Ethiopia has a notorious record of harassment and persecution of journalists and the free press. Though the government depicts itself as democratic, it falls short in every aspect, especially on freedom of the press and freedom of speech. Currently, hundreds of journalists are languishing in jails and prisons without due course of justice. Many of the journalists who are in jail including prominent journalists such as Meskerem Abera and Gobeze Sisay were detained under the guise of law and order. Recently, Ethiopian authorities have brazenly reached across borders to silence and retaliate against journalist Gobeze Sisay. “His arrest will instill fear in all the journalists who have fled the country, seeking safety in exile,” said the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) sub-Saharan Africa representative, Muthoki Mumo. CPJ states that “Gobeze should be released without delay, and authorities in Ethiopia and Djibouti must shed light on the murky circumstances surrounding his arrest and rendition” (Crouch). Many of the detainees were targeted because they were writing about the Amhara people and the active genocide that is going on against them
The conditions for international media outlets were different. They were unable to report on the ground due to the Ethiopian government’s refusal of entry visas. They had to rely on secondary sources. Subsequently limiting the information and exposure to international audiences. Recently, with the Amhara diaspora engagement, the Fano freedom fighters’ movement, and the rise in Amhara consciousness, many more international media outlets have been covering more Amhara news. These articles, journals, documents, and pictures have helped Amhara activists and organizations to create awareness among the public and advocate for help from the International Community. Organizations such as the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and others are following the Amhara plight. Though it is not sufficient, they are issuing statements and asking for independent investigations. Thus far nothing concrete has happened (Amnesty International).
In conclusion, the plight of the Amhara people and the political entanglement of Ethiopia are complex. Considering the volatility of the region and the diversity of the country’s population, implementing ethnic federalism has exacerbated the Ethnic conflicts leading to ethnic cleansing and genocide. The Amharas, like every human being in the world, have a right to exist and thrive. But because of false historical narratives and a politicized ethnic federal system, they have become a target for ongoing genocide. These atrocities have been silently implemented for the last half a century. Especially for the last thirty years, the Amharas were given derogatory terms like “Neftegna” and others to identify them and justify the attacks on them. While millions became the victims of these despicable acts the International Community was unaware of what was happening until recently. For many decades International Media outlets and journalists have not been allowed to operate and report in Ethiopia. Therefore, the lack of international media exposure and insight into the Amhara people’s plight has hindered the prevention, prosecution, and stopping of the ongoing Amhara genocide in Ethiopia.