Regional state of Ethiopia facing security and media pressures
A crowded bus traveling from Dessie to Addis Ababa has veered off a mountainous road in Amhara, plunging into a ravine. Authorities say the death toll is rising as emergency services struggle to reach victims amid poor infrastructure. The crash follows a pattern of deadly road accidents on Ethiopia’s hazardous roads.
Clashes have intensified between Ethiopian federal forces and the TPLF in western Tigray near the Sudan border. Civilians are fleeing, and both sides accuse the other of violating the Pretoria peace deal. The fighting follows months of deteriorating relations since the Pretoria agreement and raises fears of a wider conflict in the region.
Independent Ethiopian outlets face escalating government pressure. Journalists detained or harassed, offices raided, and licenses revoked as authorities push for tighter control over reporting on unrest and elections. CPJ urges due process and the protection of press freedom.