Church Rift Results in Social Media Restrictions

Ethiopia – According to the Internet watchdog NetBlocks, social media platforms, such as Facebook, Messenger, TikTok, and Telegram, have experienced significant restrictions in Ethiopia. This comes amid violent protests that have been sparked by a rift within the country’s Orthodox Church. The protests began in the Oromia region when three church officials declared themselves archbishops and established their own governing body. There are those who oppose this move, while others support it.

NetBlocks reported the restriction of social media access on Thursday, citing network data that they had collected. The announcement came shortly after the church reported that at least 30 people have been killed in the protests since February 4th.

The church has called for more demonstrations on Sunday in response to the new governing body, and accused the Ethiopian government of interfering in the church’s internal affairs. This follows a request from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to his ministers to stay out of the dispute.

In Ethiopia, the state has historically maintained close ties to the Orthodox Church, which is followed by over 40% of the population.