Deutsche Welle Protests Ethiopia’s Suspension of Two Correspondents, Considers Legal Action
Addis Ababa, [Current Date] – German international broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) has publicly protested the permanent accreditation suspension of two of its correspondents in Ethiopia by the country’s media regulator, calling the move opaque and politically motivated.
The Ethiopia Media Authority (EMA) informed DW that the correspondents, based in the conflict-affected Tigray and Amhara regions, are no longer permitted to work. The regulator did not provide clear reasons for the decision, according to DW.
“We consider the suspension of our two colleagues to be arbitrary and are considering taking legal action,” a DW spokesperson stated, emphasizing the broadcaster’s commitment to its journalists.
Escalation of Previous Suspensions
The move is an escalation of a previous nationwide suspension. In October of last year, the EMA suspended the accreditation of all nine DW correspondents working in Ethiopia. After a review, seven were later cleared to resume work. The two remaining journalists, operating in regions that have seen intense conflict and government scrutiny, have now been permanently barred.
Amidst a Worsening Climate for Press Freedom
Media advocates warn this action is part of a broader crackdown on independent journalism ahead of Ethiopia’s planned 2026 general elections. The country has fallen significantly in global press freedom rankings in recent years, with journalists facing harassment, detention, and regulatory hurdles.
“The pattern is clear: target journalists reporting from sensitive areas, use administrative measures to silence them, and erode the free flow of information critical for a democratic election,” said a representative from the Committee to Protect Journalists, speaking on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns.
The EMA has not yet issued a public statement detailing its justification for the permanent suspensions. Attempts to reach the authority for comment were unsuccessful.
DW, which provides news in Amharic and other languages, has urged the Ethiopian authorities to reverse the decision and ensure all journalists can work without fear of reprisal. “The people of Ethiopia have a right to independent information, especially as the country moves toward another election cycle,” the DW spokesperson added.
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