On the 3rd of May, the global community commemorated World Press Freedom Day, a day designated to emphasize the significance of press freedom and the necessity to safeguard journalists and media professionals who diligently strive to deliver accurate information. The freedom of speech and the press is an essential human right that should be preserved. Nevertheless, in Ethiopia, there have been reports of journalists facing intimidation and detainment.
Furthermore, I am aware of reports that social media journalists have been arrested by the Ethiopian government. Some of these journalists have been accused of attempting to provoke unrest in Ethiopia, and there have been instances of social media disinformation and misinformation campaigns I’ve witnessed against PM Abiy and Ethiopia’s peace. It’s important to note that freedom of the press includes the right to criticize and question the government’s actions. However, the specifics of Ethiopia’s press freedom rules and the circumstances surrounding these arrests are beyond my knowledge.
Additionally, since Ethiopia doesn’t have rules, policies, and standards of conduct for government officials’ social media accounts ownership, control, data management, and activities, PM Abiy’s administration officials use their own personal social media accounts for official purposes, and they retain data when they change roles. The advisor, who also acts as an activist, frequently engages in behavior that includes posting derogatory language towards critics and dissenters.
As we reflect on these events, it’s important to remember that the path to true press freedom is paved with open dialogue, respect for dissenting voices, and adherence to the rule of law. Only then can we hope to create a world where journalists can report freely and without fear of persecution.
The writer, LJDemissie, who received assistance from AI technology developed by OpenAI, can be reached at LJDemissie@yahoo.com or on Twitter at @LJDemissie.