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Journalists Struggle Through Information Blackout in Ethiopia

Salem Solomon

   As fighting erupted in the Ethiopian region of Tigray in early
   November, the northern part of the country was cut from internet,
   mobile phone and landline communications. Journalists say the
   government-imposed blackout made it virtually impossible to get
   accurate information about the conflict.

   "We've had journalists, publication houses speaking out and saying that
   essentially it's incredibly difficult to document what's happening on
   the ground," said Muthoki Mumo, the Committee to Protect Journalist's
   sub-Saharan Africa representative. "Because you're unable to contact
   sources, it's difficult to verify what you're hearing, and it's in this
   kind of environment where the work of journalists becomes difficult,
   perhaps where you might even see misinformation going unchecked."

   At crucial moments such as the push in recent days by the Ethiopian
   military to retake the northern city of Mekelle, news outlets were
   unable to verify basic information. Exact numbers of casualties remain
   elusive.

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