The Global Network Initiative is deeply concerned by reports of the Ethiopian government blocking Internet access amid escalating anti-government protests in the Oromia region.

This week’s restrictions follow reports of shutdowns around anti-government demonstrations in August, a mass blocking of social media in July corresponding with exams, and targeted blockings of websites in the lead up to elections in May 2015.  

For more on this issue, see the GNI and Telecommunications Industry Dialogue Joint Statement on Network and Service Shutdowns.