Dialogue Calls for Stronger Protections Before 2026 General Elections

Addis Ababa: Editors, media leaders, government officials, civil society actors, and diplomats convened at Elilly International Hotel on Thursday for a high-level dialogue on safeguarding media freedom during Ethiopia’s upcoming pre-election period. Organized by Editors’ Guild of Ethiopia (EGE) in partnership with Fojo Media Institute, and supported by the Embassies of Sweden and Canada, the workshop explored challenges, legal frameworks, and strategies to protect press freedom ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Opening the event, EGE Board Chairman Ferew Abebe underscored the importance of media resilience as the nation approaches a sensitive political season. “Ethiopia’s democracy cannot flourish without a free and safe media,” he said. “This dialogue is not only about protecting journalists but also about ensuring citizens’ right to access balanced and credible information.”

Representatives from the Embassy of Sweden and the Embassy of Canada reaffirmed their governments’ commitment to supporting press freedom and democratic governance in Ethiopia.

In her opening remarks, Kirstyn Koswin, Second Secretary for Political and Social Affairs at the Embassy of Canada to Ethiopia, said, “Media freedom and professionalism are especially critical as the country enters its pre-election period. A free, independent, and professional media remains the cornerstone of any democracy.”

Panel discussions featured diverse perspectives from government regulators, newsroom leaders, civil society organizations, and women journalists. The first panel examined the government’s role in balancing regulation and rights, while also highlighting the media’s struggle to maintain independence under pressure. Participants discussed the implications of proposed amendments to the Media, CSO, and Electoral Proclamations, as well as the need for transparent engagement between the Ethiopian Media Authority and media stakeholders.

A particularly strong emphasis was placed on gender and media safety. Panelists raised concerns about gender-based online harassment and the limited participation of women in election reporting. “We cannot talk about media freedom while ignoring the risks women face online and in the newsroom,” said Selamawit Tezera, Independent Expert.

The dialogue concluded with calls for stronger collaboration between the media, civil society, and government to ensure safe, independent, and conflict-sensitive reporting during the 2026 elections. Participants recommended that media houses establish internal safety protocols, enhance legal awareness, and engage in continuous dialogue with regulatory and electoral bodies.

The workshop forms part of a broader effort by EGE to anchor media freedom within Ethiopia’s democratic transition. According to organizers, insights from the event will feed into ongoing training, advocacy, and monitoring initiatives aimed at ensuring a free and responsible press throughout the electoral cycle.

“The outcome of this dialogue will strengthen our efforts to uphold media independence and safeguard media rights throughout the election period, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s media sector,” said Carl-Magnus Höglund, Fojo Media Institute’s Programme Manager.