Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) has revoked the accreditation of three journalists working for Reuters, effectively barring them from reporting from within the country. The move, announced on , also extends to the upcoming 39th African Union summit, scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa on .
The decision follows the publication of a Reuters investigative report on detailing allegations that Ethiopia was secretly hosting a training camp for fighters associated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group in neighboring Sudan. The report claimed thousands of fighters were receiving training at the undisclosed location.
While the EMA has indicated, informally, that the February 10th story was the catalyst for the revocation, the authority has yet to issue a formal statement explaining its reasoning. Reuters reported that the EMA has not publicly commented on the story itself.
The implications of this action extend beyond the immediate impact on the three affected journalists. The revocation of accreditation to cover the African Union summit raises concerns about press freedom and access to information during a significant international event. The summit is expected to draw leaders and representatives from across the African continent, making independent reporting crucial.
Reuters responded to the EMA’s decision with a statement affirming its commitment to independent journalism. “Reuters is reviewing the matter and will continue to cover Ethiopia in an independent, impartial and reliable way in keeping with the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles,” the agency said.
Attempts to reach the EMA for comment have, so far, been unsuccessful.
The timing of the accreditation revocation has drawn scrutiny, particularly given the sensitive nature of the Reuters report and its allegations regarding Ethiopia’s involvement in the Sudanese conflict. The report alleges support for the RSF, a group currently engaged in a violent power struggle with the Sudanese army.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by international media operating in Ethiopia, where restrictions on press freedom have been a recurring concern. The Ethiopian government has, in the past, been accused of stifling dissent and limiting the ability of journalists to report critically on government policies and actions.
The revocation of accreditation for Reuters journalists is not an isolated incident. Reuters reported that this action follows a pattern of increasing restrictions on media access in the country. The move raises questions about the Ethiopian government’s willingness to allow independent scrutiny of its policies, particularly those related to regional conflicts and security matters.
The broader context of the Sudanese conflict adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The ongoing fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese army has created a humanitarian crisis, and the involvement of external actors, as alleged in the Reuters report, could further destabilize the region. Independent reporting is vital to understanding the dynamics of the conflict and its impact on the Sudanese people.
News of the accreditation revocation has prompted concern from press freedom organizations, who have called on the Ethiopian government to reverse its decision and allow Reuters journalists to continue their work without interference. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting press freedom and ensuring that journalists are able to report on matters of public interest without fear of reprisal.
