Addis Ababa, Sept 26:
Internet and telephone services have been disrupted in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region following the outbreak of fighting between regional forces and the national army.
Services operated by state-owned Ethio Telecom have been completely cut in the region, while some services provided by private operator Safaricom remain available. Internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks also reported evidence of a regional internet shutdown.
Fighting between Tigrayan forces and federal troops reportedly began earlier this week, raising fears of renewed instability in a region that endured a two-year civil war before a peace agreement ended the conflict in 2022.
The communications disruption is causing particular concern because many residents depend on mobile banking and digital payment services. Humanitarian workers have also warned that the loss of communications could further complicate access to essential services.