Ethiopia has suspended journalists from the German news agency Deutsche Welle (DW) as part of a broader effort to tighten control over its media landscape. This move comes amid growing international concerns over the country’s history of detaining journalists and restricting press freedom, particularly as it prepares for a pivotal 2026 election.
Human rights organizations have warned of a deepening crackdown, citing Ethiopia’s record of using legal measures to silence dissenting voices. The international community has expressed alarm over the potential implications for democratic processes ahead of the upcoming vote. The decision to suspend DW correspondents is seen as part of a larger strategy to suppress independent reporting and control the narrative surrounding the 2026 election.
Analysts suggest that Ethiopia’s actions reflect a growing trend of authoritarian tactics in the region, with concerns over the erosion of press freedom and increased government control over information flow. The government has not officially commented on the suspensions, but officials have previously justified such measures as necessary for maintaining national security and public order.