Ethiopian authorities have imposed a sweeping clampdown on independent journalism in the run-up to the country’s national election on 1 June, with Amnesty International warning that the measures represent a deliberate effort to suppress dissent and control the narrative ahead of the vote. The crackdown includes the arbitrary revocation of media licenses, the forced disappearance of journalists, and the imposition of a controversial accreditation oath that critics say enables state censorship.
The Ethiopian Election Board, an independent constitutional body tasked with overseeing the electoral process, has required media organizations to sign an oath mandating compliance with “ethical responsibilities and obligations” set out in election directives. The document, obtained by Amnesty International, demands that journalists acknowledge the illegality of publishing “false information” about the board, a provision critics argue grants the body sweeping power to define truth and silence criticism. The oath, first introduced in 2021, has been tightened ahead of the election, with several journalists reporting that it has further restricted their ability to report on political developments.
Six anonymous media representatives interviewed by Amnesty International described a climate of fear that has led to widespread self-censorship. One news editor said they had abandoned a story due to the inability to secure on-the-record statements from politicians, who refused to speak openly for fear of government retaliation. “Every quoted politician was anonymous, as they refused to disclose their identity for fear of reprisals for criticizing the government or the ruling party,” the editor said. Another journalist noted that opposition figures now avoid discussing sensitive topics over the phone, citing concerns that their communications are monitored by intelligence services.
The Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA), the country’s media regulatory body, has also played a central role in the crackdown. Over the past year, the EMA has suspended the registration of independent outlets such as Addis Standard and Wazema Radio, while revoking the accreditation of Reuters journalists. The latter move followed the news agency’s reporting on a military base in Ethiopia that hosts the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations. The EMA has not publicly explained the basis for these actions, but its chairperson, Getachew Kassa, has previously warned that “unverified news” risks destabilizing the nation.
Government officials have amplified the narrative that critical journalism poses a threat to national security. Redwan Hussien, Ethiopia’s intelligence chief, and Daniel Kibret, a senior advisor to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, have repeatedly accused independent media of undermining the country’s stability. Their statements align with a broader campaign to frame dissenting voices as adversaries, a rhetoric that Amnesty International has condemned as a tool to consolidate power. “A smear campaign against the media that frames independent journalism as a national threat, just weeks before the election, is an example of how authoritarian tendencies are taking root in Ethiopia and are being deployed to consolidate power,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.
The election board’s requirement for journalists to sign the oath has drawn sharp criticism from international observers. The document’s vague language, which prohibits the dissemination of “false information,” has been criticized as a means to criminalize legitimate reporting. “Press freedom and the free flow of information are vital during elections. The oath required by the election board is clearly a tool for controlling what is discussed in public about the upcoming election and gives it the power to censor uncomfortable information or determine what is considered to be true or false,” Chagutah said.
As the 1 June election approaches, the Ethiopian government has yet to address allegations of repression. Meanwhile, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene. Amnesty International has called on Ethiopia’s development partners and regional bodies to condemn the systematic dismantling of press freedom, warning that the erosion of media independence risks undermining the integrity of the electoral process. The outcome of the election, and the role of the media in shaping its narrative, remains uncertain as journalists navigate an increasingly hostile environment.
