Ethiopian Journalists Abducted in Addis Ababa, Calls for Release

The Ethiopian Media Professionals Association has expressed deep concern over the abduction of two journalists, Yonas Amare and Abdulsameed Mohamed, in Addis Ababa.

The group is urging the government to ensure their immediate release and to stop detaining media workers without due process.

Who Are the Abducted Journalists?

• Abdulsameed Mohamed – A respected journalist with more than 30 years of experience. He has worked for Ethiopian Television, EBS TV, Ahadu Radio, and other outlets. He currently hosts the “Qedame Gebeya” and “Terek” programs on Ahadu Radio.
• Yonas Amare – A reporter at The Ethiopian Reporter. He is well known for covering sensitive issues, including civil service reforms and political accountability.

Mohamed was abducted on August 11, 2025, while Amare was taken from his home on August 13, 2025. Their families are still searching for them.

Ethiopia’s Growing Crackdown on Media

Ethiopia has witnessed an alarming increase in the harassment and detention of journalists.

According to the U.S. 2024 Human Rights Report, many journalists and activists have been kidnapped or jailed without trial.

Several high-profile cases include:

• Dawit Begashaw – Editor of Arat Kilo Media, arrested in April 2023.
• Genet Asmamaw – Reporter for Yegna Media, arrested in April 2023.
• Gobeze Sisay – Founder of The Voice of Amhara, arrested in Djibouti after criticizing the government.
• Meskerem Abera – Founder of Ethio Nikat Media, detained in August 2023.

These arrests reflect a pattern of silencing independent voices.

Declining Press Freedom in Ethiopia

Press watchdogs like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have warned about Ethiopia’s shrinking media space.

The country’s press freedom ranking has dropped from 110th in 2019 to 145th in 2024.

The government often defends its actions by citing national security. However, critics argue the crackdown mainly targets dissenting voices.

Association’s Key Demands

The Ethiopian Media Professionals Association has outlined three urgent demands:

1. Immediate release of abducted journalists.
2. Respect for due process and the rule of law.
3. Protection of media freedom as part of democratic values.

The group insists that journalists can face legal action if they commit crimes, but secret abductions and unlawful detentions are unacceptable.

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