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Ethiopia Revokes Reuters Accreditations, Sparking Press Freedom Concerns

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/14 .. reditations-sparking-press-freedom-concerns.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 9:07 GMT by Reuters
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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - February 14th, 2026 - The Ethiopian government's revocation of accreditation for Reuters journalists Samuel Gebre and Faiza Mohamed, announced on Friday, represents a concerning escalation in a pattern of restrictions on press freedom, particularly concerning coverage of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and conflict in the Tigray region. While the government claims the decision stems from violations of its own proclamation on freedom of the press - alleging inaccuracies in reporting - international observers and press freedom advocates are sounding alarms about a deliberate effort to stifle independent journalism and control the narrative surrounding the conflict.

The immediate trigger for the accreditation cancellation appears to be the journalists' reporting on the Tigray conflict, which began in November 2020. The conflict, initially sparked by tensions between the federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), quickly spiraled into a brutal war characterized by widespread allegations of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and intentional obstruction of humanitarian aid. Reports from Reuters, along with those from other international news organizations like the Associated Press, BBC, and Human Rights Watch, have consistently painted a grim picture of the situation on the ground - a picture the Ethiopian government increasingly disputes.

This is not an isolated incident. Over the past several years, Ethiopia, once considered a beacon of progress in a region often plagued by authoritarianism, has seen a significant deterioration in press freedom. Several journalists have been arrested, detained, and subjected to harassment under broad and vaguely defined laws, often framed around national security concerns or accusations of disseminating 'false information.' The government's 2021 revisions to its media law, intended to modernize regulations, have instead been criticized for expanding the scope of permissible restrictions and giving authorities greater leverage to silence critical voices.

The revocation of accreditation effectively bars Gebre and Mohamed from officially reporting from Ethiopia, severely limiting their ability to cover the Tigray conflict and other crucial developments within the country. It also sets a dangerous precedent for other international journalists operating within Ethiopia, raising fears of further restrictions and self-censorship.

Reuters has strongly condemned the decision, stating its belief that the reporting of Gebre and Mohamed was accurate and fair. "We are deeply concerned by this decision," a spokesperson said. "We stand by our journalists and their commitment to independent, unbiased reporting." Other media organizations and press freedom groups have echoed these sentiments, calling on the Ethiopian government to immediately reinstate the journalists' accreditation and guarantee the safety and freedom of the press.

The underlying issue extends beyond simply disputing factual accuracy. The Ethiopian government has repeatedly accused international media of bias and of amplifying the narratives of the TPLF, portraying coverage as deliberately designed to destabilize the country. These accusations, while vehemently denied by journalists, reflect a growing distrust of independent reporting and a desire to control the flow of information. Observers point to a strategic effort to construct a narrative that minimizes the scale of the humanitarian crisis and downplays allegations of government misconduct.

The implications of these restrictions are significant. A free and independent press is essential for holding power accountable, exposing human rights abuses, and informing the public. By stifling journalistic inquiry, the Ethiopian government is not only hindering the ability of the international community to understand the complexities of the Tigray conflict but also exacerbating the suffering of those affected by it. The obstruction of independent reporting also hinders efforts to deliver vital humanitarian aid, as accurate information about needs and access restrictions is crucial for effective relief operations.

Furthermore, the situation in Ethiopia is a bellwether for wider trends across Africa, where governments are increasingly employing similar tactics to suppress dissent and control the media landscape. The case of Gebre and Mohamed serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of press freedom and the importance of international pressure to protect journalists and uphold the principles of free expression.