The International Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ) has reported the abduction of Reporter newspaper editor Yonas Amare, the arbitrary detention of Somali Regional State Television journalist Kedir Mohamed Ismail, and the unknown whereabouts of Ahadu Radio 94.3’s “kidame gebya” program host Abdulsameed Mohamed, raising concerns.

The human rights organization indicated that its questions regarding the matter to the Federal and Addis Ababa City Police, as well as the Somali Regional State Communication Bureau, have not been answered.

CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Mutoki Mumo said that “Ethiopia has a worrying record on press freedom” and that “it is becoming increasingly difficult for journalists to work.”

He urged authorities to investigate the whereabouts of journalist Yonas Amare and to immediately release journalists Kedir and Abdulsameed.

Recently, Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA) and the Ethiopian Media Professionals Association issued separate statements calling on the government to clearly disclose the status of journalists Abdulsameed Mohammed and Yonas Amare, stating that they are “illegally detained.”