The Ethiopia Reuters accreditation suspension has drawn international attention after the government revoked the credentials of three journalists working for Reuters. Authorities took the decision following the publication of a report alleging that Ethiopia was supporting Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), an armed group engaged in conflict with the Sudanese government.
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The move has sparked debate over media freedom and diplomatic tensions in the region.
Accreditation Revoked Ahead of African Union Summit
The journalists had received permission to cover the African Union Heads of State and Government Summit, scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa on February 14 and 15. However, Ethiopian authorities later withdrew their accreditation.
The decision effectively barred them from reporting on one of Africa’s most significant diplomatic gatherings.
Reuters Responds to Ethiopia Reuters Accreditation Suspension
Following the Ethiopia Reuters accreditation suspension, a spokesperson for Reuters stated that the agency is closely monitoring the situation. The spokesperson emphasized that Reuters will continue to report from Ethiopia independently and impartially, in accordance with its editorial standards.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to balanced and fact-based journalism despite the setback.
Allegations of RSF Training Facility in Benishangul-Gumuz
On February 10, Reuters published an investigative report containing videos and photographs. The report allegedly showed a military facility in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz Region. According to the report, the facility was built to serve as a training base for fighters from the Rapid Support Forces, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti.
Reuters cited multiple sources, including a senior Ethiopian official, who claimed that the United Arab Emirates provided financial and logistical support for the construction of the facility.
Ethiopia Denies Allegations and Cites Political Motives
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly denied the allegations. Officials described the claims as unfounded and accused those spreading them of attempting to create diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Sudan.
Reports about the alleged training center had circulated late last year. However, the government dismissed them at the time, maintaining that Ethiopia does not support armed groups operating against neighboring states.
The Ethiopia Reuters accreditation suspension now adds another layer to an already sensitive regional issue, raising questions about press freedom, regional stability, and diplomatic relations in the Horn of Africa.
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