Ethiopia expels French journalist after Tigray reporting

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 13 June 2026 |  JP Global Monitoring

Ethiopia expelled French journalist Augustine Passilly after she reported from Tigray, revoking her accreditation and issuing an exit visa. Press freedom groups called the move retaliatory and warned it threatens independent and foreign media.

Summary

ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopian authorities have expelled a French journalist after she reported from the northern Tigray region, prompting criticism from press freedom advocates who say the move reflects growing pressure on independent and foreign media operating in the country.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on June 12 called on Ethiopian authorities to reverse the expulsion of Augustine Passilly, the Ethiopia correspondent for French newspaper La Croix. CPJ described the action as retaliation for reporting on tensions in Tigray, where residents reportedly expressed fears of renewed conflict.

Reporting trip triggers official action

Passilly told CPJ she traveled to the city of Shire on June 3 to report on developments linked to the aftermath of Ethiopia's 2020–2022 civil war. Following her return to Addis Ababa on June 6, she was summoned by the Ethiopian Media Authority and questioned about the trip.

According to Passilly, officials initially informed her that her media accreditation would be temporarily suspended because of security concerns. Her accreditation had been valid until September 2026.

A report published by La Croix on June 8 described concerns among residents in Shire, including allegations of forced recruitment and financial contributions to military camps. Passilly said that later the same day, Ethiopian authorities revoked her accreditation and instructed her to leave the country. She subsequently departed for France after receiving an exit visa.

Growing scrutiny of media coverage

The expulsion comes amid heightened tensions in Tigray, where political disputes continue between the federal government and factions of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). Journalists covering the region have previously reported security risks, including detentions and restrictions on reporting.

CPJ noted that Passilly's case follows other actions affecting foreign and independent media organizations in Ethiopia, including reported restrictions involving Reuters, Deutsche Welle, Addis Standard, and Wazema Radio.

The Ethiopian Media Authority did not immediately respond to CPJ's request for comment, according to the press freedom organization.

Press freedom advocates have argued that regulatory measures should not be used to restrict reporting on issues of public interest, particularly in regions affected by political instability and security concerns.

WHY THIS MATTERS: The case highlights the growing use of accreditation and regulatory mechanisms as tools that can affect journalists' ability to report on sensitive political and security issues. For international news organizations, it underscores the operational risks of reporting from conflict-prone regions and the importance of monitoring government actions that may limit media access and independent coverage.

ATTRIBUTION: Reporting by JournalismPakistan, based on publicly available statements from the Committee to Protect Journalists on June 12, 2026.

PHOTO: Screenshot TV5MONDE Info/YouTube (circulated by CPJ)