Authorities in Ethiopia are being urged to restore internet access in the Amhara region and ensure open and secure internet availability during and after the ongoing conflict. Mobile internet services have been disrupted in Amhara since August 3, 2023. Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition have condemned the shutdowns and called on the Ethiopian government to end its practice of imposing internet blackouts during times of conflict.

Felicia Anthonio, #KeepItOn Campaign Manager at Access Now, criticised the shutdowns as violations of human rights that impede the flow of information. Ethiopia has reportedly implemented at least 26 internet shutdowns since 2016, often during conflicts and political unrest.

The internet blackout coincides with violent clashes between regional security forces and the national army, resulting in 183 deaths, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared a state of emergency in the region on August 4, 2023, following escalating tensions.

Jaimee Kokonya, Africa Campaigner at Access Now, highlighted the risks posed by restricting freedom of expression and access to information, noting that such shutdowns can allow human rights violations to go unchecked and hinder access to critical information.

This is the second internet shutdown in Amhara this year, following an earlier disruption in April after protests against the federal government’s disbanding of regional security forces.Read about internet blockage in Ethiopia: Preserving freedom in crisis: Ethiopia’s internet shutdowns must not become the norm