The Ethiopian Media Professionals Association has expressed deep concern over the disappearance of two journalists, Yonas Amare and Abdulsameed Mohamed, who were abducted by unknown forces in Addis Ababa. The association is calling for their immediate release and an end to the practice of illegal detention without due process.

According to reports, Abdulsameed Mohamed, host of the ‘Kidame Gebeya’ program on Ahad Radio 94.3, was abducted on August 11, 2025, while Yonas Amare was taken from his home on August 13, 2025. Despite efforts by their families to locate them, their whereabouts remain unknown.

Journalists at Risk:

– Abdulsemed Mohamed: A renowned journalist with 30 years of experience, working with prominent media outlets like Ethiopian Television and Radio, EBS TV, Ahadu Radio, and YouTube channels. He currently hosts the “Qedame Gebeya” and “Terek” programs on Ahadu Radio.
– Yonas Amare: A staff reporter at The Ethiopian Reporter, known for his hard-hitting reporting on sensitive topics, including merit-based civil service reforms and the role of political elites in addressing national crises.

The US 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Ethiopia notes that numerous journalists, activists, and artists have been kidnapped by government agencies and taken to unknown locations in recent times, raising serious concerns about the safety of journalists and the state of press freedom in Ethiopia.

Key Demands:

– Immediate release of the disappeared journalists
– Adherence to due process and the rule of law in detaining journalists
– Protection of the media environment and freedom of the press

The Ethiopian Media Professionals Association emphasizes that journalists should be prosecuted for crimes committed in the course of their work, but hiding them without due process is unacceptable. The association calls on the government to respect the rule of law, protect the freedom of the media environment, and fulfill its responsibility as the fourth estate.

The Abiy government has indeed been criticized for its handling of media freedom in Ethiopia. Reports indicate that hundreds of journalists and media workers have been detained, often under sweeping anti-terror legislation, or forced into exile. Here are some key points regarding the situation:

– Journalists Imprisoned: Several journalists have been imprisoned under Abiy Ahmed’s regime, including:
– Dawit Begashaw: Former Al Ain correspondent for Ethiopia, co-founder and editor of Arat Kilo Media, detained for his coverage of political and social issues. Arrested in April 2023.
  – Genet Asmamaw: Reporter for Yegna Media, arrested in April 2023.
  – Gobeze Sisay: Founder of The Voice of Amhara, arrested in the neighboring country of Djibouti for criticizing the prime minister.
   – Abay Zewdu: Director of Amhara Media Centre website, accused of inciting violence. Arrested on August 10, 2023.
  – Meskerem Abera: Founder and editor of Ethio Nikat Media channel, arrested for covering events in the Amhara region. Arrested in August 2023.
    – Tadios Tantu: Ethiopian historian and journalist, 80 years old, arrested in May 2021 for speaking out against the Oromummaa ideology and its move to Oromize Ethiopia at the expense of others.


Press Freedom

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have documented a steady rise in arrests, harassment, and closures of media outlets across the country. Ethiopia’s press freedom ranking has significantly dropped, from 110th in 2019 to 145th in the RSF’s annual press freedom index.

Government Response

The government has justified these actions as necessary to protect national security and unity, accusing independent media of undermining these values and collaborating with armed groups. However, critics argue that these measures are aimed at suppressing dissent and criticism.