Prolonged shutdowns: An analysis of the silenced voices in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia

Following the outbreak of conflict between the Amhara Fano and the Ethiopian military in the spring of 2023, the Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency and implemented a telecommunication blackout in the Amhara region starting in August 2023. These shutdowns have raised significant concerns about their impact on human rights, economic development, access to information, and civil society’s ability to function. The Amhara region, already facing challenges related to conflict, poverty, and displacement, has been further impacted by these restrictions on digital communication. The broader conflict in Northern Ethiopia, initially concentrated in Tigray but later spreading to Amhara, has exacerbated vulnerabilities and limited the capacity of local communities to respond to the crises.

This webinar seeks to explore the multifaceted consequences of internet shutdowns in the Amhara region, providing a platform for experts, activists, and scholars to share insights, experiences, and strategies for mitigating these impacts. The discussion will focus on the human rights, socio-economic, and political implications of shutdowns, as well as potential pathways for ensuring that digital rights are respected even in times of crisis.

Objectives

• To Highlight Access Now’s research outputs and Amhara Association of America’s (AAA) investigative reports on the situation on the ground.
• To analyze the socio-economic impact of internet shutdowns in the Amhara region, focusing on how these measures affect local businesses, education, and public services.
• To discuss the human rights implications of internet shutdowns, including the suppression of freedom of expression, access to information, and the ability to work.
• To explore strategies for advocating against these shutdowns and appealing the government to restore full connectivity in the region.
  

Speakers

• Henok Abebe – Human Rights Researcher and Advocate
• Hone Mandefro Belaye – Advocacy Director, Amhara Association of America
• Dr. Yohannes Enyew Ayalew – Academic and Digital Human Rights Researcher
• Agerie, Program Coordinator for Africa 
• Kulsuma Nur, Researcher
  

Moderator: Felicia Anthonio, #KeepItOn Campaign Manager, Access Now

X handles:

• Hone Mandefro @HoMan99
• Yohannes Eneyew Ayalew @yeayalew
• Amhara Association of Amhara Association of America(AAA) የዐማራ ማህበር በአሜሪካ @AAA_Amhara