Feb 15 β€’ 15:13 UTC 🌍 Africa AllAfrica

Ethiopia Declines to Renew Reuters Correspondents' Accreditation After Report Alleging RSF Training Camp

Ethiopia has denied accreditation renewal for Reuters journalists following a report claiming a military training camp linked to Sudan's RSF.

The Ethiopian government has made the controversial decision to not renew the accreditation for three journalists from the Reuters news agency, coinciding with the publication of an investigative report that alleges the existence of a training camp in Ethiopia associated with Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This decision also includes the withdrawal of Reuters' accreditation to cover the 39th African Union Summit, highlighting rising tensions between the Ethiopian government and international media reporting on sensitive issues related to national security and regional conflicts.

In a response to inquiries from Addis Standard, a Reuters spokesperson confirmed the government's move, emphasizing the outlet's commitment to independent journalism. The withdrawal of accreditation comes at a time when Ethiopia is under scrutiny for its military ties and actions, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in the Tigray region and relationships with neighboring countries like Sudan. The Ethiopian government's stance against Reuters indicates a pushback against narratives that it perceives as threatening or damaging to its image.

Despite the setback, Reuters has expressed its intent to persist in covering news from Ethiopia. This incident raises significant questions about press freedom within Ethiopia and the challenges faced by journalists in environments where government relations are tense. It serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance of reporting on international events and the implications for democratic freedoms in the region.

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