Addis Standard

#World_Press_Freedom_Day: #Ethiopia slums to 148th in 2026 Global Index amid conflicts, crackdowns against independent media Independent media environment in Ethiopia has suffered yet another setback, falling to 148th place in the 2026 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index. Ethiopia’s score declined to 34.66 from 36.92 the previous year. Nowhere is this mounting pressure more evident than in the sustained #security and #administrative actions targeting #Addis_Standard. Over the past year alone, the outlet’s tri-lingual publication has been subjected to multiple crackdowns. https://addisstandard.com/?p=56743

#Ethiopia: NEBE holds consultations with political parties over election security concerns National Election Board of Ethiopia (#NEBE) held consultations with political parties on Wednesday to discuss the #security situation in areas designated for the country’s upcoming 7th general #election, as concerns persist over the ability to conduct electoral activities in some parts of the country. The discussion, held on 11 March, brought together representatives of political parties and all five board members of the election body, including Chairperson #Melatwork Hailu. During the meeting, the Board provided additional clarification regarding locations that political parties had previously identified as areas of concern. Participants raised several issues related to the security environment surrounding the electoral process, including potential threats in certain regions, the ability of political parties to conduct campaign activities freely. Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=55817

#Gambella Region authorities say measures taken against #security members following recent unrest Authorities in the Gambella Region say legal and administrative actions have been taken against police personnel following recent security crises in the region, including disciplinary measures, retraining programs, and court proceedings targeting alleged misconduct within the force. According to the Gambella Police Commission, regular police and riot control units were sent to the Dalol Central Command Training Center for training as part of broader reforms initiated after the recent security incidents. Police members who did not attend the training underwent physical evaluations and disciplinary review sessions that included internal assessments. Separate court rulings in Gambella city gave verdicts on cases involving civilians and former officers accused of wearing unauthorized police uniforms and concealing government weapons. https://addisstandard.com/?p=55245

#Security vacuum fears grow amid reports of #ENDF withdrawals, alleged redeployment toward #Tigray Region Withdrawal or reduced presence of federal forces in recent days is raising concerns among local communities. Residents in different parts of the country spoke to Addis Standard on their concern following federal forces evacuating their village while fueling speculation that troops are being redeployed northward amid rising tensions involving Tigray. Residents in Dirashe district, Gardulla Zone, South Ethiopia Region, and Anfilo districts in Kellem Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, told Addis Standard that Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) have been vacating certain areas, creating security gaps and fueling local tensions. An AFP report confirmed similar reports of troop movements and heightened military tension near the Tigray border. https://addisstandard.com/?p=55250

News: Family of detained #Tigrayan General demands disclosure of whereabouts, access to counsel, as court grants prosecutors more time The family of Brigadier General #Guesh Gebre, former commander of #Army 15 of the Tigrayan forces, has demanded that authorities disclose his place of detention and allow him access to legal counsel and family members, saying he has been denied his constitutional rights since his arrest. The demand follows the Tigray Bureau of #Peace and #Security’s announcement of the arrest of the senior commander, which it said was part of efforts to enforce discipline, accountability, and the rule of law within the Tigrayan forces. In a statement issued 17 January 2026, the bureau said no individual is above the law and that internal reforms are under way to safeguard the army’s unity and operational readiness. It accused some military leaders of violating regulations, undermining internal cohesion, obstructing training and .... Read more: https://addisstandard.com/?p=54664