Ethiopia Journalists Association Says Reporter Abductions Must End

The call is simple: follow due process, not force.

If there are allegations, journalists should be brought before a court within 48 hours—not taken by unknown individuals and kept without contact. These disappearances weaken the rule of law, sow fear, and erode trust. In this article, we look at what happened, why it matters for press freedom, what the law requires, and what must change to protect reporters. The core issue is clear: abducting journalists is a dangerous practice.

Growing Threats Against Ethiopian Journalists

Timeline of Recent Abductions

Timeline of recent abductions shows a troubling rise in dangers faced by Ethiopian journalists. Over the past couple of years, several alarming incidents have been reported, especially after periods of political unrest or conflict. In early 2024, reports surfaced about journalists being abducted in different regions including Addis Ababa and Amhara. These abductions often occurred at night or during travel, with journalists disappearing for days or even weeks without explanations.

Journalists covering sensitive topics such as opposition politics, human rights, ethnic conflicts, or corruption have been particularly targeted. Since mid-2023, Ethiopian press organizations and international watchdogs have recorded at least a dozen abduction cases. Many incidents remain unreported, as families and colleagues fear retaliation. This timeline of abductions highlights the relentless threats Ethiopian media professionals face just for doing their jobs.

Notable Cases: Yonas Amare and Abdulsamed Mohammed

Yonas Amare and Abdulsamed Mohammed are two prominent cases that have drawn national and international concern. Yonas Amare, a journalist working for Ethio Forum, was reportedly taken by unidentified security personnel in late 2023 after criticizing government mishandling of a local issue. Witnesses claimed Amare was seized from his home, and his whereabouts stayed unknown for over two weeks, sparking outrage among fellow journalists and activists.

Abdulsamed Mohammed, a news editor with Ashara Media, disappeared in a similar fashion in early 2024. Sources believe his reporting on alleged abuses in Ethiopia’s Oromia region made him a target. Like Yonas, Abdulsamed was detained without any official charge or explanation, and his relatives struggled to locate him despite searching numerous detention centers.

These cases are not isolated. They represent a pattern of enforced disappearances where authorities either stay silent or deny any involvement, leaving both journalists and their families in a state of fear and uncertainty.

Government and Security Forces Response

Government and security forces response to these abductions has often been dismissive or defensive. Officials usually deny knowledge of the missing journalists or deflect blame to unidentified attackers. Statements from the federal police or the Ethiopian Communications Authority have claimed that some detentions are for “national security reasons” or “investigative purposes,” but details are rarely provided.

Sometimes, the authorities do not acknowledge any arrest, even when multiple witnesses have seen security personnel detaining journalists. Requests from media associations and families for information are frequently ignored or met with vague assurances.

This lack of transparency and accountability only worsens the situation. Instead of protecting journalists, government and security forces seem more focused on silencing critical media. As a result, fears of arbitrary detention, abduction, and harassment are soaring among Ethiopian journalists, with many feeling they must self-censor or consider leaving the profession altogether.

Media Association Condemnations and Demands

Statements from Ethiopian Mass Media Professionals Association

Statements from Ethiopian Mass Media Professionals Association have been strong and concerned. When journalists face threats or are taken, the Association quickly issues public condemnations. They often describe these actions as attacks on basic press freedom. They also explain how such incidents damage the country’s democratic image. In each statement, there is always a call for authorities to respect the rights of the media. The Association warns that intimidating the press makes it harder for the public to get true information.

It is common for the Association to share these statements through the media and social channels. Their messages put pressure on decision-makers to act responsibly. They use clear language to stand with threatened journalists and remind the public that media rights are part of human rights.

Ethiopian Media Professionals Association’s Advocacy

Ethiopian Media Professionals Association’s advocacy is focused on journalist safety and legal rights. When a journalist disappears or is arrested, the Association steps in to gather facts and offer legal support. They help families connect to lawyers and often reach out to human rights groups. The Association regularly meets with government officials and security bodies to push for fair treatment.

