Ethiopia Among Africa’s Worst Jailers of Journalists, CPJ Reports

January 17, 2025 – Ethiopia – 

Ethiopia has been named one of the worst jailers of journalists in Africa, according to a recent report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). As of January 2025, at least six journalists are currently detained in Ethiopia, with five of them facing terrorism-related charges—a tactic increasingly used by the government to silence critical voices, particularly those reporting on conflict and political unrest in the Amhara region.

These charges, often vague and broad, carry harsh penalties, including potential death sentences. The accused journalists are reportedly being prosecuted under Ethiopia’s anti-terrorism laws, which have long been criticized by rights groups for enabling abuse of power and suppressing free expression. Many of the detained were covering or commenting on the escalating conflict in Amhara, where federal forces have clashed with local militias amid rising civilian casualties and tensions.

CPJ’s data places Ethiopia among the top jailers of journalists on the African continent, second only to Eritrea, which has 16 journalists imprisoned. Other countries listed include Cameroon and Rwanda (five each), and Nigeria (four). Globally, more than 360 journalists were imprisoned in 2024, marking one of the highest figures recorded since CPJ began tracking.

This rise in media repression represents a sharp reversal for Ethiopia. Under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia was once praised for opening civic space and media freedoms. In 2019, it even hosted World Press Freedom Day. However, since the outbreak of civil war in Tigray in 2020, the press environment has deteriorated significantly. Journalists have been arrested, censored, deported, and threatened. Many operate under the constant threat of surveillance or prosecution.

Prominent voices such as Reeyot Alemu and Eskinder Nega have faced repeated persecution, symbolizing the growing dangers for journalists who challenge state narratives.

Bottom line:
Ethiopia’s government is increasingly criminalizing journalism, particularly reporting on regional conflicts. With terrorism laws used as tools of repression, the country’s brief period of press freedom has collapsed. Unless serious reforms are undertaken, Ethiopia risks cementing its place among the continent’s most repressive states for the media.

Reference – 

https://apanews.net/ethiopia-as-worst-jailer-of-journalists-in-africa-cpj/

https://addisstandard.com/ethiopia-among-worst-jailers-of-journalists-in-africa-cpj-says-six-detained-five-face-terrorism-charges/?amp=1