Ethiopia hosts internet forum despite shutdowns

Ethiopia is hosting the UN's annual internet forum despite an internet blackout of more than a year in the war-devastated region of Tigray.

More than 2,500 delegates from all over the world are attending the forum, which is focusing on ''connecting all people and safeguarding human rights''.

However, the UN's decision to host the event in Addis Ababa has raised eyebrows among internet and human rights campaigners.

It’s not uncommon for Ethiopia's authorities to shut down the internet in areas affected by conflict, making it difficult for families to keep in touch.

In the past, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed defended blackouts, saying "internet is not water, internet is not air'' and shutdowns were aimed at saving lives.

He added that decisions were made to save lives during conflicts.

This article originally appeared in BBC News