Ethiopia has suspended Deutsche Welle (DW) reporters based in several towns across the country from carrying out their reporting duties for an unspecified period. The broadcaster has nine correspondents stationed in Addis Ababa, Mekelle, Bahir Dar, Dessie, Hawassa, Dire Dawa, and Assosa.

In a letter, the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) said the DW reporters had violated the country’s media laws and failed to adhere to professional journalism standards.

Two days ago, DW reported that Fano forces had taken control of multiple areas across the Amhara region following renewed clashes with government troops — a report that may have angered authorities. DW launched its first Amharic radio program in 1965. Since 2018, the service has increased the number of its local reporters to nine.