Internet service disruption in Ethiopia now stretches into its eighth day.
In the heart of Africa, Ethiopia, a nation renowned for its rich history and cultural diversity, has once again found itself in the global spotlight, but for a troubling reason. The Ethiopian government, in an attempt to maintain order during times of unrest, has resorted to cutting internet connectivity more than a dozen times over the years.
The latest internet shutdown was triggered by the death of a prominent political activist, Hachalu Hundessa, on June 29, 2020. The ensuing protests in the Oromia region have led to over 145 reported deaths, causing widespread concern and international scrutiny.
The internet blackout began on June 30, 2020, at 6 a.m local time, affecting the entire nation. However, an interesting anomaly was observed on July 3, 2020, when it was possible to make calls to some family members living in Ethiopia despite the internet shutdown.
This is not the first time Ethiopia has experienced such a disruption. In January 2020, the government shut down internet in the Oromia region for three months. The State of Emergency in 2016 also led to a crackdown on social media platforms, lasting for 10 months before the resignation of Hailemariam Desalegn.
These internet shutdowns are a common tactic used by the Ethiopian government during times of unrest in the country. Ahmed, an Ethiopian activist, stated that internet cuts are the government's go-to move during problems in the country.
Despite the worrying signs of internet shutdowns, the opportunity to tap into one of the last major untapped telecoms markets in the world is too big to pass up for multinational telecoms companies. In June 2020, the Ethiopian government invited bids for two telecommunications licenses, with multinational telecommunications companies like MTN Group and Vodafone Group submitting bids.
The entry of these multinational telecom companies into Ethiopia may slow down the process of internet access cuts, but they must be wary. The latest internet shutdown represents another step backward for Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, who was once hailed as a reformer.
Hachalu Hundessa was a musician and activist involved in several campaigns against autocratic governments in Ethiopia. His death and the subsequent internet shutdown have raised questions about the government's commitment to democratic reforms and freedom of speech.
As the dust settles and the nation grapples with the aftermath, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a return to stability and the restoration of internet connectivity. The future of Ethiopia hangs in the balance, and the actions of its government in the coming days and weeks will be closely scrutinised.
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