Abo Geza: history and ethnography of a Tigrayan prison

This research was conducted in Mekelle in the years leading up to the 2020 Tigray War. It explores the interconnected nature of the prison system and broader social dynamics, with a focus on the mechanisms of consensus reproduction and acquiescence to power on a continuum between prison life and extramural society. This continuum is deeply rooted in the manipulation of international development ideologies, particularly through the rhetoric of “attitude to work”, ostensibly presented as a tool for national prosperity but ultimately used to consolidate the symbolic capital of the ruling elite. Internal power dynamics at Mekelle Regional Prison are highlighted, including the roles of key figures among the inmates in maintaining order, resolving conflicts and communicating with the authorities. The research reveals a structured system of inmate representation and task distribution focused on “rehabilitation” through mutual surveillance and internal mediation. The article also analyzes the rebellion that took place in Mekelle Prison in 2018 following the government’s political amnesty measures, which led to violent clashes and unrest in several detention facilities in Ethiopia. The rebellion underscores tensions between national reforms, the handling of prisoners’ demands, and the role of prison in political discourse. The research aims to shed light on how historical, political, and institutional factors intersect to shape the dynamics of prisons and incarceration, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the prison system and its relationship to broader social contexts in the intricate political landscape of contemporary Ethiopia and Tigray.