What's happened
Ethiopian authorities declined to renew Reuters' journalist accreditation, citing a report on a secret UAE-backed fighter training camp. The move follows restrictions on foreign media and raises concerns over press freedom ahead of the June elections. Reuters plans to continue coverage independently.
What's behind the headline?
The Ethiopian government's decision to revoke Reuters' accreditation signals a broader pattern of media suppression. The authorities' response to the report—linking it to national security—suggests an effort to control narratives ahead of the June elections. This move aligns with recent restrictions on Deutsche Welle and Wazema Radio, indicating a tightening grip on independent journalism. The timing, just months before national elections amid regional conflicts, underscores a strategic attempt to limit external scrutiny and dissent. The UAE allegations, whether true or not, are being used as a pretext to silence critical reporting, which could further isolate Ethiopia internationally. This pattern risks undermining transparency and democratic processes, with potential long-term consequences for press freedom and regional stability.
What the papers say
All Africa reports that Ethiopia declined to renew Reuters' accreditation, citing a report on a secret UAE-backed fighter camp. Reuters confirmed it is reviewing the decision and intends to continue independent coverage. The move follows restrictions on foreign media, including Deutsche Welle and Wazema Radio, and is part of a broader pattern of media suppression in Ethiopia. The government has not publicly responded to the allegations, which remain unaddressed in official statements, raising concerns about press freedom and transparency in the lead-up to the June elections.
How we got here
The Ethiopian government has increasingly restricted foreign media amid ongoing regional conflicts and political tensions. Recent actions include revoking licenses of media outlets and journalists, citing national interest and stability concerns. The move against Reuters follows an investigative report alleging a secret UAE-backed fighter training camp in Ethiopia, which Ethiopia has not publicly addressed.
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Reuters is an international news organization owned by Thomson Reuters. It employs some 2,500 journalists and 600 photojournalists in about 200 locations worldwide.
The agency was established in London in 1851 by the German-born Paul Reuter.
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