The Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) announced on Friday that it has reinstated accreditation for three Reuters journalists based in Addis Ababa. The journalists had been suspended in February after Reuters published an investigative report alleging that Ethiopia was hosting a secret training camp for the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group operating in neighboring Sudan.

Background to the suspension

Reuters’ report sparked controversy, prompting the EMA to revoke the reporters’ credentials days later. Ethiopia has not publicly responded to the allegations, and the suspension raised concerns among international media watchdogs about press freedom in the Horn of Africa.

Reaccreditation process

According to an EMA statement, the decision to restore the journalists’ accreditation came after “constructive discussions with senior officials from Reuters.” The regulator emphasized its commitment to a free and independent press while also upholding national security considerations.

“We welcome the reaccreditation of our journalists and will continue to cover Ethiopia in an independent, impartial and reliable way, in keeping with the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles,” a Reuters spokesperson said.

Implications for media freedom

The move is being viewed as a positive step for media freedom in Ethiopia, signaling that the government is willing to engage with foreign news organizations after disputes. However, observers note that the underlying allegations about the secret training camp remain unaddressed, and they call for greater transparency from Ethiopian authorities.

International press freedom groups will likely monitor how the EMA balances security concerns with the need for independent reporting, especially as regional conflicts continue to affect the area.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.