Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urgently called on Ethiopian authorities to cease the arrest of journalists and media professionals, highlighting a troubling pattern of arbitrary detentions that began escalating in August 2025. According to HRW, these arrests are part of a broader sweep against the media, which the government accuses of bias and misconduct.

On September 3, the latest in these incidents, three employees from a private radio station were detained, leading to the Ethiopian Media Authority's demand to halt their broadcast. This is not an isolated case; reports consistently indicate a disturbing trend. On August 13, Yonas Amare, a newspaper editor, was reportedly abducted by masked men in military attire on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. Eyewitnesses were stripped of their mobile phones, and bystanders were warned to stay indoors.

This series of arrests and abductions adds to a growing chorus of international concern. On May 3, France, alongside 13 other embassies, issued a statement underscoring the essential nature of freedom of speech and expressing concern over the Ethiopian government's actions. The statement emphasized, "In Ethiopia, we note concern that freedom of expression continues to come under significant pressure. We call for journalists everywhere to be protected and for freedom of the press to be respected."

Laetitia Bader, Deputy Africa Director at HRW, also voiced concerns, stressing the vital role of media and civil society in ensuring free and fair elections. She remarked, "Ethiopia’s media and civil society should be contributing to the upcoming elections so that they are free and fair, not fearing arrest and engaging in self-censorship."

Efforts to contact Ethiopian police and officials for comments have been met with silence, leaving many questions unanswered and concerns unaddressed. The international community continues to watch closely, hoping for a resolution that upholds the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and the press within the country.