According to NetBlocks, access to social media platforms has been restricted in Ethiopia following violent protests triggered by a conflict within the country’s Orthodox Church.
Protests erupted in the Oromia region after three church officials crowned themselves archbishops last month and established their own governing body. Some protesters opposed their decision, while others supported it
The watchdog organisation on cybersecurity and the governance of the Internet, NetBlocks has announced on Twitter and over its website that access to Facebook, Messenger, TikTok, and Telegram had been significantly blocked, citing network data it had obtained.
The statement came just hours after the church announced that at least 30 people had died in protests since February 4.
The church issued a statement on Sunday calling for protests against the new ruling body, accusing the Ethiopian government of being involved in the church’s internal affairs after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed requested his ministers remain out of the conflict.
The Ethiopian state has traditionally maintained tight connections with the Orthodox Church, which is home to more than 40% of the population.
Ethiopian authorities have previously shut down or restricted internet access during periods of political instability, as in response to protests in 2020 following the death of a popular Oromia musician.
Internet and phone services were also disrupted in Tigray’s northern province throughout the majority of the two-year conflict, which concluded in a ceasefire in November.