Ethiopia’s media landscape is once again gripped by a “climate of fear” as journalists face arrests, raids, and terrorism charges, raising serious concerns about press freedom in the lead-up to national elections scheduled for 2026.
Following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s rise to power in 2018, there was widespread optimism about a new era of openness, with previously exiled journalists returning and banned outlets being authorised. However, those hopes have steadily eroded in the wake of the Tigray War (2020–2022) and ongoing unrest in the Amhara and Oromia regions.
Recently, journalists have found themselves increasingly targeted. Three staff members from Addis Standard were detained for hours last month after a police raid on the publication’s offices. Authorities confiscated laptops and mobile phones, which have yet to be returned. The reasons behind the detentions remain unclear.
In March, seven journalists from the Ethiopian Broadcasting Service (EBS) were arrested in connection with a terrorism probe.
The arrests followed the airing of a documentary featuring a woman alleging rape by men in military uniform—a claim she later withdrew. Despite a formal apology from the network, the journalists were still detained.
Another case in April saw a journalist from The Reporter detained while covering grievances of former soldiers dismissed without compensation. These incidents have fuelled widespread unease among Ethiopian media workers.
Adding to concerns, lawmakers recently passed a legislative amendment that tightens state control over media regulation, transferring oversight to the prime minister’s office, weakening the independence of the media authority.
Journalists interviewed by AFP, all using pseudonyms for safety, described a deeply troubling atmosphere. One, referred to as “Tesfa,” said the situation is now “more dire than ever.” Others recounted deleting apps and messages out of fear that private communications could be used against them.
On World Press Freedom Day, 14 diplomatic missions—including those from the UK, France, and Belgium—issued a joint statement condemning the “significant pressure” placed on freedom of expression in Ethiopia.
Despite mounting international concern, Ethiopian authorities have remained silent, ignoring repeated requests for comment.
Access to conflict-hit regions like Amhara and Oromia—home to more than 60 million people—remains heavily restricted, despite ongoing displacement and a humanitarian crisis, making independent reporting nearly impossible.
France-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF), which ranks Ethiopia 145th out of 180 countries for press freedom, said the government appears to be trying to “retake control of the information space” after a brief period of openness.
The RSF’s regional director, Sadibou Marong, warned that the new crackdown is further destabilising an already vulnerable media sector, with many journalists resorting to self-censorship or contemplating leaving the country altogether.
With the 2026 elections approaching, local reporters fear that repression will intensify. “I expect more arrests,” said Yosef, who works with a foreign outlet. “Many of us are thinking of quitting journalism or leaving Ethiopia altogether.”
