By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Ethiopia , May 04, 2026 - Press freedom in Ethiopia is facing renewed pressure, with the country slipping significantly in global rankings even as new reports highlight a deepening crisis in conflict-affected regions such as Tigray.
According to findings published by Reporters Without Borders, Ethiopia dropped to 148th position in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, with its score falling to 34.66 from 36.92 the previous year, reflecting what the organisation described as a deteriorating environment for independent journalism.
The report classified the country’s media environment as “very serious,” pointing to the combined impact of conflict, arrests of journalists, and growing state pressure on independent outlets.
Much of this decline is linked to renewed instability, particularly in the Amhara region, alongside continued detentions of journalists and increased restrictions on media operations.
The report further noted that Ethiopia has been “devastated by inter-ethnic conflict and civil war,” reversing earlier gains made during periods of reform.
A striking indicator of the worsening climate is the rise in self-censorship among journalists. According to the findings, self-censorship has surged by more than 60 percent, driven by fear of reprisals, harassment, and legal pressure.
This suggests that even where media outlets continue to operate, the space for independent and critical reporting is shrinking rapidly.
The pressure on the media has also been visible in direct actions against news organisations. Authorities have taken administrative and security measures against outlets such as Addis Standard, including raids, detentions, and the revocation of licences.
In one instance, the Ethiopian Media Authority said it had “revoked” the outlet’s registration, citing alleged violations and threats to “national interests,” a move that the publisher contested as unlawful.
The crackdown has extended to individual journalists as well. Addis Standard Managing Editor Million Beyene was at one point taken by security officers for questioning and held in informal detention before being released, underscoring the risks faced by media professionals operating in the country.
The situation appears even more acute in Tigray, where a separate report by VOX Tigray paints a grim picture of media conditions on the ground.
The report warns of a “severe deterioration” of the media environment in the region, highlighting how the aftermath of conflict has left journalists operating in an increasingly restricted and fragile space.
According to the findings, access to information remains highly constrained, while journalists face ongoing security risks and operational challenges that limit their ability to report freely.
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The legacy of the war, including damaged infrastructure, political tensions, and restricted movement, continues to shape how information flows within and outside the region.
The report also underscores how conflict dynamics have intensified control over narratives, with various actors seeking to shape public perception while limiting independent scrutiny.
This has made it difficult for journalists to operate without fear or interference, further weakening the role of the media as a watchdog.
The decline in press freedom is unfolding at a critical political moment for Ethiopia, with concerns that shrinking civic space could affect governance, accountability, and public trust.
International observers have already raised alarms. A group of 41 countries, speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council, warned that restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including media, could undermine democratic processes and transparency.
Globally, the trend is also worrying. Reporters Without Borders notes that press freedom has reached its lowest levels in decades, with more than half of countries now classified as having “difficult” or “very serious” conditions for journalism.
Taken together, the findings from both the global index and the Tigray-specific report point to a media environment under significant strain.
While Ethiopia once showed signs of opening up its media space, the current trajectory suggests a reversal, driven by conflict, security concerns, and regulatory pressure. In regions like Tigray, where the scars of war are still fresh, the challenges are even more pronounced.
The result is a fragile information ecosystem, one where journalists face mounting risks, independent outlets struggle to operate, and the public’s access to reliable information is increasingly constrained.
As the country navigates political, economic, and security challenges, the state of press freedom will remain a key indicator of its broader democratic and institutional health.