eight months, he reappeared, initiating legal proceedings against her that have been ongoing ever since. Gelete described returning home from an international competition in 2016/17 to an empty house, despite her husband having seen her off.
Upon reporting his disappearance to the police, Gelete claimed he called her and issued a chilling threat: "Why are you tarnishing my name? If you don't stay quiet, I will kill you." She subsequently received a court summons from him in 2017/18 (2010 E.C.). When she appeared in court, her husband sought a divorce. Gelete resisted, arguing that their marriage, performed through a religious institution, should not be dissolved. However, she alleges the divorce was granted under pressure.
"He had already used the power of attorney he took earlier to sell all my property," Gelete revealed. "Even after the divorce was finalized, when I tried to freeze my assets, I found that all properties except one house had their ownership transferred." This devastating process left her virtually empty-handed, with ten houses, four cars, and numerous other properties allegedly sold. She even claimed he sold a government-provided house that she had given to his mother to live in.
"My property acquired before marriage was not returned, I didn't get my share of what we acquired after marriage, and the court has ruled that I have to share the one remaining house," she lamented, expressing bewilderment that court decisions consistently went against her, despite her strenuous arguments. She highlighted the complexity of the case, noting that her husband allegedly keeps no money in his name to avoid discovery, and properties were sold at drastically reduced prices.
Gelete Burka stated that government officials are well aware of her plight. "Not only have I not received a solution until now, but I'm also on the verge of becoming homeless, and my life is in danger. "I call upon the relevant authorities to help me," she pleaded. "I'm receiving threats that prevent me from even going out and doing the sport I love; I'm confined to my home. I want my country and my people, to whom I have contributed my best, to know my situation."
New Institute to Provide Critical Protection
At a press conference held earlier today, the EAF confirmed that the primary announcement was the establishment, by proclamation, of an institute specifically designed to shield athletes from such violence. The Federation emphasized that the issue is escalating across East Africa and believes that cases of athlete abuse should receive specialized judicial attention.
The EAF also confirmed that the press conference served to provide a detailed explanation regarding Gelete Burka's case. Furthermore, the Federation is expected to reveal that other athletes have been victims of similar circumstances, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem.
EBC provided live coverage of the Federation's statement and will continue to disseminate updates via its digital media platforms, including EBC.stream.