Ethiopia Intensifies Crackdown on Press Freedom Ahead of June Election, Urgent Action Needed from International Community
Ethiopian authorities are escalating their repression of press freedom as the national election on June 1 approaches, according to Amnesty International. This crackdown aims to stifle dissent and criticism, raising significant concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
Campaign of Repression Against Independent Media
In recent months, the Ethiopian government has launched a systematic campaign against independent media outlets. This includes arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances, and unlawful surveillance of journalists. Many reporters have had their accreditations revoked, and several media houses have lost their licenses under dubious circumstances. The situation has created an environment of fear and self-censorship among journalists.
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, emphasized the need for Ethiopian authorities to reverse their authoritarian tendencies. He called on international partners and human rights organizations to condemn the dismantling of independent media in Ethiopia as citizens prepare to cast their votes.
Impact on Election Coverage
Six media representatives, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to fears of retaliation, reported that their ability to cover the upcoming election has been severely compromised. Journalists are increasingly self-censoring to avoid repercussions from the authorities. Some noted that their limited pre-election coverage has been further hampered by a lack of transparency from the election board. Concerns have also been raised about opposition politicians who now fear engaging with the media.
One news editor recounted having to abandon a story because all quoted politicians insisted on remaining anonymous, fearing reprisals for criticizing the government or the ruling party.
Oath of Compliance Imposed by Election Board
The Ethiopian Election Board, an independent constitutional body responsible for conducting elections, has introduced an “oath” as a prerequisite for official accreditation to cover the elections. This oath, first implemented in 2021, mandates media organizations to adhere to “ethical responsibilities and obligations” outlined in election coverage directives. It also stipulates that publishing “false information about the Board” is illegal.
The language of the oath is vague, allowing for broad interpretation, which raises concerns about potential censorship. Chagutah remarked that the oath serves as a mechanism for controlling public discourse surrounding the election, effectively enabling the government to censor information deemed uncomfortable.
Framing of Independent Reporting as a Threat
In recent months, high-ranking government officials have characterized critical and independent journalism as threats to national interests. This narrative has been used to justify the ongoing crackdown on media freedom. Just two months prior to the election, Redwan Hussien, Ethiopia’s intelligence chief, and Daniel Kibret, an advisor to the Prime Minister, echoed these sentiments. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has also frequently portrayed a free press as a danger to national stability.
Chagutah pointed out that the ongoing smear campaign against independent journalism illustrates the deepening authoritarianism in Ethiopia, aimed at consolidating power just weeks before the election.
Background on Media Regulatory Actions
Over the past year, the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) has taken several actions against independent media. This includes the arbitrary suspension of registrations for outlets like Addis Standard and Wazema Radio, as well as revoking the accreditations of Reuters journalists. The latter was linked to the outlet’s reporting on a military base in Ethiopia that hosted the Sudanese armed group, the Rapid Support Forces.
The current situation underscores the urgent need for international scrutiny and intervention to safeguard press freedom in Ethiopia. As the election date approaches, the implications for democracy and human rights in the country remain critical.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-05-29 15:38:00 • By the Editorial Desk
