Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – September 19, 2024
Two Ethiopian journalists, Bekalu Alamirew and Belay Manaye, have fled the country, citing “life-threatening” warnings from government security personnel. In an exclusive interview with Ethiopia Insider, the journalists revealed that their decision to leave Ethiopia came after enduring continued monitoring and intimidation following their release from prison three months ago.
Alamirew and Manaye, who were jailed during the state of emergency that ended in May last year, said they felt their safety was at serious risk after being freed. The state of emergency, declared in response to unrest in the Amhara region, had led to a crackdown on journalists and activists across the country, including the arrest of the two men. Although the state of emergency officially expired in May 2024, the aftereffects are still being felt, especially among those in the media.
After their release, the journalists say they were subjected to extensive surveillance and were warned by security forces that their lives would be in danger if they continued their work or spoke out. With no alternative, they embarked on what they described as a “difficult journey” that took 11 days. The pair fled Ethiopia on September 9, 2024. While they declined to disclose their current location due to security concerns, they expressed the immense challenges they faced in leaving their home country.
“Our journey was not easy, but staying in Ethiopia would have been a death sentence,” they told Ethiopia Insider. The warning from security personnel came after months of detention under accusations related to their journalistic activities during the state of emergency.
The government, in July 2024, had renewed the state of emergency for the Amhara region, which allowed authorities to take sweeping measures, including arrests, to maintain order. The journalists were among many targeted for reporting on the situation, which included covering protests, ethnic tensions, and political unrest.
The exact details of their experiences during detention remain unclear, but both Alamirew and Manaye have made it clear that they were not given a choice. “The monitoring after our release was suffocating,” said Manaye. “We were constantly followed, and we knew it was only a matter of time before something worse happened.”
Both men expressed concern for the future of journalism in Ethiopia, where press freedom has become increasingly fragile. “We hope our story sheds light on the plight of other journalists still in the country,” Alamirew added. “Freedom of the press is under serious threat.”
The Ethiopian government has yet to comment on the situation of the two journalists, though it has previously stated that its actions during the state of emergency were aimed at ensuring national stability.
The departure of Alamirew and Manaye highlights the growing risks faced by media professionals in Ethiopia, a country once praised for its move toward democratic reforms. However, recent political instability and regional conflicts have raised concerns about the future of civil liberties, including freedom of the press.
As the situation continues to develop, many in the international community are calling for Ethiopia to respect journalists’ rights and ensure their safety, allowing them to work without fear of persecution.
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