Internet and telecommunications services disrupted in Ethiopia's Tigray region
State-owned Ethio Telecom services cut following renewed clashes between regional forces and the national army
Quick Look
- Internet and call services provided by Ethio Telecom have been cut in Ethiopia's Tigray region following renewed fighting between the TPLF and federal troops.
- The shutdown raises concerns over access to banking and essential services amid fears of civil war.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Tigray experienced a two-year conflict ending in 2022 that resulted in significant casualties and famine-like conditions. The region was previously cut off from external communication during that period.
Internet and call services have been disrupted in Ethiopia's northern region of Tigray after fighting broke out this week between regional forces and the national army.
Services provided by state-owned telecoms operator Ethio Telecom have been completely cut, although those from the much smaller private firm Safaricom remain operational. Internet monitoring group NetBlocks earlier posted on X that network data indicated a sub-national internet shutdown in northern Tigray.
"Last night telecommunications got knocked out," Duke Burbridge, an American humanitarian worker in Tigray's capital, Mekelle, told the BBC's Newsday programme.
The BBC has contacted Ethiopia's authorities for comment.
The BBC is unable to report from Tigray and surrounding areas.
Burbridge said there had been a scarcity of cash in Tigray for the past eight months, with people unable to access ATMs so the lack of internet services would be "devastating for everybody".
Many people rely on banking and mobile money applications for transactions, with the majority using Ethio Telecom and Safaricom's networks to access these services.
Clashes between Tigrayan forces and their allies and Ethiopia's federal troops broke out on Wednesday, prompting fears of a return to a full scale civil war and reports of panic buying.
During the two-year conflict which ended in 2022, Tigray was totally cut off from the outside world.
Limited access to cash, food and medicine pushed hundreds of thousands into famine-like conditions.
It was one of the most deadly conflicts this century - with estimates that some 600,000 people died as the fighting drove the region to the precipice of famine.
On Sunday, the party in control of Tigray, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) announced an alliance with six other armed groups to oust the government.
On Wednesday, the TPLF seized control of three airports from federal police.
There are unconfirmed reports that TPLF forces have launched attacks in the neighbouring regions of Afar and Amhara.
Following the seizure of the airports, Ethiopian Airlines has cancelled all flights to Tigray.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Continued disruption of telecommunication services in Tigray
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Extent of TPLF control in Afar and Amhara regions
- Status of humanitarian aid access