They also run awareness campaigns to explain how press freedom benefits society. Workshops and events are common, helping other journalists understand how to protect themselves and each other. Whenever abuses happen, the Association tries to build a network of allies, both inside and outside Ethiopia, to raise global concern.

Key Demands for Immediate Release and Due Process

Key demands for immediate release and due process are always front and center in every statement and campaign. The Associations never accept secret detentions or unexplained disappearances. They demand that detained journalists be released right away if no charges exist. If there are any legal accusations, they insist on a fair trial with full access to lawyers.

They also ask for information about where arrested journalists are held. The Associations remind the government and security forces that they must follow Ethiopia’s laws and the country’s promises to international agreements on human rights. The main message in every demand is clear: no journalist should be hidden or punished for doing their job. Proper legal process must always be followed, and respect for the press must be restored immediately.

Patterns of Abduction and Harassment

Patterns of abduction and harassment of journalists in Ethiopia have become disturbingly common, according to multiple 2024 reports. Human rights and press watchdogs like Amnesty International, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Freedom House have documented a rising trend of arbitrary arrests, kidnappings, and both physical and digital intimidation. Journalists have been especially vulnerable in conflict-affected regions such as Amhara and Oromia, but these abuses now reach the capital, Addis Ababa, as well.

Online harassment in Ethiopia is also on the rise, with documented cases of digital threats and doxxing meant to silence critical voices. It is not only state actors but also non-state groups that target reporters, making journalism an increasingly dangerous job. An alarming report found at least 43 journalists were arrested, kidnapped, or imprisoned in 2024 alone. Often, journalists do not receive clear information about the reasons for their detention, and families remain in the dark about the whereabouts or well-being of their loved ones.

International organizations note a pattern where journalists are first labeled as threats, accused of misinformation or terrorism, and then subjected to abduction, incommunicado detention, or severe intimidation. This broad pattern of targeted harassment disrupts the free flow of information and stifles independent reporting.

Declining International Rankings for Press Freedom

Declining international rankings for press freedom show the severity of Ethiopia’s situation. According to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Ethiopia ranked 141st out of 180 countries, a sharp decline of 11 places since the previous year. This drop reflects deep concerns about state repression, the use of emergency laws to target journalists, and increasing governmental control over independent reporting.

Freedom House and other international reports highlight how academic, online, and media freedoms have suffered. The imposition of repeated states of emergency in response to domestic conflicts has led to Internet shutdowns, widespread censorship, and mass imprisonment of media workers. Ethiopia once saw significant gains in press freedom, but these have largely been erased, and investigative journalism is especially targeted. Recent coverage points to a systematic attack on independent outlets, showing that both legal and extra-legal actions are being taken to curtail free speech.

Legal Procedures and Due Process Concerns

Legal procedures and due process concerns are front and center in Ethiopia’s press freedom crisis. Ethiopian law requires detainees to be brought before a court within 48 hours, but this standard is routinely violated. Journalists are often held without charge, denied legal representation, and their families are not notified of their location. During emergencies, laws are used to grant security forces broad powers to arrest and detain without explanation or oversight.

Multiple organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, criticize the use of vague anti-terrorism laws to keep journalists behind bars for months, and sometimes years, without conviction. Reports confirm a pattern of arbitrary detention with authorities routinely ignoring requests for legal process, or detaining journalists in secret facilities. Disregard for due process is a key part of why the international community views Ethiopia’s media climate with growing concern.

Historical Cases of Harassment and Detention

Historical cases of harassment and detention of Ethiopian journalists show these alarming patterns are not new. Under previous governments, especially during the Meles Zenawi era, Ethiopia was notorious for arresting, torturing, and forcing journalists into exile. At least 22 journalists were prosecuted or forced to flee in a single year, and several publications closed after government intimidation.

