Ethiopia is tightening control over the media as it prepares for the 2026 general elections, raising alarm among rights groups and press freedom advocates

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  • Journalist detentions and disappearances

    • Abdulsemed Mohamed (Ahadu Radio) disappeared in Addis Ababa on August 11, 2025.

    • Yonas Amare (The Reporter newspaper) was abducted on August 13, 2025, by masked individuals.

    • Both men were released after more than 10 days but have not spoken publicly about their detention.

    • Past cases show a pattern of arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and intimidation of journalists.

  • Use of laws to silence media

    • Ethiopia continues to weaponize media and anti-terror laws against journalists.

    • Journalists face charges such as terrorism promotion, hate speech, and spreading false information.

    • Internet shutdowns are used as a tool to suppress reporting.

    • In March 2025, seven journalists from Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation were detained; two still face trial.

  • International rankings and trends

    • Ethiopia ranks 145th out of 180 in RSF’s 2025 press freedom index, citing “widespread self-censorship.”

    • Since 2018, Ethiopia has jailed at least 30 journalists.

    • In 2023, 15 foreign TV channels were suspended.

  • Government regulatory control

    • Amendments to Ethiopia’s 2021 media law (April 2025) strengthened government influence over the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA).

    • EMA has power to sanction or revoke licenses of media outlets accused of violating press ethics.

  • Transnational repression

    • Ethiopian authorities reportedly requested France’s assistance in extraditing exiled journalists Abebe Bayu and Yayesew Shimelis, both previously detained in Ethiopia.

    • Similar targeting of critical Ethiopian media voices has been reported in EU countries, South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda.

    • Rights groups warn this violates international human rights obligations.

  • Backdrop of political instability

    • Ethiopia’s 2022 peace deal with the TPLF ended large-scale conflict but left unresolved tensions in Tigray.

    • The war killed an estimated 600,000 people and displaced 5 million.

    • Ongoing instability heightens concerns over the government’s desire to control public narratives.

  • 2026 elections context

    • General elections are scheduled for June 2026.

    • Rights groups and watchdogs warn of intensified repression to shape the political narrative.

    • Surveillance of journalists inside Ethiopia and monitoring of exiled media figures is expected to continue.



    Critics say press freedom in Ethiopia is being constrained, despite Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's initial media reforms


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