Internet connectivity has been partially restored in Ethiopia after being cut off 2 weeks ago. The internet shut-down was due to unrest and killings following the assassination of Hachalu Hundessa, a prominent Oromo singer. Following the singer’s assassination, there was a wide range of unrest and killings in most parts of Oromia region and some parts of Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. More than 200 people died the unrest. Some high political figures such Jawar Mohammed, Bekele Gerba and Eskinder Nega were arrested following the unrest.
The assassination followed a controversial interview given by the singer to Oromia Media Network (OMN), where he gave comments about various topics including the country’s previous ruling party (TPLF). Some of these comments were not shown on the original interview and the state media aired the unedited interview on July 13, 2020.
OMN, Dimtse Weyane (DW) and ASRAT Tv has been suspended in connection with the unrest.
While mobile data internet is still blocked in the country, the government’s decision to restore internet connectivity (currently only broadband / fiber connection) will be well received by the nation’s citizens, especially those in the private business sector. Most companies were struggling to get any work done without internet connectivity.