By Emnet Assefa
Recent global reports from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) found that from 2010 to 2015, 57 Ethiopian journalists fled their country. Some of them settled in new locations while others are still seeking refuge in different countries. In 2014 alone, six independent publishers in Ethiopia closed down due to government’s harassment and intimidation. Ethiopia is ranked 142nd in the 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
According to CPJ’s report on the conditions of exiled journalists, only 17 percent of journalists in exile continue working as journalists. Financial problems and security threats are among the challenges that prevent them from practicing journalism in exile.
“Getting sufficient financial and technical support is one thing, and sustaining one’s life is another. These are two difficult choices one has to make, a choice between your profession and your daily bread. Unless you have a mechanism to support your project or livelihood, you can’t manage to work as a journalist,” says Argaw Ashine, a prominent Ethiopian journalist, who currently lives in exile after being threatened. Back home, Argaw has been forced to disclose his sources from one of the cases he was working on. In Ethiopia, Argaw worked as a radio reporter and regional correspondent for Nation Media Group for 16 years. Currently, he is editor-in-chief of an exiled online media Wazema Radio based in the US and Sweden.
Besides financial distress, exiled journalists live in a constant fear of being followed and threatened. According to Reporters Without Borders, almost all journalists in exile report being watched or threatened by intelligence forces from their native countries.
“Starting with inappropriate comments on social media to direct online threats, I receive warnings telling me to stop writing,” says Yetneberk Tadele, another Ethiopian journalist living in exile. He, too, left Ethiopia after receiving threats in connection with his work as a journalist. Yetneberk currently writes stories about Ethiopia for his own website and social media. “I receive emails with viruses and bugs; it’s really scary at times. I am always careful about my surroundings, I plan all my moves carefully,” he adds.
Role of exiled media
Exiled media play an important role providing information that is unavailable in the mainstream media. In Ethiopia where self-censorship and tough restrictions are a common practice, the exiled media provide information. Satellite TV station ESAT, online radio WAZEMA and various websites are some of the media many Ethiopians subscribe to in search of information about important social issues and politics.
“The role of exiled media is getting clearer, so the next step is sustaining them by designing a sustainable financial strategy and strengthening their capacities,” says Argaw.
“Information is power and that is what I give my readers and followers,” Yetneberk says. Practicing journalism in exile gives him more freedom to express himself since he does not go through self-censorship or editorial bureaucracy. Yetneberk praises social media for connecting people and giving them information not easily accessible in their home country.
Many Ethiopians use social media now to share and get news. Journalists like Yetneberk have a good amount of followers. “I use social media to share my views on governmental policies, social issues and state activities,” he says. Currently, Yetneberk has over 25,000 followers, both Ethiopians in diaspora and at home. “I do not have any political affiliation, but I stand against those wanting to take away my freedom,” he says.
Staying Professional
Exiled media get lots of criticism for their ethical reporting. Reports in exiled media are often described as sessional, unverified and of low quality. “For me, ethical standard is bringing factual and accurate info to the audience,” says Argaw. He admits the problem of unethical reporting in some exiled media. Argaw believes there is a room for improvement through media skills training.
One of the reasons for poor reporting is the lack of sources back home, says Argaw. “People don’t want to talk with someone exiled and seen as the enemy of the state. You cannot witness the events and verify the facts quickly, or you may miss the context and depth working from a distance,” he adds. Access to first-hand information is a challenge for journalists in exile.
Yetneberk agrees: “All the information you find is from secondary sources. You can verify some of it, but not all.” The journalist suggests being extra careful with information one receives. “As long as we remain professional, we have all the freedom to write about what we want,” he says.
Despite the existing challenges, journalists continue with their tasks in hopes of pushing for reform in their native country. Through their work, they challenge existing laws, which limit media and pressure citizens; and exiled media also serve as a major platform for public discussion.
