Kitchener resident Peter Pal Jola traveled to Ethiopia in March on a short trip to distribute supplies but ended up detained at the airport. Jola, a 67-year-old Canadian, had intended to visit friends and family in South Sudan, where conflict and hunger have devastated the population. Among the supplies he carried were walkie-talkies purchased online, which are restricted in Ethiopia. Consequently, Jola faced charges of importing military equipment, each carrying a potential 10-year prison sentence.
Initially, Jola was advised he could leave the devices at the airport for collection on his return to Canada. However, the situation changed when authorities learned he was transporting the items to the South Sudanese border. Jola’s daughter, Nyarieni Pal, expressed disbelief at the charges, emphasizing that her father’s sole intention was to aid those affected by the conflict who needed means of communication.
Jola is currently held at Kaliti maximum-security prison in Addis Ababa, where inmates must cover their basic needs, including medication. He suffers from diabetes, a suspected kidney tumor, and mobility issues following a previous car accident. The family has been sending funds to support him, while Canadian Embassy officials have offered limited assistance due to constraints within the Ethiopian judicial system.
Aaron Shull, from the Centre for International Governance Innovation, highlighted the limitations of what the Canadian government can do in such circumstances. While offering consular support and diplomatic engagement, Shull noted that countries have the authority to enforce their laws, including Ethiopia’s regulations on restricted items like walkie-talkies.
Despite the challenging situation, Pal remains hopeful and emphasized the importance of a letter of support from the Canadian government to aid her father’s case. The family has also initiated a fundraising campaign for Jola’s legal representation. Global Affairs Canada acknowledged the situation, providing consular support while maintaining privacy over the specifics of the case.
Pal underscored the significance of the Canadian government’s involvement, urging a serious approach to her father’s predicament and questioning how a higher-ranking individual would be treated in a similar situation.