Ethiopia’s media regulator has revoked the broadcasting license of Wazema Radio, an independent media outlet, prompting strong concerns over press freedom and regulatory overreach.

On Saturday evening, the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) announced that it had rescinded Wazema Radio’s license, accusing the station of an “unwillingness to work in accordance with professional ethics” and of endangering “national interests.” The decision came just hours after Wazema complied with an earlier order to cease operations.

In a public response issued the same day, Wazema Media Management rejected the Authority’s justification and questioned the legitimacy of the move.

“We do not believe the action was justified by any criteria,” the statement said. “We are disappointed.”

Wazema Radio confirmed that it complied with the order to revoke its license on Thursday, noting that the EMA’s statement followed shortly thereafter. The outlet stated it is reviewing the decision in detail and plans to explore legal avenues in response.

Addressing the accusations of ethical violations and threats to national interest, Wazema left judgment to the public and media experts:

“We leave these charges to the conscience of the audience, observers and experts who follow Ethiopian media.”

The closure of Wazema Radio adds to ongoing concerns raised by journalists, civil society groups, and international observers about the shrinking space for independent media in Ethiopia. The use of broadly defined concepts such as “national interest” and “journalistic ethics” to justify license revocations has long been criticized by press freedom advocates as vulnerable to political abuse.

As Wazema prepares to challenge the decision, international freedom of expression organizations are closely watching the case, which may serve as another test of Ethiopia’s commitment to media pluralism and independent journalism.