Standing Together for Press Freedom in Ethiopia: A Call to Reject Proposed Amendments

Today, the International Press Freedom (IPI) global network, alongside journalists, media organizations, and civil society groups in Ethiopia, come together in a unified voice to condemn the alarmingly precarious situation threatening media freedom in the country. At the heart of the issue are proposed amendments to the nation’s media law, amendments that pose a risk both to the independence of journalism and to the critical progress that has been made. It’s essential to ask: What does the future hold for free press in Ethiopia if such measures are enacted?

The Media Proclamation of 2021 was a beacon of hope. It decriminalized defamation and lifted the threat of pre-trial detention for media offenses, marking a significant leap forward for press freedom in Ethiopia. It was, quite palpably, a testament to positive change—a change that now faces a sinister threat. The proposed amendments seek to undermine this progress, in part by compromising the autonomy of the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA), a move that could allow governmental control under the guise of enhanced administrative efficiency.

One cannot overlook the new procedures the draft bill outlines for appointing EMA board members. They handpick the authority to the Prime Minister, who would nominate its director. This alteration dismantles existing conflict-of-interest rules. Political figures, once kept at bay, could find themselves steering the course of media regulation—a haunting possibility that raises the question: How can one ensure unbiased media oversight when political affiliations blur independence?

Beyond structural changes, the draft bill introduces the ambiguous requirement that the EMA Board incorporate representatives from bodies with undefined media relevance. Previously, the Board’s diversity drew strength from clear representation: civil society organizations, the media, and stakeholders rightfully relevant to the media sector. It’s this blend that brought expertise and varied perspectives, fostering informed decision-making. Losing such diversity could have unforeseen consequences.

Moreover, consider the proposed shift of licensing powers—from the balanced judgment of a board to the centralized authority of EMA. History has shown the dangers of concentrated power, particularly when it extends to potentially arbitrary license suspensions and punitive actions against media personas courageous enough to critique. Such provisions, steeped in ambiguity, make one wonder: Who will hold the authority accountable?

“An independent regulatory body is indispensable to press freedom,” emphasizes Dr. Marystella Simiyu, IPI’s Africa Senior Legal Advocacy Officer. Her words echo a potent truth. “Governments should therefore ensure the independence of media regulatory bodies, in line with their commitments to safeguard freedom of expression and media freedom as guaranteed under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” she articulates with clarity and conviction.

The call to action couldn’t be clearer. Legislative bodies in Ethiopia face a decision of monumental importance: safeguard the hard-won freedoms of press and expression or risk regressing into the shadow of control. To Dr. Simiyu’s poignant plea, we add our voice: “We therefore strongly urge lawmakers to reject any proposed amendments that compromise the independence of the media regulator and that are incompatible with these international principles and commitments,” she concludes with a resolve that can only inspire.

How then, do we ensure these words transform into actions? Through relentless advocacy, informed discussions, and unwavering support from international communities, we must strive to protect the essential freedom upon which all other liberties depend. Because, in the words of the celebrated writer and activist James Baldwin, “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

Source: International Press Institute (IPI)