Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Journalist Million Beyene, the Managing Editor of the independent online media outlet Addis Standard, has reportedly disappeared after being taken from his office by unidentified individuals in civilian clothes. His whereabouts remain unknown, sparking urgent calls from his employer and human rights advocates for information.
According to Yonas Kedir, Editor-in-Chief of Addis Standard, Million Beyene was taken from the publication's office in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, around 4:40 PM. Kedir recounted that four individuals, three of whom were wearing masks and hats, entered the office and informed Beyene that he was "wanted for questioning" before taking him away.
Since his disappearance, Addis Standard has launched an extensive search, contacting various law enforcement agencies. Kedir stated that inquiries were made to the Federal Police, Addis Ababa Police, local police in the Meri area, and the Lemi Kura sub-city police. However, all agencies reportedly denied having Million Beyene in their custody, with responses such as "He is not with us; we did not arrest him."
The Editor-in-Chief further revealed that security cameras at the office captured images of the individuals who took Beyene. These images were reportedly shared with Addis Ababa Police civilian surveillance officials and Federal Police, but officials from both bodies allegedly responded that "These people are not our members." Federal Police Communication Head, Ato Jeylan Abdi, also confirmed that Journalist Million Beyene is not under Federal Police custody.
Addis Standard has since escalated the matter, informing the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which has reportedly stated it is "following up" on the case.
Million Beyene is a veteran journalist with two decades of experience, having previously worked for prominent Ethiopian media outlets such as Walta Information Center and the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA). His colleagues at Addis Standard expressed profound distress over his disappearance. "His disappearance is concerning; his family and we, his colleagues, are in great distress," Kedir emphasized.
The incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing challenges for Addis Standard. Two months prior, the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) announced the revocation of Addis Standard's license, citing "repeatedly disseminating reports that endanger national interest." However, Addis Standard has vehemently rejected this decision, deeming it "illegal" and asserting that it did not adhere to legal procedures.
"The Media Authority's decision is illegal, so we did not recognize it; it did not follow the law," Kedir explained. He added that the media outlet has filed a complaint with the Ethiopian Media Council and is in the process of pursuing legal action in court. Despite the EMA's decision, Addis Standard has continued its operations, maintaining that it does not recognize an unlawful ruling.
Kedir acknowledged that there have been "pressures on the media" but refrained from speculating on any direct link to Beyene's disappearance. He underscored the government's responsibility to ensure the safety of journalists.
In a fervent appeal, Kedir urged authorities to prioritize the search for Million Beyene. "We ask Federal Police, Addis Ababa Police, and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to quickly inform us of Million's whereabouts," he stated, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the case. The disappearance of a journalist under such circumstances raises significant concerns about media freedom and the safety of media professionals in Ethiopia.
Source: Telegram / tikvahethiopia