PM’s Advisor Highlights Media’s Role in Nation-Building and National Security

Addis Ababa, March 12, 2026 (FMC) — Social Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister, Muaze Tibebat Deacon Daniel Kibret, said today that media institutions must place safeguarding Ethiopia’s national interest at the center of their work.

He made the remarks as a national conference held under the theme “Media for National Interest” got underway in Addis Ababa.

The advisor noted that the Medemer State has been undertaking a range of initiatives since the reform to strengthen multi-national unity and protect national interests. According to him, these efforts focus on fostering a shared national narrative, reinforcing communal values, and ensuring the country’s collective prosperity.

Underscoring the critical contribution of the media to nation-building, Muaze Tibebat Deacon Daniel called on media institutions to work diligently in safeguarding the interests of the country and its people. He stressed that the ultimate mission of the press should be to deliver responsible and accurate information to the public.

The advisor further emphasized that the vision of building a prosperous Ethiopia is not solely the responsibility of the government but a shared national undertaking. Everyone, he said, should actively contribute to the broader nation-building process.

For her part, Haymanot Zeleke stated that the media plays a significant role in nation-building by ensuring the timely dissemination of accurate and reliable information. Highlighting the sector’s role in safeguarding national interest and strengthening multi-national unity, she noted that Ethiopia’s media landscape has expanded significantly following the reform.

According to her, the number of media institutions in the country has increased by approximately 150 percent, adding that such growth should be accompanied by improved public access to credible information. However, the Director-General cautioned that professional ethics are increasingly coming under pressure, a trend she said is contributing to insecurity and instability within the information environment.

She further pointed out that foreign digital media platforms have emerged as primary sources of misinformation and hate speech, calling on domestic media institutions to counter these challenges by upholding strong ethical standards.

The event, organized by the Ethiopian Media Authority, brought together standing committee chairs of the House of People’s Representatives, senior government officials, and leaders of various media organizations.