Ethiopia - April 2025

On 17 April, Ethiopia’s parliament passed amendments to Proclamation No. 1238-2021, which had been under review by the Standing Committee on Democracy Affairs since its referral by the House on 29 October 2024. The changes transfer key oversight powers from the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) board to the executive, including allowing the Prime Minister to nominate the EMA Director-General—a role previously reserved for the House. The amendment also removes requirements for public input and transparency in board appointments, as well as the ban on political party affiliation for board members, and eliminates mandatory representation from civil society and media groups. Media licensing and disciplinary powers have been consolidated under the EMA. Media professionals and civil society warn the law formalizes political influence over Ethiopia’s media landscape and undermines the regulator’s independence.

Sources: Proclamation No. 1238/2021 (unamended), International IDEA, AllAfrica, The Reporter – Ethiopia, Barron’s,International Press Institute