The Ethiopian government has sought to influence certain countries to extradite or deport journalists and commentators critical of its policies, according to a report. These efforts have reportedly targeted countries such as Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and several European nations, where members of the Ethiopian diaspora media and outspoken critics have sought refuge.

Among those named are two journalists based in France, Yayesew Shimeles and Abebe Bayu, who run the website Ethio Forum and are known for their sharp criticism of the government, Meseret Media reported.

The pair is said to have become a source of irritation for the Ethiopian authorities and was reportedly discussed during Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent visit to France.

On 22 May 2025, during talks at the Élysée Palace, members of the Ethiopian delegation are alleged to have asked French President Emmanuel Macron to hand them over or take steps to silence them. The request was reportedly turned down.

According to Meseret Media, the Ethiopian government argued that the two journalists were conspiring against it and harming relations between France and Ethiopia.

Ethio Forum, which posts daily videos, has around 1.2 million followers.

Similar requests made to Uganda to hand over critical journalists also did not bear fruit.