Ethiopian Anti-Doping Authority Flags 89 Percent of Athlete Evidence as Fabricated

The Ethiopian Anti-Doping Authority has revealed that 89 percent of the evidence submitted by athletes in doping-related cases is unreliable or fabricated, according to Director General Mekonnen Yidersal. In a comprehensive interview with The Reporter , Mekonnen stated that the authority is handling approximately 18 doping cases this year, with several remaining under active investigation. He pointed to prominent Ethiopian runner Ruti Aga as a case in point, noting that investigators uncovered a separate offense involving fabricated evidence alongside her initial anti-doping violation. “An offence related to the submission of evidence was found in her case, in addition to the anti-doping violation,” Mekonnen said, adding that international anti-doping bodies cited the Ethiopian authority when disclosing details about the fraudulent documentation. Mekonnen noted that the authority conducts roughly 1,300 doping tests annually using its own resources. Testing operations have systematically expanded beyond the Ethiopian Athletics Championships to include international competitions and weekly road races. Highlighting a wider crackdown on enablers behind the scenes, Mekonnen emphasized that current investigations extend beyond athletes to target a network of medical professionals, pharmacists, and institutional staff suspected of facilitating doping operations. He noted that the authority successfully apprehended individuals within these groups during the 2017 and 2018 Ethiopian fiscal years. Furthermore, sports clubs and institutions could face accountability under the Sports Development and Administration Proclamation if athletes under their supervision violate anti-doping regulations due to institutional negligence or a failure of proper oversight. To preemptively combat violations, the authority is rolling out a registration platform designed to strengthen athlete monitoring by tracking athletes, clubs, coaches, managers, and other sports administration professionals. Mekonnen advised athletes to consult qualified medical professionals before taking medication and to strictly adhere to established protocols for substances that could trigger a rule violation. Competitors requiring necessary medication, he added, can formally withdraw from competition and complete the correct clearance procedures before returning to sport.