Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Monday called on Ethiopian authorities to take action to address a wave of improper detentions, stating that security forces have arbitrarily arrested several journalists and media professionals since August. 

Arrests are ongoing as government officials accuse the media of operating in bad faith. The most recent arrests occurred on September 3, when authorities removed and detained three private radio station employees. The Ethiopian Media Authority subsequently ordered the radio station to remove the broadcast in which the individuals were a part.

There have been multiple reports of individuals in military uniforms abducting media personnel. On August 13, several masked men in military uniforms abducted Ethiopian newspaper editor Yonas Amare on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. The abductors confiscated the mobile phones of eyewitnesses and ordered others to remain indoors. Two days earlier, the host of a privately-owned radio show went missing in the capital. He was later seen on August 14 in his office accompanied by police officers who were searching the premises.

On May 3, France and 13 partner embassies released a statement stressing the importance of freedom of speech and expression and growing worry of government abuse:

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. This, together with an open political and civic space, is key to building free and prosperous societies.

Laetitia Bader, deputy Africa director at HRW, also addressed the issue stating, “Ethiopia’s media and civil society should be contributing to the upcoming elections so that they are free and fair, not be fearing arrest and engaging in self-censorship.”

Although several outlets have attempted to get in touch with Ethiopian police and officials on these matters, no replies have been received.