Over time, dozens of Ethiopian journalists have been driven abroad due to relentless state harassment and the constant threat of arrest. The country has seen waves of media repression during moments of political crisis, such as after elections or protests. Cases like the jailing of the Zone 9 bloggers and punitive charges against independent news agencies remain infamous.

Reports by Human Rights Watch and the United Nations highlight that journalists are frequently accused of vague charges like “inciting violence” or “harming national security.” These accusations are commonly used to justify prolonged detention without trial, as well as harassment and intimidation of family members. Despite short-lived periods of reform, the harassment and detention of Ethiopian journalists continues to cast a long shadow over freedom of the press in the country.

Impact of Elections on Media Safety

Impact of elections on media safety in Ethiopia has been dramatic, especially in the context of ongoing political tensions and security crackdowns. During recent election cycles, journalists and media workers faced increased threats, harassment, and even arrest. Reports from Freedom House and various human rights organizations show that state authorities often use election periods to justify tighter restrictions on information, including blocking news websites and detaining reporters critical of the government. Electoral violence and civil conflict create further risks for journalists, who get caught in the crossfire or become targets for their coverage. Local studies and international reports highlight that election-related political instability continues to be one of the greatest threats to free media and physical safety for journalists in Ethiopia, leading many to self-censor or stop reporting altogether.

Warnings from Human Rights Organizations

Warnings from human rights organizations about Ethiopian press freedom have been loud and clear throughout 2024 and into 2025. Groups like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the Committee to Protect Journalists have condemned the increasing number of arbitrary arrests and the suspension of prominent civil society organizations (CSOs). These organizations warn that the deteriorating state of press freedom is a sign of shrinking civic space and a sustained government campaign to silence dissent and independent reporting. Reports point to internet shutdowns, forced closures of human rights groups, and frequent self-censorship in newsrooms, all of which threaten both free expression and the safety of media workers. Activists strongly urge the Ethiopian authorities to lift restrictions, respect due process for detainees, and create an environment where journalism is protected, not punished.

Government Justifications and Opposition Critiques

Government justifications and opposition critiques over journalist arrests in Ethiopia reflect a deeply divided political environment. The government often argues that arrests of journalists are necessary for “national security” or to stop “spreading misinformation” during times of unrest or conflict. In several recent cases, authorities claimed that detained reporters had tried to “create chaos and violence” or violated vague emergency laws. However, opposition parties, media associations, and international observers fiercely criticize these actions, claiming they are little more than a cover to quash critical voices and limit transparency. Opposition leaders have called out the lack of due process and the chilling effect on free speech, saying the ruling party is abusing legal tools to cling to power by intimidating press and stifling honest debate about government policy and crisis response.

Restrictions on Civic Space and Advocacy Groups

Restrictions on civic space and advocacy groups in Ethiopia have reached alarming new levels in 2024 and 2025. The government, through agencies like the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO), suspended or shut down hundreds of advocacy, human rights, and watchdog groups on grounds such as alleged administrative violations. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and CIVICUS have all documented how these mass closures and arbitrary suspensions block essential advocacy for rights, transparency, and accountability. The climate for civil society became even harsher as new legal proposals now threaten to dismantle many remaining groups, while those that survive face harsh scrutiny, funding shortages, and intimidating oversight. This crackdown not only limits the work of rights defenders but also removes vital support networks for journalists and ordinary citizens seeking justice and reform.

Impact on Journalists and Families

Psychological and Social Consequences

Psychological and social consequences of journalist abductions in Ethiopia are severe and long-lasting. Many journalists live in fear for their own safety and for their families. After abductions, people report feeling constant anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress symptoms. Being taken by unknown security forces, sometimes in front of loved ones, leaves deep emotional wounds.

Families of abducted journalists also experience great stress. They worry about the safety of their loved ones, often not knowing where they are or if they are safe. This uncertainty can cause sleep problems, changes in appetite, and trouble concentrating. Children and spouses may become socially withdrawn or feel isolated. The entire community of journalists may lose confidence, avoiding certain stories or reducing their public statements to avoid similar dangers.

