Political repression under Abiy Ahmed

Political repression is a visible scenario under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed after 2018, characterized by severe human rights violation, restriction of press, speeches, dissents, activism and journalism that are critical to his government. Similar to TPLF-led EPRDF regime, there was a raise of censorship in the country, particularly internet shutdowns under the context of anti-terror legislation labelling them "disinformation and war narratives" since the raise of armed conflict in Ethiopia.^[2] In June 2018, Abiy unblocked 64 internet access that include blogs and news outlets.

Early Abiy reforms were reversal of the former EPRDF repressive regime, such as liberalized the civil society law, released dozen prisoners, and detained journalists and activists. The committee to Protect Journalists noted Ethiopia jumped 40 position in the World Press Freedom Index by 2019.^[3]