Ethiopian Journalists Forum

Ethiopian Journalists Forum (EJF; Amharic: የኢትዮጵያ ጋዜጠኞች መድረክ, romanized: ye’ītiyop’iya gazēt’enyochi medireki) is an independent journalist association in Ethiopia disbanded on 24 June 2014 by the government.^[1] The association was founded on 30 January 2014 in Addis Ababa by journalists concerned about the deteriorating state of press freedom and freedom of speech in the country.^[2] Its objective was to protect and promote freedom of speech and freedom of the press.

Since its inception, EJF was targeted by the government and other journalist associations.^[3] The association was accused of working with foreign powers, human right organizations, and outlawed Ethiopian groups to elicit violence and commit terrorism in the country.^[4] Its leaders were subjected to harassment and threats, and were finally forced to flee the country.^[1]

The freedom of assembly and association are guaranteed by the 1995 Constitution of Ethiopia. Freedom of the Mass Media and Access to Information Proclamation of Ethiopia also states: “Journalists have a right to organize themselves into professional associations of their choice."^[5] However, the government limits the right in practice.^[6]