Ethiopia
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
18 / 100
Not Free
Internet Freedom
27 / 100
Not Free
Ethiopia remains beset by civil war and intercommunal violence, abuses by security forces and violations of due process are still common, and many restrictive laws remain in force. Since late 2020 and until November 2022, fighting between the Federal Government and the Tigray Defense Force (TDF) has led to the displacement of millions and credible allegations of atrocity crimes, and violence has spilled over into neighboring regions.
Research & Recommendations
Ethiopia
Not Free
18
100
| PR Political Rights | 8 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 10 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
20
100
Not Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Overview
The 2018 election of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed initially set off a transitional period. Abiy pledged to reform Ethiopia’s authoritarian state, undertook legislative reforms, held elections, and implemented some liberalization policies. However, Ethiopia remains beset by internal conflicts and intercommunal violence; abuses by security forces and violations of due process are common, many reformed laws have yet to be implemented meaningfully; and many restrictive laws remain in force. Armed conflicts in the Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray Regions in recent years have caused widespread displacement, and credible allegations of atrocity crimes have emerged.
Freedom in the World 2025 Policy Recommendations
Prioritize strengthening the rule of law and delivering economic dividends in the aftermath of political transitions
In countries where democratic forces have come to power after periods of antidemocratic rule, the new governments should pursue an agenda that protects and expands freedoms even as it delivers tangible economic and social benefits to citizens.
In countries emerging from war or the collapse of authoritarian regimes, focus on safety, reconciliation, reform
These countries must act swiftly to release all political prisoners, build or revitalize democratic institutions, reform police and other security forces, organize and hold competitive multiparty elections, and ensure accountability for past human rights violations.
Bolster checks and balances to mitigate the threat of democratic backsliding
In countries where there has been significant erosion of political rights and civil liberties, policymakers, legislators, jurists, civic activists, and donor communities should work to strengthen institutional guardrails and norms that serve to constrain elected leaders with antidemocratic or illiberal aims.
Ethiopia
Not Free
27
100
| A Obstacles to Access | 5 25 |
| B Limits on Content | 12 35 |
| C Violations of User Rights | 10 40 |
Last Year's Score & Status
26
100
Not Free
Scores are based on a scale of 0 (least free) to 100 (most free).
See the methodology and report acknowledgements.
Political Overview
The 2018 appointment of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed set off a transitional period in Ethiopia. Abiy pledged to reform Ethiopia’s authoritarian state and has held elections and implemented some liberalization policies. However, Ethiopia continues to suffer from internal conflict and intercommunal violence, abuses by security forces and violations of due process are still common, and many restrictive laws remain in force. Fighting in the Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray Regions in recent years has caused widespread displacement, and credible allegations of atrocity crimes have emerged.
Freedom on the Net 2024 Policy Recommendations
Promote freedom of expression and access to information
Freedom of expression online is increasingly under attack as governments shut off internet connectivity, block social media platforms, or restrict access to websites that host political, social, and religious speech. Protecting freedom of expression will require strong legal and regulatory safeguards for digital communications and access to information.
Defend information integrity
The potential consequences of false, misleading, and incendiary content are especially grave during election periods, underscoring the need to protect information integrity. Efforts to address the problem should start well before campaigning begins and continue long after the last vote is cast.
Combat disproportionate government surveillance
Governments worldwide have passed disproportionate surveillance laws and can access a booming commercial market for surveillance tools, giving them the capacity to monitor the private communications of individuals inside and beyond their borders in violation of international human rights standards.
News and Updates
Featured
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
18
/ 100
Not Free
Freedom on the Net Score
27
/ 100
Not Free
Population: 123,400,000
Internet Facts
Status
Not Free
Networks Restricted
Yes
Social Media Blocked
Yes
Websites Blocked
No
Pro-government Commentators
Yes
Users Arrested
Yes
Election Facts
Status
Past Election
Date of Election
June 5, 2021
Type of Election
Parliamentary
Internet Penetration
17.87%
Election Year
2021
Vulnerability Index
30
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
