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Ethiopia Tightens Media Control: Reuters Journalists Lose Accreditation

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/14 .. trol-reuters-journalists-lose-accreditation.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 19:06 GMT by The Straits Times
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Ethiopia's Media Crackdown Intensifies: Reuters Journalists Lose Accreditation, Raising Fears for Press Freedom

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - February 15th, 2026 - The Ethiopian government's ongoing restrictions on media freedom have deepened with the revocation of accreditation for two Reuters journalists, Salma El Wardany and Hanga Kabaria. The decision, announced Saturday, cites violations of the country's proclamation on access to information and media operations, but raises concerns about a broader pattern of suppression of independent journalism.

El Wardany and Kabaria, both experienced correspondents who have been reporting from Ethiopia for several years, now face restrictions on their ability to work within the country. The government statement was brief, alleging a failure to properly adhere to media law, but offered no specific details about the alleged violations. This lack of transparency is fueling criticism from international press freedom organizations and Reuters itself, which released a strongly worded statement expressing "extreme disappointment."

"We are deeply concerned by the Ethiopian government's action, which appears to be unwarranted," the Reuters statement read. "Salma El Wardany and Hanga Kabaria are committed journalists who have reported fairly and accurately on Ethiopia." The news agency has indicated it is seeking clarification from the Ethiopian authorities, but the prospects for a swift resolution appear dim.

This incident is not isolated. Ethiopia has experienced a significant deterioration in press freedom in recent years. Rights groups like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have consistently documented a troubling trend of journalist arrests, detentions, and charges leveled under vaguely defined offenses - often related to "disseminating false information" or "undermining national security." Multiple local media outlets have also been blocked or forced to close, severely limiting the diversity of voices available to the Ethiopian public.

A History of Restrictions

The current crackdown builds upon a foundation of restrictive legislation. Ethiopia's 2009 Proclamation on Access to Information and Media Operations, while ostensibly intended to regulate the media landscape, is frequently criticized for its broad language and potential for abuse. Critics argue that it allows the government to arbitrarily censor content and silence dissenting voices. Amendments made in 2018, following a period of liberalization under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, initially offered a glimmer of hope. However, many of these reforms have since been rolled back, particularly in the wake of the Tigray conflict which began in late 2020.

The Tigray war, a brutal two-year internal conflict, saw a dramatic escalation in media restrictions. The government imposed a near-total blackout on reporting from the region, severely limiting access for both local and international journalists. Those who attempted to report independently faced harassment, intimidation, and arrest. While a peace agreement was signed in November 2022, the legacy of censorship and control continues to cast a long shadow over the Ethiopian media environment.

Implications for Information Access & International Perception

The revocation of Reuters' journalists' accreditation is more than just a blow to the individuals involved; it represents a broader threat to the public's right to information. Reuters is a globally respected news organization, and its reporting provides critical insights into Ethiopian affairs. Limiting its access makes it harder for the international community to understand the complexities of the country and holds potential consequences for foreign investment and diplomatic relations.

"This isn't simply about two journalists; it's about the Ethiopian government signaling its unwillingness to tolerate scrutiny," says Anya Ngu, a spokesperson for RSF. "By targeting respected international media like Reuters, they are attempting to control the narrative and stifle independent reporting. This is particularly concerning given the ongoing political and social challenges Ethiopia faces."

The move is likely to further damage Ethiopia's reputation on the international stage and could lead to increased pressure from human rights organizations and Western governments. There are concerns that these actions may have broader implications for Ethiopia's access to international aid and investment.

The future for independent journalism in Ethiopia remains uncertain. While the government maintains that it is committed to responsible media coverage, its actions suggest a different reality. The case of El Wardany and Kabaria underscores the urgent need for greater protection of press freedom and the right to access information in Ethiopia.