In addition, the EMA has withdrawn Reuters’ accreditation to report on the 39th African Union Summit, set to be held in the Ethiopian capital on February 14 and 15.
The Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) has refused to renew the accreditation of three Reuters journalists based in Addis Ababa.
The regulator also withdrew Reuters’ credentials to cover the 39th African Union Summit, scheduled to take place in the Ethiopian capital on February 14 and 15.
The decision came after Reuters published an investigative report on February 10 alleging that Ethiopia was hosting a secret training camp for thousands of fighters linked to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group.
According to the news agency, Ethiopian authorities have not publicly responded to the report. While the EMA has informally suggested that the investigation influenced its decision, it has yet to release an official statement explaining the revocation.
In a statement, Reuters said it is reviewing the situation and remains committed to covering Ethiopia in line with the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles, emphasizing independent, impartial and reliable journalism.
The move is likely to restrict foreign media coverage in Ethiopia, including reporting on the upcoming African Union summit.
Press freedom advocates have raised concerns, saying that denying accreditation to journalists threatens independent reporting in the country.
Reuters has operated in Ethiopia for decades, reporting on major political, economic and social developments. The EMA’s action underscores ongoing friction between Ethiopian authorities and international media, particularly over coverage of sensitive security issues.