Ethiopia Hosts Internet Forum Despite Shutdowns

Ethiopia is hosting the UN's annual internet forum despite an internet blackout of more than a year in the war-devastated region of Tigray. <br />More than 2,500 delegates from all over the world are attending the forum, which is focusing on ''connecting all people and safeguarding human rights''. <br />The UN's decision to host the event in Addis Ababa has however raised eyebrows among internet and human rights campaigners. <br />Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed defended blackouts, saying the internet is not water, the internet is not air'' and shutdowns were aimed at saving lives. <br />He added that decisions were made to save lives during conflicts.