Ethiopia: Internet outage continues into fifth day June 27 /update 4

Event

Ethiopia's nationwide internet outage continued as of 04:00 (local time) on Thursday, June 27, following multiple assassinations on Saturday, June 22. According to Netblocks, an internet monitoring NGO, approximately 8 percent of the normal traffic is connected. Heightened security measures are also expected, particularly in Addis Ababa, Amhara region, and other northwestern areas. A heightened security presence, security operations, checkpoints, closed roads, and other associate disruptions are likely in the coming days.

On Wednesday, June 26, regional officials reported a raid in Metekel zone (Benishangul-Gumuz region) along the border with Amhara region. According to the statement, a raid was conducted before dawn on Monday, June 24, by supporters of Saturday's assassinations and reported coup. At least 50 people were killed, and 23 others wounded in the attack. Further violence and security operations are possible across Ethiopia, particularly in Amhara and Benishangul-Gumuz regions.

Context

Gunmen killed five major political figures and advisors, including the Amhara regional president and the Ethiopian army chief of staff, in twin attacks in Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar (Amhara region) on Saturday, June 22. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed labeled the attacks an attempted coup and has blamed Brigadier General Asaminew Tsige, the head of Amhara region's security. Tsige was killed in a security operation on Monday, June 24.

The nation's internet service has been shut down since Saturday.

Advice

Individuals in Ethiopia, particularly Addis Ababa and Amhara region, are advised to monitor the situation, refrain from unnecessary movement, remain vigilant for security operations and militant behavior, anticipate heightened security measures and transportation and telecommunication disruptions, maintain redundant modes of communication, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home government.