Ethiopia’s independent media environment has suffered another setback, dropping to 148th place in the 2026 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index. The decline underscores what the organisation describes as a deepening crisis for independent journalism.
In its 25th annual report, RSF classified Ethiopia’s media environment as “very serious,” reflecting the cumulative impact of renewed conflict and mounting pressure on journalists.
According to figures released Thursday, ahead of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Ethiopia’s score fell to 34.66 from 36.92 the previous year. The drop is largely attributed to renewed hostilities in the Amhara region and the continued detention of five journalists.
The report states that Ethiopia has been “devastated by inter-ethnic conflict and civil war,” reversing much of the progress previously made toward media liberalisation. It adds that journalists’ fears of reprisals surged again following the outbreak of war in the Amhara region, only months after the November 2022 peace agreement that ended the conflict in Tigray. The findings suggest that a brief period of relative openness is quickly closing, replaced by tighter restrictions and growing political pressure on independent outlets.
A particularly stark indicator is the country’s security ranking, which dropped to 167th out of 180 countries, highlighting what RSF describes as a pervasive climate of fear within the profession. The report suggests that ongoing instability has pushed authorities to prioritise information control and narrative management in response to regional crises.
Ethiopia’s decline reflects a broader regional trend. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, press freedom remains under significant strain, with Eritrea ranked last globally at 180th place. Worldwide, 100 out of 180 countries recorded score declines this year, driven by increased military restrictions in regions such as the Sahel and weakening economic conditions that leave media outlets vulnerable to political interference.
Breakdowns within the index point to a systemic deterioration across multiple indicators in Ethiopia. The political ranking fell from 139th to 150th, while the social indicator also dropped to 150th. These declines highlight what the report describes as a restrictive legal environment and an economic landscape offering little protection for independent journalism.
The report follows a joint statement issued in March, in which 41 countries raised concerns over shrinking civic space and worsening press freedom in Ethiopia.
Delivering the statement at the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 61st session, the group warned that restrictions on fundamental rights could undermine preparations for national elections scheduled for June this year.
This mounting pressure is particularly evident in sustained security and administrative actions targeting Addis Standard. Over the past year, the outlet’s tri-lingual publication has faced multiple crackdowns.
In April 2025, Ethiopian police raided its office and the home of a senior staff member, briefly detaining three managers and confiscating electronic equipment.
On 24 February 2026, the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) said it had “revoked” Addis Standard’s online media registration certificate, citing “repeated violations” of media laws and the dissemination of content it said endangered “national interests.”
JAKENN Publishing PLC, the publisher, contested the decision as unlawful. A similar action was taken in June 2021, when the authority suspended the outlet for allegedly “advancing the agenda” of what it described as a “terrorist group,” a decision later reversed after being challenged.
On April 15, a group of plainclothes intelligence officers forcibly removed Addis Standard Managing Editor Million Beyene from the newsroom, telling him he was “needed for questioning” before taking him to an undisclosed location.
After two weeks in informal detention facilities in and outside Addis Ababa, he was released to his family and JAKENN’s legal and editorial representatives.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day, observed under the theme “Shaping a Future at Peace,” comes at a time of global decline in media freedom. By fostering access to reliable information, accountability, dialogue, and trust, press freedom and independent journalism remain central to peacebuilding, economic recovery, and the protection of human rights.
According to UNESCO’s World Trends Report 2022–2025, press freedom has experienced its steepest decline since 2012, comparable to periods of global instability such as the world wars and the Cold War.
The report highlights the growing role of information manipulation, including the use of AI, alongside increasing economic fragility facing independent media.
Self-censorship has risen by more than 60%, driven by fear of reprisals, online harassment, judicial pressure, and financial constraints.
World Press Freedom Day 2026, UNESCO notes, offers a critical opportunity to reaffirm freedom of expression and strengthen information ecosystems amid evolving technological and political challenges.
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment, reply, and like comments.
Continue with Google