Popular Ethiopian newspaper closes

Editor-in-chief Solomon Abate sees the closure as a blow to democracy

By Nita Bhalla in Addis Ababa

One of Ethiopia's most popular newspapers has been closed down.

Eletawi Addis had only been in circulation for eight months, but had rapidly become one of the most respected papers in the country.

I feel this will be a big blow to the democratic activities of our country

Solomon Abate
editor-in-chief

The closure was casued by a dispute between the editor of the paper and its owner over the reporting of a dispute within Ethiopia's main political party.

The news has shocked the country's media industry.

'The talk of Addis'

Most of Ethiopia's tabloid and broadsheet press have given prominence to the story of the political crisis within the Tigray People's Liberation Front, the dominant party in the ruling coalition government.

It has been the talk of Addis Ababa and the media's willingness to report the story has dispelled the shroud of secrecy often associated with politics in Ethiopia.

It has therefore come as a surprise to many to learn that the story has led to the closure of Eletawi Addis, Ethiopia's largest daily private newspaper.

Editor-in-Chief, Solomon Abate and his deputy, Dereje Desta resigned over what they say are "violations of editorial freedom by the owner of the paper, Dr Fisseha".

"We wanted to cover this story but Dr Fisseha didn't want us to cover it. We however took it as immoral and unethical to remain silent on this issue as a daily paper.

"So against the orders of the publisher we printed the story", says Solomon Abate.

Discipline

This led to the Dr Fisseha sending a letter of reprimand to Solomon and fining him for publishing the story.

Solomon Abate and his deputy resigned as a result. He believes Dr Fisseha should never have interfered.

Solomon says the paper's closure has wider implications.

'Damage'

"Eletawi Addis was trying to develop a good culture of giving balanced stories to the public. The paper was a free forum for the public to express any opinion on our paper.

"Now, I feel this will be a big blow to the democratic activities of our country".

Although the political split within the government is considered to be very sensitive in the country, Solomon and his deputy feel that Eletawi Addis covered it fairly and accurately and say that they have had no complaints from the authorities.

The newspaper is one of the country's most popular dailies

The publisher Dr Fisseha is claiming that he opposed the story because the newspaper's objectives are to cover social issues rather dwelling on political matters.

Eletawi Addis first hit the streets of the Addis Ababa in September last year, but already has a massive following.

It has a circulation of up to 5,000 and is the first private Amharic daily newspaper.

It has now been out of circulation for five days and the management of the newspaper is expected to meet next week to determine the fate of the paper and the future of its 150 employees.