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Ethiopia Revokes Reuters Journalists' Accreditations

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/14 .. -revokes-reuters-journalists-accreditations.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 14:53 GMT by reuters.com
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ADDIS ABABA, February 14th, 2026 - The Ethiopian government has significantly escalated its restrictions on media freedom by revoking the accreditation of multiple Reuters journalists operating within the country. The decision, announced today, effectively bars these journalists from working and reporting from Ethiopia, and has been sharply condemned by Reuters as a direct assault on independent journalism.

The move comes amid heightened sensitivity surrounding the Ethiopian government's handling of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and conflict in the Tigray region. According to an official government statement released earlier today, the accreditation cancellations are a direct response to Reuters' recent reporting on the Tigray conflict and the complexities of humanitarian aid distribution. The government alleges bias and a lack of objectivity in Reuters' coverage, claims the news organization vehemently denies.

"Reuters stands by its reporting, which is accurate and impartial," a spokesperson stated. "We are deeply concerned by this decision, which severely restricts our ability to report on critical issues facing Ethiopia and fundamentally undermines press freedom. This action sets a dangerous precedent, potentially silencing vital reporting on a region grappling with immense challenges."

This latest development isn't isolated. Over the past several years, Ethiopia has faced increasing scrutiny for its limitations on press freedom, particularly regarding coverage of the Tigray conflict. Critics argue that the government has systematically sought to control the narrative surrounding the war, restricting access for independent journalists and labeling critical reporting as "disinformation" or "supporting terrorism." Numerous international organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), have documented a pattern of harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary detention of journalists in Ethiopia.

The conflict in Tigray, which erupted in November 2020, has been marked by widespread allegations of human rights abuses, including massacres, sexual violence, and deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid. Reuters, along with other international media outlets, has been instrumental in bringing these atrocities to light, often facing significant obstacles in accessing affected areas and verifying information. The government's frustration with this scrutiny appears to be the driving force behind the accreditation revocations.

Experts suggest that this move could have a chilling effect on other journalists operating in Ethiopia, prompting self-censorship and hindering the flow of information. The lack of independent reporting will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Tigray, making it more difficult to assess the true scale of the suffering and hold those responsible for abuses accountable. Furthermore, restricting access to information undermines efforts to find a lasting resolution to the conflict.

The situation in Tigray remains precarious, despite a cessation of hostilities agreement signed in November 2022. Access to aid continues to be hampered by logistical challenges, bureaucratic obstacles, and, according to numerous reports, deliberate obstruction by various parties to the conflict. Reuters' reporting has consistently highlighted these difficulties, exposing the gap between pledges of humanitarian assistance and the actual delivery of aid to those in need.

The Ethiopian government maintains that it is committed to ensuring freedom of the press, but critics point to a legal framework that allows for broad restrictions on media coverage in the name of national security. The recent changes to the media proclamation, enacted in 2023, have been criticized for being overly vague and providing authorities with excessive power to censor content and punish journalists.

Looking ahead, the future of independent journalism in Ethiopia remains uncertain. The revocation of Reuters journalists' accreditation is a clear indication that the government is unwilling to tolerate critical reporting. Unless there is a significant shift in policy, Ethiopia risks further isolating itself from the international community and losing credibility in the eyes of its own citizens. The international community must continue to pressure the Ethiopian government to uphold its commitments to press freedom and allow journalists to report freely and without fear of reprisal. The ability to access information is crucial for holding power accountable and ensuring a just and equitable resolution to the ongoing crisis in Tigray, and more broadly, for the future of Ethiopian democracy.