Addis Abeba Islamic Council urges lifting of Muslim student suspensions over religious attire, cites lack of legal basis

Addis Abeba – The Addis Abeba Islamic Affairs Supreme Council has requested that Muslim students, reportedly suspended from four secondary schools in the city for wearing religious attire, be allowed to resume classes, citing that the restriction lacks legal basis.

Reports recently emerged alleging that students were barred from school premises for wearing the niqab—a face-covering garment worn by some Muslim women. The incident has drawn considerable public attention, prompting the Council to call for a swift resolution.

In a letter addressed to Addis Abeba Education Bureau, the Council reported that Muslim female students in certain schools had faced “pressure and harassment” due to their choice of attire.

The Council stated that an agreement had initially been reached with some schools, allowing the affected students to return to classes. However, it criticized that certain schools later violated the agreement, even “preventing students from entering with masks.”

Labeling the incident as actions of “some irresponsible officials,” the Council questioned the legal grounds cited by school authorities, asserting that “attire-based restrictions lack legal backing.”

The Council warned that such an approach “disrupts students’ education and creates psychological pressure,” framing it as an attempt to foster “tension between the Muslim community and the government.”

Calling for an immediate resolution, the Council emphasized that students’ “rights must be protected” and urged that they be permitted to continue their studies without further hindrance.AS