The government of Ethiopia has regulated the internet connection from Tuesday June 30 after the killing of prominent Oromo musician and social activist, Haacaaluu Hundeessaa. Hundeessaa was shot dead in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa soon after a blanket internet shutdown was implemented by the Ethiopian government, cutting the entire nation off, and denying people their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
Following his tragic death at the hands of unknown assailants, it is reported that numerous protests sprung up in Addis Ababa and surrounding areas, with people taking to the streets demanding justice.
The government has restored the internet from July 14, 2020, after digitally cutting it off for two weeks.
Ethiopia has previously shut down the internet more than 12 times, and most recently the government cut off the internet for approximately three months in the Oromia region.
Although the restoration of broadband and Wi-Fi internet services might, on the surface, appear to be a positive step, it is critical to note that access to mobile internet and data services — which is used by a majority of Ethiopians — remain inaccessible in the country. After 16 days of blackout, most Ethiopians remain offline.
“Moving forward, the Ethiopian government must figure out sustainable and just solutions to the factors that cause recurrent and generational violence and trauma in the country”, said Berhan Taye, Senior Policy Analyst and Global Internet Shutdowns Lead at Access Now. “Shutting down the internet is not a constructive or suitable approach to address the recurrent problems in Ethiopia.”
