The Internet Blackout in Tigray: A Digital Death Sentence

When the digital lifeline is severed

I've spent years investigating how governments and armed groups manipulate information to maintain power, and this latest blackout in Tigray hits close to home. The internet isn't just a convenience—it's a lifeline for millions who depend on it for banking, healthcare, education, and connecting with the outside world. When that line is cut, it's not just about communication; it's about survival.

"Last night telecommunications got knocked out," Duke Burbridge, an American humanitarian worker in Tigray's capital, Mekelle, told the BBC's Newsday programme. "It's like a curfew has been placed."

This isn't the first time the region has been isolated from the global network. During the two-year civil war that ended in 2022, Tigray was totally cut off from the outside world. The consequences were devastating: limited access to cash, food, and medicine pushed hundreds of thousands into famine-like conditions. The conflict claimed an estimated 600,000 lives.

Today's blackout is being attributed to the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which reportedly ordered the communications shutdown to disrupt government drones—a tactical move that highlights how modern warfare increasingly relies on digital control. But it's more than just military strategy. It's a deliberate attempt to erase information from public view.

How the internet blackout affects everyday life

In Mekelle, people are running out of cash. The BBC has learned that many residents can't access ATMs or use mobile money apps because they depend on Ethio Telecom and Safaricom networks. Without those services, financial transactions become nearly impossible.

For someone like Fitsum, a resident of Mekelle, the situation is dire:

"There is almost no cash" in the city. "It's like a curfew has been placed," he said.

He isn't alone. The scarcity of physical money is forcing people into increasingly desperate situations. In a digital age, the loss of internet access translates directly into economic collapse and human suffering.

A history of silence under siege

What makes this latest blackout particularly chilling is how familiar it feels. The TPLF has been accused of using communication restrictions as a tool for propaganda control in the past. By cutting off external reporting, they effectively own the narrative within their controlled zones.

During the earlier conflict, we saw how misinformation and silence could be weaponized to prevent humanitarian aid from reaching those who needed it most. That's exactly what happened in 2022—when international media was shut out, so too were the voices of civilians caught in the crossfire.

This isn't about a technical failure or even political disagreement. It's a methodical suppression designed to make it impossible for people inside Tigray to tell their story—or receive help from outside.

What's at stake?

The return of fighting between regional forces and federal troops is raising fears of a renewed full-scale civil war. Reports indicate that the TPLF has seized control of three airports, and there are unconfirmed claims of attacks in neighboring regions like Amhara and Afar.

With Ethiopian Airlines cancelling all flights to Tigray, and no functioning communication systems, the situation is becoming increasingly isolated and dangerous for everyone involved. If we lose visibility into what's happening there, it becomes impossible to assess whether humanitarian aid can reach those in need—and even harder to know who's truly being impacted.

And this isn't just about Tigray anymore. As one of Africa's most volatile regions, Ethiopia's instability threatens the broader Horn of Africa. The international community must demand transparency when access is blocked—because silence is not just a byproduct of conflict; it's part of the strategy.

Why we must investigate further

As someone who investigates how governments and armed groups manipulate information, I'm committed to uncovering the truth behind these digital blackouts. Every time communication networks are cut, it's not just about technology—it's about people's rights, access to justice, and accountability.

I will continue pushing for clarity in Tigray. Because when a region disappears from the internet, it risks disappearing from memory too.

• What we know: Internet services have been cut since the recent outbreak of fighting in Tigray
• Who's responsible: Reports point to the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) ordering the communications blackout
• Why it matters: Cutting off internet access denies people access to essential services, information, and humanitarian support
• What's next: We need independent verification of what's happening inside Tigray—before the silence becomes permanent