Rights groups call for internet restoration in Oromia

Human rights groups have called on the Ethiopian government to stop blocking the internet in Oromia, the largest region of the country.

Residents have not been able to access the internet or mobile services in the region since January, with the government citing security reasons.

Human Rights Watch, an international campaign group, said the ban violates multiple human rights, and had prevented people from contacting their relatives in other parts of the country.

The Ethiopian government has blocked the internet eight times in the region since reformist Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office in 2018.

Many of the incidents, such as during times of protest or even school exams, have usually only lasted a few days or weeks.

However, the current shutdown has now gone on beyond two months, the longest such closure yet.

Towards the end of February a senior military official told reporters the ability to shut down internet services was a useful tool in the fight against insurgencies operating the area.

Ethiopia is currently gearing towards a presidential election later this year, though commentators fear communication troubles stemming from an internet shutdown could damage the credibility of the result.

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