Following national protests relating to the fatal shooting of
singer Hachalu Hundessa on 29 June, Internet access was cut across
Ethiopia the next day. Hachalu was an activist and important figure
in the Oromo community. Up until the cut, content showing
protesters in the capital and across the Oromia region could be
seen on social media.
The Ethiopian government is led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed
– a computer engineer who was awarded the 2019 Nobel Peace
Prize for actions such as providing amnesty for political prisoners
and legalising banned opposition groups. However, he has been
accused of cutting internet and telecommunications services during
elections and uprisings. This is causing setbacks to the
country's trademark registration system, which has been
taking great strides towards modernisation.