Calls for Transparency and Accountability

Calls for transparency and accountability have grown louder as more journalists face harassment and abduction. Media associations, human rights groups, and local communities demand the government provide clear information about detainees’ whereabouts and why they were arrested. Many insist that proper legal procedures must be followed, and all detentions must be made public.

Without transparency, families are forced to search for answers on their own, sometimes for weeks or months. Human rights organizations have called for the government to disclose details of any investigations and to hold those responsible for illegal detentions accountable. The demand for justice and clarity is strong, as unclear arrests and secret prison locations lead to increased fear and mistrust in society.

Family Appeals and Community Reaction

Family appeals and community reaction are heartfelt and growing. Families of abducted journalists often make public appeals for information and help, sometimes speaking in the media or holding small community gatherings. They plead for the safe return of their loved ones and urge authorities to follow fair legal steps.

Communities of journalists and their supporters often join these appeals, organizing protests or launching social media campaigns. There is a deep sense of solidarity, but also worry, as every new case can remind others of the risks they face. Some communities work together to support affected families, offering practical help or emotional support.

These reactions show that the impact of journalist abductions goes far beyond the individual. It affects families, newsrooms, and entire regions, and adds to a climate of fear that makes open discussion and reporting much more difficult in Ethiopia.

Reactions from International NGOs (CPJ, RSF, Amnesty)

International NGOs like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and Amnesty International have shown deep concern about the threats facing Ethiopian journalists. These organizations have condemned abductions, arbitrary arrests, and growing intimidation. For example, RSF’s 2024 round-up highlights a rise in kidnappings of journalists across conflict zones and names Ethiopia as a country of concern. CPJ has urged the government to respect press freedom and end legal harassment. Amnesty International continues to report on the urgent need for independent, safe journalism and regularly issues statements when journalists are detained or face serious risks. These NGOs are calling for international attention and pressure on Ethiopian authorities to protect journalists and ensure accountability.

UN and US Human Rights Reports on Ethiopia

UN and US human rights reports in 2024 present a grim picture for press freedom and human rights in Ethiopia. According to the latest US State Department report, conflict-related abuses, especially in Amhara and Oromia regions, have continued despite the lifting of the state of emergency. Journalists are routinely targeted, detained without due process, or even abducted. The United Nations, through the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), noted ongoing issues with transitional justice and highlighted the suspension of local and international civil society groups. Reports from both the UN and US underline a clear pattern: the media environment in Ethiopia has become more repressive, and journalists face violence, censorship, and administrative barriers.

Recommendations for Improving Journalist Safety

Recommendations for improving journalist safety in Ethiopia have become urgent and specific. NGOs and press freedom groups suggest several clear steps:

• Enforce existing laws that protect against arbitrary detention and harassment of journalists.
• Train security forces and officials on media rights and the importance of a free press.
• Introduce genuine independent investigations into abuses against journalists and make the results public.
• Strengthen physical and digital security support for media workers, especially in conflict zones.
• Establish a national committee or watchdog to monitor violations and deliver rapid responses. Recent assessments, including the IMS Ethiopia Journalists’ Safety Assessment Report (2025), also argue for systematic monitoring, legal aid for targeted journalists, and regular dialogue between government and independent media.

Advocacy for Internet and Media Freedom During Crises

Advocacy for internet and media freedom in Ethiopia has intensified, as internet shutdowns and press crackdowns become routine during crises. Civil society groups, like Freedom House and Access Now, have challenged the Ethiopian government’s repeated shutdowns during protests or conflicts, saying these actions seriously harm human rights and cut off vital information. Reports confirm that during emergencies, blocking digital communications is used to suppress dissent and reporting. Advocacy efforts are demanding government transparency around shutdowns, full restoration of connectivity, and permanent protections for digital rights and independent media. The overwhelming message from rights groups is that internet and media freedom must be protected in both peaceful and emergency times, as these are fundamental for public safety and democratic accountability.