Ethiopian Tribune Review: The State of Press Freedom in Ethiopia
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From Promise to Peril: A Reflection on Journalism in Ethiopia’s Challenging Times
The Guardian’s recent article on Ethiopia’s press freedom situation presents a stark assessment of our nation’s journey from promising reform to disturbing regression. As an Ethiopian publication committed to honest discourse, we find it essential to examine these realities while encouraging the positive stories that can emerge even in difficult times.
When Ethiopia hosted World Press Freedom Day in 2019, there was genuine hope for a new era of journalistic liberty. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government had made promising gestures – welcoming back exiled news outlets and releasing imprisoned journalists. That celebratory atmosphere in Addis Ababa represented not just international recognition but our collective aspiration for a more open society.
However, the subsequent conflicts – first in Tigray and later spreading to other regions including our own Amhara – have severely undermined these initial promises. The numbers are concerning: Ethiopia has fallen from 110th to 145th on the Reporters Without Borders press freedom index, with over 200 journalists arrested since 2019 and more than 50 forced into exile.
Most troubling are the personal testimonies from our colleagues in the field. Journalists report facing intimidation, threats, arbitrary detention, and worse. Organisations like Addis Standard have experienced office raids and staff detentions. The Ethiopian Broadcast Service recently saw seven journalists detained after a controversial broadcast.
The Dire Situation in Amhara
Particularly in the Amhara region, journalists face extraordinary challenges reporting on the ongoing conflict. The arrest of a journalist who fled to Djibouti only to be charged with terrorism offenses for reporting on the Amhara situation demonstrates the lengths authorities will go to control the narrative. These actions severely limit public understanding of a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of our fellow citizens.
A Call for Wholesome Stories
Despite these troubling developments, we believe in the power of honest journalism to heal and unite. Ethiopia needs stories that showcase our resilience, that document both struggles and triumphs, and that hold power accountable without descending into partisanship.
We celebrate the courage of journalists who continue their work despite tremendous pressure. Their commitment to truth-telling, even when facing threats to their livelihoods and safety, represents the best of Ethiopian values. These ethical journalists are the wholesome stories themselves – individuals risking everything to ensure citizens remain informed.
Looking Forward
As we approach the 2026 elections, the situation may worsen if current trends continue. One editor quoted in the Guardian piece fears that “in two years, we won’t have any independent media left if things continue like this.”
We call on the government to recommit to its earlier promises of press freedom. Strong nations are built on transparent governance and the free flow of information, not on silence and intimidation. Ethiopia’s progress depends on creating space for journalists to work without fear.
To our fellow journalists: document not only the difficulties but also the moments of hope. Share stories of community resilience, of reconciliation efforts, of ordinary Ethiopians helping each other across ethnic lines. These narratives are equally true and desperately needed.
True patriotism is not defined by uncritical praise but by a commitment to truth and the belief that Ethiopia can and must do better. The path to national healing begins with honest conversation about where we stand and where we hope to go – a conversation that requires journalists to work freely and safely.
The Ethiopian Tribune remains committed to balanced reporting on developments affecting all Ethiopian communities.
