Serbia Sees Surge in Attacks on Journalists During Anti-Government Protests
August 22, 2025
Ethical Risks in Embedding with Military Forces Amid Allegations of Genocide
August 27, 2025
In August, 2025, Addis Standard published a study highlighting the grave dangers facing journalists in Ethiopia, who are increasingly caught between severe safety threats, political pressure, and ethical dilemmas. The report details how reporters working across the country are vulnerable to harassment, surveillance, and arbitrary detention, while also being forced to navigate partisan narratives and restrictive government policies that stifle independent reporting.
The study underscores that Ethiopia remains one of the most challenging environments for journalists in Africa. Since the outbreak of civil conflict, the country has witnessed escalating hostility toward the press, with both state and non-state actors implicated in targeting media workers. Many journalists face direct threats to their lives for exposing abuses, while others are pressured to censor or frame their reporting to align with political interests.
Researchers point to widespread intimidation and arbitrary arrests as key tactics used against the press. Numerous journalists have been detained under pretexts of spreading misinformation or undermining national security, echoing broader patterns of repression under Ethiopia’s restrictive media laws. These measures not only silence individual reporters but also foster a climate of fear that discourages investigative journalism.
At the same time, the study highlights the ethical dilemmas Ethiopian journalists must confront. With political polarization deepening, reporters often find themselves pressured to choose between government narratives, opposition agendas, or self-censorship to protect their safety. The fragile media environment undermines journalistic standards and places at risk the role of the press as a watchdog.
Ultimately, the report concludes that Ethiopia’s deteriorating press climate poses a significant threat to democratic accountability. Without urgent reforms to protect journalists from violence, legal harassment, and political manipulation, independent reporting in Ethiopia risks collapse, leaving the public with limited access to truthful and balanced information.
Reference –