Ethiopian police have arrested French journalist Antoine Galindo on suspicion of “conspiracy to create chaos,” according to his employer, Africa Intelligence. Galindo was detained last Thursday in Addis Ababa, and his detention has been extended until March 1. Africa Intelligence condemns the arrest and calls for his release.
Ethiopian government and police spokespeople did not comment, and the French embassy in Addis Ababa has not responded. A French diplomatic source confirmed that the foreign ministry is monitoring the situation and that Galindo has received consular visits.
Human rights activists have criticized Ethiopia’s press restrictions, noting that at least eight Ethiopian journalists have been detained since April 2023. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government has been accused of cracking down on dissent, despite initial media reforms when he took office in 2018.