Social media platforms have been restricted in Ethiopia following a wave of violence that has erupted as a result of a rift within the country’s Orthodox Church. The restriction was put in place to prevent the spread of false information and rumors that could further escalate the situation.
The conflict within the church has been ongoing for several months and has led to the division of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the largest Christian denomination in Ethiopia. The split has resulted in protests, clashes and acts of violence across the country, with reports of casualties and arrests.
The government has stated that the restriction on social media platforms is temporary and will be lifted once the situation has stabilized. In the meantime, authorities have called for calm and are working to address the root causes of the conflict within the church.
This is not the first time that Ethiopia has restricted social media usage. In the past, the government has blocked access to certain platforms during periods of political unrest or protests. However, these restrictions have been criticized by free speech advocates and have faced international backlash.
The situation in Ethiopia remains tense and the government is working to find a resolution to the conflict within the church. The restriction on social media platforms is aimed at preventing further escalation and maintaining peace and stability in the country.
