PM Abiy Calls for Responsible Media Narratives, Deeper Analysis in Sector Reform Forum

Addis Ababa, May 7, 2026 —Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has said Ethiopia’s ongoing media reforms have laid an important foundation for nation-building, while urging media institutions to prioritize balanced reporting and national cohesion.

The remarks were made during a national consultative forum titled “Media Progress for Narrative Building,” which officially opened today in the presence of the Prime Minister.

The forum reviewed progress achieved in the media sector and institutional reforms over recent years.

 

In a social media post, the Prime Minister noted that reforms implemented over the past eight years have significantly reshaped Ethiopia’s media landscape within a democratic framework.

According to him, these reforms are contributing to what he described as a stronger foundation for national development.

However, he cautioned that sustaining these gains requires media organizations to move away from polarization and extremist narratives.

Instead, he called for a stronger focus on truth-based reporting that fosters shared identity and national consensus.

“The media must build narratives rooted in truth that strengthen unity and national understanding,” PM Abiy underscored.

 

The Prime Minister also encouraged media institutions to go beyond sensational, headline-driven coverage and invest more in in-depth reporting supported by research and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.

He emphasized that media work should be guided by clear purpose, vision, and professional standards, adding that institutions must remain accessible to the public while maintaining balance and responsibility.

 

According to him, well-functioning media institutions should not only inform citizens but also contribute to problem-solving and actively support Ethiopia’s broader development and prosperity agenda.

The forum brought together senior media leaders to assess progress in the country’s evolving media sector and to discuss future priorities in the ongoing reform process.