Internet Returns to Amhara Region

Ethiopia’s Amhara region has finally regained internet access after a nearly year-long shutdown that began on August 3, 2023, following a conflict between the local Fano militia and the federal government.

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The internet restrictions were lifted in several towns and cities over the weekend of July 13–14, 2024, with 19 areas, including major hubs like Bahir Dar, Dessie, Gondar, and Debre Birhan, now having unrestricted connectivity.

The economic consequences of this prolonged shutdown have been devastating for the region.

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According to a report by the international VPN review website Top10VPN, Ethiopia lost an estimated $1.9 billion due to internet disruptions, with 28.9 million users affected, This makes Ethiopia the second-highest country globally in terms of economic losses from internet shutdowns, surpassed only by Russia.

According to the Center for Rights and Democracy (CARD), a local nonprofit organization,  internet shutdowns are not a new phenomenon in Ethiopia and have become the norm in the context of conflict and instability. Citing data from Access Now, CARD highlighted at least 26 incidents of shutdowns in response to conflict, communal violence, and political turmoil since 2016.

The longest internet shutdown and telecommunications blackout occurred in Tigray, lasting over two years (2020–2022) amid a war between the federal government and Tigray forces.